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Notre Dame High School

Notre Dame
High School

Enrichment Activities

Each year we offer a wide range of enrichment activities.  Click on the menus below to find out more.

6th Form Pathways 

Notre Dame Sixth Form introduced the Sixth Form Enrichment Hour in September 2013, which is now known as Pathways. On Week B of the timetable, this hour facilitates opportunities for our sixth formers to find out more about specific careers by attending talks from local professionals and also provides the opportunity to discover more about university courses from university lecturers. We ask our students which sectors they would like to hear from.

We have had a wide variety of speakers talking about a selection of professions, including “Working for a Global Company” (Chris Paine, Aviva), “Studying in Europe” (Thomas Gidney), “Studying Pharmacy” (Dr Lesley Howell), “Studying Economics” (Dr Joel Clovis), “Careers in Law” (Naomi Newel, Birketts LLP), “Studying Computer Science” (Dr Stephen Laycock), “Studying Law” (Dr Heywood), “Careers in the NHS” (Rachel Glen), “Studying Engineering” (Tim Munday – ex-Notre Dame), “Cerebral Palsy Alive & Kicking” (Joan Latta), “Actuarial Sciences“ (Dr Glover), “Careers in Media” (Nikki Fox), “Careers in NHS”, and “Careers in Journalism” (Rosa McMahon, EDP).

These very well-attended sessions have not only provided extremely insightful in terms of our students being able to find out more about certain career paths but they have also offered our students a wealth of invaluable tips and advice in terms of how to apply for jobs and what employers and university admissions officers (UCAS) are looking for. 

Week A Pathways talks focus on life skills, such as:

  • driving awareness
  • personal finance
  • making friends
  • exam stress
  • wellbeing

Some of these presentations are provided by visiting external speakers. Week A sessions are attended by all Year 12 students, and some by Year 13 also. Week B sessions are optional for all 6th Form students.

Pathways Programme Autumn 2024

Week A Thursday 19th September How to Make Friends Mr McKay
Week B Thursday 26th September Careers in Accountancy Lovewell Blake
Week A Thursday 3rd October HCTP Mr Spratt
Week B Thursday 10th October Introduction to Higher Education and CCN Degree Provision Megan Broadey, CCN
Week A Thursday 17th October Unifrog and Careers Mr Fullam and Mrs Whiddett
Week B Thursday 24th October Careers in Law Grace Humby and Amy Meyer, Birketts
Week A Thursday 7th November Testicular Cancer Awareness

Vince, On the Ball (Charity)

Week B Thursday 14th November Careers in Education Ben Serruys and Kate Atkins, Julian Teaching School Hub
Week A Thursday 21st November Fatal 4 - Safe Driving Andrew Nattrass, Young Driver Education Coordinator
Week B Thursday 28th November Creative Careers Thom Rollet, NUA
Week A Thursday 5th December Safe Night Out Planning Mr McKay and Mr Fullam
Week B Thursday 12th December Careers in Allied Health Carrie Stroud, NCHC
Week A Thursday 19th December County Lines and Gangs St Giles, Session 1
 

Student-Run Clubs and Societies 

Our 6th Formers run several clubs which reflect their interests. Students who wish to start up a new club can come to the 6th Form Office to make arrangements. These are some clubs running currently:

Environmental Club - keeping up to date with the current climate crisis and how students can help. Learning new things about our planet. Finding new ways to be more sustainable!

Japanese Club - run by 6th Formers who took Japanese GCSE. Welcomes students of all year groups. It has been very popular and has a great atmosphere. The Year 13s have been teaching basic Japanese characters and commonly used phrases for beginner level.

Medics Club - peer support for students who hope to pursue medicine. Sessions include medical applications, interview preparation and medical ethics.

The Notre Dame Union - a group led by the sixth form that’s all about discussing and debating the world’s big events in a lively but informal environment. They are passionate about broadening the horizons of students beyond the curriculum and encouraging members to think differently about current affairs. Recent topics have included religion, veganism and Brexit to name but a few! Whilst these are big and complicated issues, they try to keep sessions down-to-earth with a friendly atmosphere. No matter what age you are or what subjects you are taking, they’re sure you’ll enjoy a session of the Union - the whole world is up for debate!

Work Experience 

Work experience is a key component of your study programme and can encompass all work-related activity, including work tasters, running a student enterprise, participation in a social action project, volunteering or a placement with an external employer.

It aims to give you the opportunity to develop career choices, get a taste of the world of work, and develop those critical employability skills needed for real working conditions.

All students are expected to undertake work experience as part of their study programme. Time is dedicated to this at the end of Year 12

 

NDHS Creative Enterprise 

Pulp Studio are a creative digital media group of sixth form students who meet weekly with the aim of (amongst other creative things) producing a termly student magazine, written by students for students. Most members are interested in pursuing careers in journalism, photography, graphic design, web site design, sales and marketing etc.

The group’s motto is “Building a legacy and furthering opportunities”.

To view a selection of editions of PULP magazine, visit our 6th Form News and Events page.

Contact Mr Pritchard if you would like to get involved in creating PULP.