Part of castle school education trust

"Castle School Education Trust is committed to high quality education across the primary, secondary and sixth form key stages. Our schools cover the South Gloucestershire area. We encourage independence within each school within a strong framework of values."

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Downend

To report a child's absence for years 7-11 please email dow-studentabsence@cset.co.uk or call 01454 862395.  For 6th Form please call 01454 862333.  

wider Sixth Form Life

We believe that Sixth Form is about much more than academics. While studying with us, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of enrichment activities designed to support your future ambitions and help you stand out.

Core Programme

All Sixth Form students participate in a weekly Core Programme, an hour dedicated to personal and professional development. During these sessions, you’ll hear from guest speakers and take part in activities led by both our team and external visitors, covering essential topics in health and wellbeing, study skills, and career planning.

Enrichment Programme

In Year 12, all students join a weekly enrichment activity, a chance to step outside the usual curriculum, build new skills, and enhance your UCAS application or CV.

Our enrichment opportunities include:

  • Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
  • British Sign Language (BSL) course
  • Community volunteering
  • TEFL certification
  • Pre-Teaching Award
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Sixth Form Sports 

We also offer a range of subject-specific trips and cultural visits, both within the UK and internationally, to further enrich your learning experience and support the core curriculum.

Super Curricular Development

We place a high value on super curricular development and encourage you to pursue as many opportunities as possible during your time in Sixth Form.

Super curricular development involves engaging in activities beyond the standard curriculum to deepen your understanding and enthusiasm for your chosen subjects. This might include extended reading, research projects, online courses, academic competitions, or work experience related to your studies. Unlike extracurricular activities, which focus on broader interests, supe curricular activities are directly linked to academic pursuits, showcasing your commitment to learning. They are highly valued in university applications, highlighting intellectual curiosity, independent learning, and a proactive approach to education.

Work Experience

All students are encouraged to complete a one-week, in-person work experience placement during Year 12. This hands-on opportunity provides valuable insight into professional environments and helps strengthen university or job applications.

If an in-person placement isn’t possible, students will instead take part in a structured virtual work experience programme. This alternative is still a meaningful and enriching way to explore career pathways and develop key employability skills.