We encourage all post-16 students to play an active role within the academy community. 

They are involved in decisions, support younger students in lessons at Stanground Academy, as well as engaging in debates and competitions. 

ASPIRE sessions 

It is a requirement that every student in Year 12 volunteer their services in the academy. We very much encourage students in Year 13 to continue volunteering their time. However, their services are not as structured due to the demands of university applications and exam preparation. 

Some of the activities the students volunteer to be part of are: paired reading, supporting in lower school lessons, canteen, library or corridor duties, supporting lower school tutor groups during tutor time and mentoring. 

Super-Curricular 

At Stanground Academy, we feel that super-curricular activities not only empower post-16 students to make their own decisions and help them gain vital experience and skills to assist them in their futures, but also give them an advantage when applying for post-18 destinations. 

There are usually over 2 million UCAS applications made every year. We believe it is vital that students' personal statements for university and cover letters for other apprenticeship or employment applications are enhanced by active participation in their community and in super-curricular activities. 

Student Leadership 

The Student Leadership Council is run by our Head Students (both Year 13 students). Members of the Student Leadership Team play an active role throughout the academy.  

Aspire+ 

We have now launched our independent study programme called ‘ASPIRE+’. 

Subject teachers place work in teams, or as handouts in their independent learning folders, which students will be expected to complete as part of their independent learning time. 

Students review their timetable every Monday, alongside their tutor, in order to have a weekly thought about how best to allocate and timetable their independent learning time to achieve. 

Because of this, tutor time is more important than ever, not just for information sharing, but so tutors can assist with attendance conversations, independent study timetables alongside personal statements and applications for further career paths. 

Elective Subjects 

All students choose an elective subject to take part in when they join our post-16 provision. All our elective subjects provide and strengthen their post-18 applications and equip them with valuable life skills for the future.  

A well-chosen elective can demonstrate commitment, curiosity and a willingness to develop expertise in an area that aligns with future university courses, apprenticeships or career pathways. Beyond academic benefits, elective subjects often help students build essential transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, time management and resilience. These are qualities that universities, employers and training providers highly value, ensuring that students are not only prepared for their next step after school but are also developing the confidence and adaptability needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. 

Enrichment 

On a Thursday, the academy day has been adapted to create dedicated time for students to participate in a range of enrichment opportunities. These activities have been carefully planned to support both students' academic progress and their development outside the classroom, helping them build a strong profile for university, apprenticeships and future employment. 

Each term, students will be allocated to an enrichment pathway. Activities may include: specific super-curricular programmes, Careers and employability workshops, leadership and mentoring opportunities, work experience and personal development and wellbeing activities. 

The aim is to ensure that every student benefits from a rich and purposeful programme of experiences that extends learning beyond their examination subjects. Participation in enrichment activities will allow students to develop valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, resilience and independent learning, all of which are highly regarded by universities and employers. 

We are excited about the benefits this enhanced enrichment provision will bring and look forward to supporting our students as they continue to develop both academically and personally throughout their post-16 journey.