Enrichment

There is a strong academic focus in The Douay Martyrs Catholic Sixth Form but it is also important that we develop well rounded individuals who have a wide range of interests. At The Douay Martyrs Catholic Sixth Form we actively encourage all of our students to become involved in a range of enrichment activities.  This include sports, public speaking, debating and various other activities promoting leadership. We also encourage and support cultural opportunities including visits to theatres and places of interest in London.

Independent learning is valued highly – and both of our Sixth Form libraries are manned to ensure students get best value from this time.  Students use their study periods to complete their homework tasks and additional reading. This will include preparation for lessons (FLIP learning), consolidating work done in the classroom, revision and independent research. The library has a suite of computers with internet access to facilitate this. Our young people need our support and guidance, but also need to be nurtured in a structured environment.  This is good skills building for university study.  Access to St Catherine of Alexandria Library, Arrowsmith Campus is also available for independent study. 

The 6th Form at The Douay Martyrs Catholic Secondary School have an annex to one of their libraries – with a Café style study facility.  Students can use this before school, during lessons, at break and during lunch. It is an area for students to relax and avail of tea, hot chocolate and a range of coffees.

The Sixth Form team views the link between pastoral care and curriculum support as vital to the success of our students. We work closely with subject teachers to ensure students are making progress and receive additional help to reach their target grades.

As part of the enrichment programme in the Sixth Form students have the opportunity to participate in the Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.  As well as those who have completed their Bronze Award we welcome and encourage direct entrants to take on the Silver challenge. The Duke of Edinburgh gives all young people the chance to develop skills for work and life, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future. They achieve the Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition.

Year 12 and 13 students volunteer to train as Red Caps and accompany the Westminster Diocese Pilgrimage to Lourdes at the end of July. The young people offer support to needy individuals taking part in the pilgrimage. It is such a rewarding experience that many repeat it in their young adult lives.

We also support special events such as “Safe Drive Stay Alive”, “Harefield Heart Live” and the “UK University, Apprenticeships and Careers Fair” at the Arsenal Emirates Stadium.

Sixth Form Enrichment Week 2025 was an engaging and inspiring experience, filled with a wide range of activities designed to support our students in preparing for university, employment, and life beyond school. We extend our sincere thanks to all the universities, companies, and former students who generously gave their time to share valuable insights and guidance. Your contributions played a vital role in helping our students make informed decisions about their futures.

Academic & University Preparation

• City University: Delivered targeted personal statement support and advice on navigating UCAS applications.
• University of Law: Focused on higher education pathways in legal studies, offering insights into university expectations and the Importance of structured written applications.
• Herts University: Explored broader university life, entry routes, and subject-specific considerations, with emphasis on student experiences and academic preparation.
• Dion C (Alumnus, Imperial College London – Mechanical Engineering): Shared powerful strategies on revision and learning, based on his own Sixth Form experience. Dion also reflected on his university journey, inspiring students with his transition to Imperial College and highlighting key habits that contributed to his success.
• Personal Statement Clinics: Facilitated 1:1 and small-group guidance and tailored advice and feedback on Personal Statements for our students. Provided bespoke guidance on academic queries, UCAS applications, and career concerns.

Employability & Apprenticeships

• YouTube – Jonny Keogh: Facilitated 1:1 and small-group guidance on academic and vocational routes across different disciplines, encouraging students to explore potential destinations after the Sixth Form. Jonny also spoke about the importance of agility when it comes to future careers, as well as several employability skills and considerations.
• DWP (Department for Work and Pensions): Provided hands-on workshops on CVs and cover letters. Students learnt how to craft tailored applications and present their experience effectively for employment and apprenticeships.
• TfL - Stuart French: Offered guidance on professional communication and workplace expectations. His session highlighted the importance of adaptability and soft skills in modern careers. Stuart provided key insights on working for TfL, as well as tips and advice on applying to TfL
• Carl Holmes – Martin Baker Aerospace - Led an engaging workshop that included demonstrations and career insights from one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies. Students explored engineering pathways and apprenticeship opportunities through practical activities and Q&A sessions. This session was a photographic highlight of the week, capturing students in action.

STEM Apprenticeships & Alumni Leadership

Nayra L-H (Alumna) & Team: Delivered a compelling STEM workshop that showcased apprenticeship routes in technical industries. Nayra’s personal story resonated deeply, demonstrating how passion and persistence lead to tangible career outcomes. A very focused workshop on the Apprenticeship Pathway, challenges faced, tips and advice for students when applying a variety of resources to help students find apprenticeships and to prepare for the relevant assessments entailed.

Life Skills & Personal Development

• Mental and Physical Health Workshop: Facilitated an impactful session on mental health, resilience, and the challenges faced by young people in today's world. This session reinforced the link between well-being and long-term success.
• Mindfulness Workshop: Encouraged reflection, self-regulation, and techniques for managing stress and staying focused, particularly relevant during exam periods and transitions.

Work Experience Week 2025

We are delighted to celebrate the success of Year 12’s Work Experience Week, where our students embraced a wide array of placements across industries ranging from construction and engineering (Skanska, Babcock), transport (TfL), health care (Hillingdon Hospital), education (primary schools and nurseries), hospitality and retail, law firms, finance departments, and community initiatives such as the London Community Kitchen. Their commitment, professionalism, and curiosity made a lasting impression on employers and staff alike, showcasing the integrity and adaptability of our Sixth Formers. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the skills they have gained, which will serve them well in their future pathways.