Personal Development and Welfare

Alongside the academic achievement of any Sixth Form student within the academy, we recognise that it is necessary to develop a student’s talents and aptitudes, so that all students can fulfil their potential.

A sense of pride in belonging to HCACP and an understanding of the importance that their individual contributions can make to the academy as a whole, will determine their success at HCACP.

Students are offered a range of opportunities to develop the confidence and discipline needed so that all students, especially those from disadvantaged and economically deprived backgrounds, are prepared for tertiary education and the world of work.

Whilst recognising that the idiosyncrasies and traits that give individuals their character are fundamental to a healthy sense of self, students are taught the importance of adopting appropriate registers as a way to negotiate social and professional interactions in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

Sense of belonging and leadership

To facilitate the sense of belonging, students belong to a tutor group where they complete a rigorous personal development programme, including on PSHCE, Careers and study skills.

Tutor time is a platform for young people to discuss concerns and ideas in a safe and supportive environment. We are an inclusive school and prejudice and intolerance in all forms have no part to play in our academy. There are bi-weekly assemblies for each year where students widen their horizons, learn about interesting topics and develop their identity as a sixth form student.

Opportunities for student leadership and council are encouraged through our prefect system. The student prefects are led by the Head and Deputy Head students and play a pivotal role across the academy.

All students are encouraged to contribute to the wider school community, including participating in events, assemblies and enrichment activities and it is expected that there are high levels of participation in community projects across the academy.

Safeguarding and raising awareness of safeguarding concerns are a strength throughout the academy and the safeguarding provision for Sixth Form students reflects the challenges which may arise for young people in our local context.

Picture below: some of our Senior Prefects presenting to Year 11 students in February 2025.

Personal development opportunities

So far in 2024-25, our sixth formers have:

• Completed enrichment alongside their studies, such as playing football, basketball or multi-sports, joining art club or chess club
• Become a mentor for lower school students to support them in regulating emotions and friendship groups
• Completed work experience days, weeks and programmes at companies like Deloitte and Microsoft
• Complete employability workshops and skills-building seminars with companies like Behind Every Kick
• Been on residential trips for Biology or Geography A-Level, or day trips to universities and workplaces
• Taken specialised university applications workshops as part of your personal development programme
• Attended regular assemblies from inspiring alumni such as Valentine Douglas about their careers after sixth form and how to be successful

All our sixth form students have experienced all of the above and more this year, and we’re always keen to hear ideas about what else you’d like next year.

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Some of the external speakers who visited the academy in January 2025.