'Super-curricular' is a phrase used to cover the learning that happens in a sixth form that goes beyond the curriculum and A Level specifications. The super-curriculum ensures that students develop their "ability to think criticially and independently, to argue logically while keeping an open mind to new ideas . . . (and to develop) a genuine passion and enthusiasm for their subject." (University of Cambridge). At St Michael's we encourage every sixth form students to fully engage in a range of super-curricular activities, including: * Extra reading, including academic works and journals (suggestions are available from teachers) * Attendance at university lectures and taster courses * Online lecture courses * Visiting museums and galleries * Listening to academic podcasts * Entering academic competitions

Debate Club is a lively, exciting way to connect with students in the years above and below. Each session we cover a piece of news or a current affair, which each member has the opportunity to share their opinion on. Then, in a low-stakes environment, we discuss and argue them, in preparation for competitions which the club engages in regularly. If you’re interested in learning something new, gaining confidence, or making new friends with similar interests, debate club is the perfect place to do so!

All the articles within Lenses are researched and written by sixth form students. Please take a look at the issues that are available on our website https://www.st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk/sixth-form/enrichment/lenses-sixth-form-academic-journal/

Sixth formers serve the school community by running clubs for younger students. In recent years, this has included diverse organisations from the Gardening Club to the Gaming and Coding Club to running and editing the student magazine, ‘Purple Ink’.. The newest society run by sixth formers, The Feminist Society, started in October 2022 with female students in sixth form looking to inspire the future female leaders in society. Sixth form students also act as Near-Peer Mentors for younger students, advising them on how to cope with a challenging workload and the pressures of exams. All Year 7 pupils will meet the sixth form ‘Guardian Angels’, former St Michael’s ‘purples’ who look after the new pupils and help them settle in.

In December, students at St. Michael’s elect a Head Girl/Head Boy who will serve for a calendar year alongside his/her deputies. The Head Team acts as the highest representatives of the student body to teaching staff, SLT and the Governing Body. They chair the School Council, oversee the work of its committees and help to organise social and charity events in the school. The Head Team is ably supported by 28 Form Reps, two from each of the 14 forms in Key Stage 5, who are elected from within their form.

As part of the Year of Service, undertaken by all Year 12 students, a greater number of our sixth form students volunteer as helpers in our local care homes or as reading buddies in Frith Manor and Northside primary schools. Students are also encouraged to be active in their local communities and parishes.

Students at St Michael's have 1-2 tutorials weekly in their form groups. The sixth form tutorial curriculum ensures our students are engaging with the pressing issues facing young adults in contemporary British society. Furthermore, it prepares students to realise their full potential, in life, education and in their career, through PSHE and Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG).