Enrichment and Challenge

In the Sixth Form, students have dedicated time to undertake a variety of courses of their choice outside of their A level subjects. The Enrichment programme is designed to broaden their outlook and complement their chosen course of study, helping to prepare them for life after school. In VI.1, four periods are allocated each week for the Michaelmas and Lent terms; in VI.2 two periods are allocated for the Michaelmas term only, allowing additional private study time.

Enrichment offers a wide range of courses, including a nationally recognised Lifeguard qualification, the “Young Enterprise” competition for students to set up and run their own business, Arabic, Astronomy, Philosophy, AS level Critical Thinking and visits to industry. Some are examined, others are not; some are highly practical offering life skills, whilst others can lead to qualifications and UCAS points. Many courses are run in conjunction with HMSG, allowing a greater diversity and mixed classes. In addition, a variety of lectures are given in conjunction with HMSG.

Wednesday afternoon Enrichment

VI.2 pupils, unless in the CCF, have private study on a Wednesday afternoon. VI.1 pupils can choose to take a single two term course, or a series of shorter ones. Two term courses include:

The Combined Cadet Force - CCF

A newcomer to Monmouth School and its Sixth Form can request to transfer membership from another cadet organisation or join as a fast track recruit. Hopefully you will accelerate through the ranks in the same way as HMSG girls do and be able to take up a position of responsibility before you leave school.

Holding rank as an NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) in the CCF is a privilege and offers a broad experience of how to take charge of juniors in a responsible and caring way. CCF is a disciplined organisation, and provides mental and physical challenges. Sixth Formers who are NCOs learn to plan training and exercises for juniors and have to communicate their skills to small sections of boys and girls. They have to earn respect and set standards. These are all qualities which are valued in any organisation, not just the military.

In addition to the opportunities to assume responsibility and develop leadership skills afforded by the CCF, senior cadets have opportunities to attend courses and camps run by all three Regular Services (Army, Royal Navy and RAF). These can be as diverse as from PE Instructors to Artillery or Gliding. Adventure Training Camps are also available (several of our cadets have won places for the six week summer camp in Canada in past years). In addition CCF lends itself to completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at Gold Level. CCF is considered as a suitable Service component and can offer training in a skill. Through CCF there are also opportunities to undertake the Expeditions required for DoE.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

The Award concept is one of individual challenge. It provides a balanced non-competitive programme of voluntary activities which encourages personal growth, self-reliance, perseverance and responsibility to themselves and the community.

Those entering the school in the Sixth Form will normally be invited to join the scheme at Gold level. If a pupil has already completed a Silver Award then Gold can be completed in 12 months but if not, it usually takes a minimum of 18 months to complete a Gold level award scheme. Successful participants are normally invited to collect their Gold Awards from St James Palace, London.

Friday morning Enrichment

Both VI.1 and VI.2 have to take a total of one term‟s worth of courses. In addition, VI.1 have a compulsory half term careers and higher education course with the Head of Sixth Form, to introduce post-18 education and career options and half a term of private study.

Unfortunately, due to timetabling limitation, students taking four A2 courses will not usually be able to participate in these courses.

There are also a number of subject related Sixth Form Societies which meet several times a term in order to broaden understanding, to debate and to hear students and outside speakers give papers. These Societies are usually run jointly with HMSG:

• Astronomy (second Tuesday on each month, 7.30pm Physics Department)
• Agincourt Society (History)
• Classics Society
• Keynes Business Society
  
  

William Jones Society

Named after the school‟s founder, this society meets six times per year at lunchtimes. It is a forum to discuss issues ethical, political, social and scientific. The members are drawn from the Sixth Form. Overseen by members of staff, it is run by Sixth Formers and a small group of members has the responsibility for arranging each meeting. The meetings are open to all members of the Sixth Form, but all Academic Scholars and Exhibitioners are required to attend. All attending are encouraged to contribute to the general discussion after the presentation of the meeting‟s issue.