Enrichment & Personal Development programme

At Oaklands, we understand that it takes more than just excellent grades to gain entrance into the best universities and competitive apprenticeships. We therefore provide a taught Personal Development Curriculum alongside many other opportunities.

Personal Development Curriculum

The Personal Development Curriculum at sixth form builds on the curriculum from years 7-11. It aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals by building confidence, resilience, and essential life skills and prepare students to be healthy, responsible and active citizens who can thrive in modern society. It aims to enable students to understand themselves, manage challenges and make informed choices.

The curriculum involves one taught lesson a week plus additional opportunities both within and outside of school.

Partnerships

Oaklands has a partnership with UCL, one of the best universities in the UK and the world. This means our students have access to a wide range of opportunities such as academic projects, mentoring, workshops and access to specialist resources such as university labs.

In addition, we have excellent links with Oxford and Cambridge, plus the universities of Warwick, Queen Mary, King’s College, Kent, Sussex, SOAS and more. 

We have strong links with industry such as JPMorgan, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Lloyd’s of London, McDermott, Will Emery and many more.

Enrichment

Our students are encouraged to engage in enrichment opportunities which include working with  both external providers and in school opportunities, including:

The Girls’ Network

Future Leaders Programme

Realising Opportunities

Access Aspiration

Literacy Buddies

In2Science

Nuffield Placements

Academic mentoring

Catalyst Project

School council leadership opportunities

In addition, we have a huge variety of workshops, visiting speakers and trips for students to take part in, catering for all interests and ambitions.

Work Experience

We have guaranteed work experience placements with Barts NHS Trust for medical and dentistry applicants.

All of our H&SC and Business students complete a minimum of one week of work experience. 

Virtual work experience is available through Springpod and Speakers for Schools, plus others.

We have a wealth of work experience opportunities that are offered to us throughout the year and we ensure that these places are matched carefully to our students.

Academic Development Programme

This is a bespoke programme consisting of one taught lesson a week designed to support our most able students in achieving offers at the most competitive universities and apprenticeships. Alongside the taught element, students can also study the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EPQ is highly regarded by institutions and employers and it helps students to develop university level skills.

The aims of the programme are: 

• to encourage high aspirations in our more able students
• to develop higher level academic skills
• to prepare students to apply for competitive courses and institutions Post 16
• to increase academic literacy and cultural capital
• to create effective independent learners.