PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Education is not just about curriculum content, it shapes you as a person, and we are committed to ensuring that all our girls know themselves and build core skills for a successful life.
Academic study lies at the heart of Sixth Form life but there is a huge amount on offer beyond this. It is the balance of the co-curricular enrichment that makes Sydenham High School such an inspiring place to grow during your Sixth Form years. There are greater responsibilities on offer, as well as freedoms to develop self-motivation and independence.
When you start in Year 12 there is a bespoke induction programme to aid the transition to Sixth Form including welcome events, team building activities, and personalised curriculum meetings.
There are a wide range of educational visits on offer as part of the curriculum. In previous years our students have visited New York, and our sister school in Nepal, a school that we helped to rebuild after the earthquake in 2015, alongside the charity In Your Hands.
The Elevate Curriculum
Ten years ago, our Power Skills Programme was created as a flagship careers initiative, totally unique to Sydenham High. As Reuters reported, “power skills aren’t just nice to have— they are essential skills for an ever-changing workplace.” Developing students in terms of their communication, emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills are at the forefront of the programme and allow students to be confident in navigating the world of work.
The Elevate Curriculum launched in 2025, equipping students with relevant and transferable skills for life beyond school:
o Developing emotional intelligence
o Strong oracy: interview, communication and presentational skills
o Strategic outlooks: positive, personal branding and the professional marketplace
o Building digital literacy further – AI for innovation
o Exploring the benefits of mentoring and successful networking skills
o Knowing your rights within the workplace for an inclusive environment
o Volunteering and community impact
Leadership & Skills
The Young Leadership Team play an important role in the school. The leadership skills gained from these roles are invaluable, and give you the opportunity to engage with the rest of the school community.
Sixth formers are actively encouraged to get involved with some of the many other activities that are on offer, including:
– GDST Leadership & Enterprise Advanced Diploma
– Dulwich College Saturday School
– Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
– School societies such as Literary Society, AfroCaribbean Society and BioChemMedSoc
Partnerships & Volunteering
Volunteering within the local community is an opportunity to give back to the people and area around you, whilst also developing key skills in communication, empathy and teamwork. There are range on offer from supporting in local primary schools, working in residential homes or undertaking community project work.
A number of Sixth Formers are trained to teach at the Dulwich College Saturday school where gifted and talented pupils from local primary schools are given extra tuition, particularly in maths, literacy and science. Others choose to volunteer at local charity shops, or give their time supporting the Prep School by running clubs or getting involved with local primary schools.
Wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing are as important as physical health. We offer outstanding Pastoral care and guidance to bring out the very best in you. Our friendly, mutually supportive and aspirational environment values each girl as an individual. Sixth Formers have specific pastoral needs and we provide comprehensive and practical pastoral support that enables you to navigate successfully the potential pressures you might encounter.
The impactful relationships between staff and girls ensures tailored support, and our pioneering, innovative PSHE programme helps navigate real-world issues young people are facing today.
The strong community feel of our Sixth Form, alongside robust systems of monitoring and reporting, ensures Sixth Form is rewarding, successful and positive.
