Personal Development

At Rainham Sixth student success is a combination of excellent classroom teaching coupled with the learning that takes place outside of the classroom.  Students are encouraged to take their learning beyond their exam topics to truly develop a love for learning.

At Rainham 6th we offer a vast array of enrichment opportunities that are designed to encourage students to engage in the school community and the wider community. 

Through a variety of volunteering opportunities, leadership roles, and collaborative projects, students gain practical experience and develop skills such as;  communication, teamwork, organisation and problem-solving. The programme fosters a sense of responsibility and community spirit, helping students build confidence and resilience that prepares them for future academic, personal, and professional challenges. Students across year 12 and year 13 have the option to enroll in a range of enrichment experiences; peer mentoring of younger students, reading intervention, litter picking, one-to-one tutoring, TA support in lessons, subject ambassadors, members of junior leaderships team, playing active roles in community groups, working with charities, sixth form ambassadors, anti- bullying ambassadors, eco- club organisers, leaders of diversity club, liasing with parents at open evenings, school journalist, members of the school council, running sports clubs and many more. Participation in enrichment activities supports students in enhancing their UCAS applications, personal statements, apprenticeship prospects, and career opportunities. 

Whilst at Rainham 6th students are encouraged to attend world of work sessions and career meetings to help inspire them towards job prospects. Year 12 students complete a work experience week where they can gain greater exposure to their chosen career and also to give a taste of what the job industry is really like and the workplace culture.  In addition, they attend Greenwich University for an Aspire Day to gain an insight into both University and employment opportunities post-18.

Students also participate in wider curriculum sessions, which are based on life skills and personal development. These focus on: consent, safe driving, healthy eating, student finance, UCAS applications, sexual health and how to revise. 

Student feedback: 

“Enrichment proves to future employers as well as potential Universities that I am committed to a task and am able to manage various expectations. I've completed my enrichment by joining the Journalist team as well as helping out after school e.g Parents evenings and Open evenings.”

“My time at Rainham Sixth has provided me with countless opportunities to fulfill hours of enrichment. I have offered my knowledge and assistance to those younger students that may need an individual closer in age to confide in for help and support. These opportunities include physical education tournaments, peer mentoring and guidance during reading; helping to improve the students ability to read fluently. All enrichment opportunities have allowed me to reflect on my past challenges and successes within my education and from this perspective offer guidance for those in need.”

All students complete a week’s work experience in July of Year 12 to develop skills outside of the classroom and gain valuable insight into workplace practices.

Our students choose a vast range of work experience opportunities and are a credit to the school. It is evident that our school C.A.R.E. values underpin their choices with Education being our most popular area followed by Medicine, Social Care and experience working with Solicitors.

Here is some of the feedback we received about our students last year: 

Primary School: 

Natalia and Violet both arrived early looking very smart. They were both very polite and interested in the day/week ahead, asking questions and just generally being really nice. Both class teachers commented on how lovely they are. Violet jumped straight into the school “chaos” and was dressed in a smurf mascot outfit at 9.30am for Year 1 sports day! 

Social Work: 

Holly has spent her week in the community adults social work office in Sittingbourne.​ She has had the opportunity to talk with both qualified Social Workers and non qualified social care practitioners about their role within Adult Social Care in Kent.

Marketing: 

Mia joined the Marketing Department and demonstrated exceptional professionalism, politeness, and maturity beyond her years.

Care Home: 

It was a pleasure to host Fiona. She was a joy to work with and she quickly became a valued part of our team. She consistently demonstrated kindness, empathy, and genuine compassion toward our residents, which made a real impression on both staff and residents ​alike.