Our brand new Oakleaf Diploma, launching with the new cohort of Sixth Formers joining us this September, celebrates the achievements of our Sixth Formers as they prepare for life beyond Leighton Park. Awarded at the end of the Lower Sixth, it teaches strong values, builds character and instils a sense of community. The ‘softer skills’ which are so necessary for success in adulthood also inspire students with a lifelong commitment to charitable behaviour and build up their enjoyment of intellectual, physical and social activities. Some elements of the diploma are undertaken by the individual in their own time, others are timetabled into the Sixth Form curriculum. This balance ensures that the programme is a bespoke experience ideally suited to every student.
The four key elements of the Oakleaf Diploma are Preparation for Adult Life (PAL), Ethical Changemaking, Academic Extension and Wellbeing. In PAL students will discover how to manage their finances, learn to cook, undertake a first aid course and try their hand at ‘adulting’ a course which will help them with useful life skills like planning an interailing trip, drafting a CV and basic mending. The other elements of the Diploma give students the chance to volunteer as a Literacy Ambassador, hear from inspiring speakers who have made a difference, learn from expert study skills coaches and consider their physical and mental health.
Work on the Oakleaf Diploma can start from now, with the last public examination out of the way and GCSEs over, those leaving Year 11 have a long summer ahead of them, ideal for filling with many of the independent initiatives that will contribute so well to their Oakleaf Diploma application. All applications must be in by the start of the Upper Sixth and Head of Sixth Form, Helen Taylor, and Academic Deputy Head, Alex Wallace, are looking forward to reviewing the first submissions.
Some of the activities will have been completed as mandatory timetabled slots by every member of the Lower Sixth. Those that have also got involved in the School supported opportunities and made the most of all that Leighton Park has to offer through the co-curricular programme, trips and talks will receive a Bronze award if they submit their application. To gain a Silver award, we are looking for evidence from students of how they have gone beyond the requirements for a Bronze award and independently gathered experiences and enjoyment from activities they have organised themselves. Those applicants who are exceptional will be recognised for their achievements with a Gold award.
We hope everyone involved will enjoy this exciting new programme for our incoming Sixth Formers.
You can read more about it in our booklet.
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