Enrichment at Blackpool Sixth
ENRICHMENT AT BLACKPOOL SIXTH
While college life is exciting, we focus on more than just the here and now. Our enrichment programme is full of activities and events that complement our courses at Blackpool Sixth, helping you develop new skills and relevant knowledge to ensure your university or job application stands out. Sign up for our enrichment activities, and you will meet like-minded people outside of your classmates. Past students tell us their best college memories feature friends who participated in enrichment activities.
Extra-curricular at Blackpool Sixth
Extra-curricular enrichment activities at Blackpool Sixth come in two main categories:
- 6Xtra
- 6Advance
6Xtra
6Xtra is our extra-curricular activity programme to enrich your learning and development. It works around your weekly study timetable and is an excellent opportunity to expand an existing interest, take up a new challenge, make friends and have fun!
Our 6XTRA programme contains two sections:
Sports Academies
We have many extra-curricular sports and physical activities for students to enjoy––often, students choose to participate in more than one. You may want to be part of a successful team or simply want to join in for exercise and enjoyment. Whatever your reason, you are more than welcome to join us. We run teams in:
- Basketball
- Netball
- Rugby
- Football
Clubs and societies
We offer various clubs and societies for students to participate in, which run at lunchtimes, Wednesday afternoons and after college. Attendance is optional, but it is something you should consider. We offer activities covering musical theatre, badminton, table tennis, climbing, golf, knitting, yoga, book club, 5-s-side football, LGBT+, eco action and many more.
6Advance
6Advance is a series of exciting extra-curricular ‘academies’ that enable ambitious students to prepare for university and prestigious future careers by providing participating students with excellent skill-building activities. 6Advance takes you beyond the exam curriculum, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in challenging contexts. On the 6Advance programme, you will learn more about leadership, collaboration, teamwork and public speaking, developing exceptional employability skills.
How 6Advance works:
Entry to 6Advance academies is selective and based on applications made in the autumn term. The academies run for the rest of the year. Students who gain access to a 6Advance academy are not required to take a 6Xtra option but can do so if they wish.
Computing Academy
Up skilling in Cyber Security working towards achieving certification in CIsco and getting prepared for certifications, like CCNA and Python Institute, to validate your skills. Improving your programming skills and computational thinking.
Career Academy
Students will have the opportunity to apply and join our Career Academy which will support students employability skills as well as open their eyes to various careers in the sector.
Creative Writing Club
Supporting students to develop creative writing skills with a range of workshop sessions. Working towards the production of an anthology of student writing.
Law Academy
Opportunities to learn about areas of the law that are not studied at A level, but are part of degree courses. Also a range of visits by guest speakers and the chance to participate in mock trials.
Chess Academy
Join to learn chess or extend your knowledge. Play against others and learn new tricks and skills in the game.
Science Academy
Raising awareness of science we meet in our daily lives and important scientific research that is conducted. Investigating theoretical and practical science and researching topics that are beyond the curriculum. This research topic will be presented and shared with your peers.
UPS Academy
Aimed at up skilling students in the wider issues surrounding the uniformed protective services sector, along with broadening experiences of the uniformed protective services.
DofE (qualification)
DoE involves helping the community/environment; becoming fitter; developing new skills; planning, training for and completing a four-day walking expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.
Visual Arts Design Academy
Students invited to develop their personal portfolio and professionalism working with external clients. Range of live briefs, voluntary work experience/work shadowing and competitions to enhance portfolio and experiences within the arts.
Economics / Current Affairs Academy
Topics not covered in A Level Economics include: Behavioural Economics, Government Policies, Trade, Financial crisis, Automation in labour markets, Wage Market. Sessions covering other economies than the UK.
Sixth Sense magazine
An award winning online publication for enthusiastic creatives led by a student editorial team who each half term produce a collection of diverse and varied articles, linked to a lively and active instagram account and podcast Read the magazine here.
International Society
Information coming soon
Mathematics Academy
Challenging problems, group activities and interesting maths conundrums! You need to be studying A level Mathematics to join.
The Musical including Dance Academy
Audition to take part in this large scale production. We will be looking for MT performers, we will require extensive weekly rehearsals after college and at lunch times so dedication is a requirement. Combined U6 and L6.
Early Years and Education Academy
To allow students to further their understanding of the Early Years and Childcare sector - including primary education, child psychology, keeping children safe.
Sport/sport science academy
Aimed at up skilling students in the wider issues surrounding sport and sport science along with broadening experiences of the sport/sport science sector.
Student Council
Student Council is students coming together to plan events and represent the thoughts of the student body.
Eco Schools Committee
This cross-college group will continue to oversee the Eco Schools programme at Blackpool Sixth, following the successful achievement of the Green Flag award in 2024.
The focus is on helping to make Blackpool Sixth as environmentally-friendly as possible and help raise awareness about environmental topics such as climate change, biodiversity and reducing pollution and waste.
Membership of the Committee will be open to all students and to interested staff. Committee members will have the opportunity to take a lead on key projects and roles within the group, developing leadership, project management and communication skills in particular.
Social Action in the Community
Working with UYA to develop social action groups within the Fylde. - Have your voices heard and make a difference to the local community. Examining the opportunities and assets available for young people. Lead on things that matter to you whilst improving your leadership and employability skills.
European Society
A flavour of European Culture: languages, lifestyle, travel, film and music, theatre and Literature
Debating Academy
An academy to develop your oracy skills and political thinking. Many young people are increasingly interested in political issues. By debating real-world issues, students are introduced to key controversies at the top of the public agenda.
Advanced Mathematics Academy
A session for Upper Sixth students looking at preparing you for entrance exams and interviews for subjects involving mathematics (e.g. maths, science, economics).
Medical Society
Aimed at developing the skills necessary for successful applications and interviews for Medicine or Dentistry. This includes guest speakers, practical activities, support with work experience and UCAT preparation. Acceptance to this society is by application.
Debating contemporary issues in Society academy
Through engaging discussions, students will explore a wide range of contemporary issues, from social justice to ethical debates. Sessions will discuss contemporary issues across society and their representation within the media.
Eco Action Group
Eco Action focuses on practical, hands-on activities to protect and enhance the environment. In 2024-25 the group will continue its work in the college grounds: growing vegetables, fruit and herbs; planting trees and wildflowers; creating habitat for wildlife; carrying out wildlife surveys. Other possible activities include promoting recycling and helping to cut the college’s carbon footprint. More information here.
The academies usually run on Wednesday afternoons but may also run outside of core college hours.
Sometimes enrichment influences your course choice, and that’s OK. Studying subjects you are interested in is a sure route to success in higher education or employment. Check out our college courses at Blackpool Sixth here to find out more about our courses. Don’t miss out on our upcoming events, either! Make sure you head to our events at Blackpool Sixth page to see what’s coming up.
