Whether you’re interested in dance, drama, music or sports, or you have a flair for business, politics or current affairs, we offer plenty of development opportunities outside of studies. There are many differences at post 16 level which will make studying in our sixth form a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

It is important to make the most of your time, and this means not only working hard with your academic studies, but also becoming involved in the many other opportunities on offer. Universities and employers prefer to see evidence of students demonstrating leadership skills or having participated in activities in the school or wider community.

Enrichment and extracurricular opportunities

Our sixth formers can get involved in a wealth of activities to help  develop their skills and enhance learning.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

We offer all levels of the award (bronze, silver and gold) designed to equip students with leadership, team building and organisational skills. The award also enables students to get involved in charity work or to support community projects.

Student council

Hone your leadership skills and get involved in the student council.  This body provides a ‘voice’ for students to help shape practices, standards and activities across the academy.

Young Enterprise

During year 12 budding entrepreneurs can get involved in enterprise activities as part of the Young Enterprise Network.  You would develop a business plan and design and sell your own products, competing against other schools in the area.  Students travel as far afield as Slovakia to sell their products as well as taking them to local markets.

Trips and visits programme

In addition to visits to view universities or attend open days, we offer a range of trips and visits to enhance course options.  These include live theatre, trips to European cities, geography field trips, visits to political and governmental institutions and opportunities to take part in international expeditions to support charitable causes. In recent years this has been to Ghana to help build an orphanage and kindergarten facility, with our next expedition planned for Sumatra.

Sixth form enrichment sessions

During our weekly sixth form enrichment sessions, we welcome guest speakers to the academy to deliver talks and share their experiences.  Students hear from business people, politicians, journalists and also former students who have gone on to higher education or the workplace.  Students have access to sessions on topics such as finance and current affairs and can also take part in debating.

Mentoring

Our sixth formers can get involved in mentoring programmes to support younger students within the academy as well as taking part in the paired reading programme to support primary school pupils.

Health and fitness

ELA sixth formers have scheduled recreational time outside of their studies and can make use of our fully equipped fitness suite and the pool located on-site at East Leake leisure centre.

Charity and community work

Our sixth form students are very much encouraged to be responsible citizens of the future and to give their time to support charitable and community projects. These include national initiatives such as Sport Relief and Children in Need as well as local projects.  For example, each year our sixth formers organise a Christmas party and lunch for local primary school pupils.