Our Sixth Form offers a rich and varied enrichment programme designed to broaden horizons and develop student experience. From fantastic leadership opportunities and community service, to sport, creative arts, and academic societies, students are encouraged to pursue their passions and try new experiences. Enrichment supports personal growth, builds confidence, and equips students with the skills and character needed for success at university, in the workplace, and beyond.
Service is at the heart of our Sixth Form, and students are encouraged to put their faith and values into action through a wide range of charitable and community initiatives. From organising a Senior Tea Party and supporting at a local dementia café, to fundraising for St Chad’s Sanctuary and taking part in the Rudolf Run for Birmingham Hospice, our students give generously of their time and talents. These experiences foster compassion, responsibility, and a deep sense of social justice, helping our young people to make a real difference in the lives of others.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is one of our most popular enrichment opportunities, giving students the chance to challenge themselves, develop resilience, and grow in confidence. Through volunteering, learning new skills, taking part in physical activity, and completing an expedition, students gain valuable experiences that strengthen both character and future personal statements. Many of our Sixth Formers achieve Silver and Gold Awards, setting themselves apart for university and future careers.
The Extended Project Qualification allows students to explore a topic of their choice in depth, developing independence, critical thinking, and research skills highly valued by universities and employers. Whether writing a dissertation, producing an artefact, or conducting an investigation, students gain the confidence to manage a substantial project from start to finish. Many Sixth Formers find that the EPQ not only enhances their academic profile but also provides an excellent focus for university applications and interviews.
The International Student Committee offers a unique opportunity for Sixth Formers to engage in global community development work. Each year, students plan and participate in life-changing projects abroad, working directly with local communities to make a positive impact. In recent years, our students have travelled to Cambodia and Peru, gaining unforgettable cultural experiences while developing teamwork, leadership, and a deeper understanding of global citizenship.
Peru - 2025
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In 2025, members of Bishop Challoner’s International Student Committee embarked on a truly life-changing journey to Urubamba, Peru, in support of the Future Sense Foundation, a UK charity dedicated to improving education, health, and livelihood opportunities in underserved communities across the world.
After months of preparation and fundraising, the students proudly raise significant funds to support the Foundation’s ongoing projects. Their efforts and generosity embodied Bishop Challoner’s mission:
“In our community of faith, in Bishop Challoner Catholic School, we give glory to God by developing our full potential and in our service to others, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
The students spent two unforgettable weeks in Urubamba, a charming town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, set against the backdrop of towering Andean mountains. Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming community, Urubamba became a second home for the group as they worked alongside local teachers and volunteers to support primary schools. Many of the children’s lessons usually finish by 12:30 p.m. due to limited funding, but with the students’ support, the school day was extended, giving the children extra time to learn, explore, and develop new skills in a fun and engaging environment.
A major focus of the trip was delivering creative and educational activities in the schools. The students led English lessons to help pupils develop valuable language skills for their future careers and ran personal development sessions emphasizing the importance of physical activity and wellbeing. The energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm of the children made every session rewarding, demonstrating how small acts of support can make a big difference.
Beyond the classroom, the group also contributed to community development projects around Urubamba. They painted bright and inspiring school murals, planted vegetable gardens to encourage sustainable living, and participated in community clean-ups to improve shared spaces. These projects allowed the students to work closely with residents, leaving behind a lasting and positive impact on the town.
In their free time, the students immersed themselves in Peruvian culture, taking part in pottery and dance workshops, Spanish language classes, a traditional cooking class, visiting the historic Maras salt mines, and exploring a llama sanctuary. These activities enriched their understanding of local heritage and offered memorable experiences beyond the volunteer projects.
A real highlight of the journey was the visit to Aguas Calientes and the world-famous Machu Picchu. Standing among the ancient ruins, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, the students reflected on the rich history of the Incan civilisation and the privilege of witnessing one of the world’s greatest wonders.
The trip was far more than an opportunity to travel, it was a chance for the students to live their faith through service, to grow in confidence, teamwork, and empathy, and to understand the importance of global citizenship. They returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude, carrying the values of Bishop Challoner’s mission in their hearts.
Through their generosity and service, these young people gave glory to God not only in word but in action, showing that faith, when lived out in love and service to others, can truly make a difference across the world.
Cambodia - 2024
In the summer of 2024 dedicated group of Sixth Form students from Bishop Challoner Catholic College took part in a life-changing two-week mission to the country of Cambodia, organised in partnership with the The Future Sense Foundation. Travelling over 6,000 miles from Birmingham to Battambang, the International Student Committee engaged in community development initiatives focusing largely on providing support to a group of primary schools in a part of the city that suffers with high levels of social and economic deprivation. Primary school education for most children in Battambang finishes at midday, when then only a small proportion of families can then afford to send their children for private education in the afternoon. With the support of the Future Sense Foundation and volunteers like the students from Bishop Challoner, children can continue their education and learning into the afternoon.
The main part of the mission was to support these communities in Battambang in developing their English literacy levels. People that learn English, have better life prospects and can access better jobs in the future in Cambodia. The International Student Committee from Bishop Challoner set about planning, resourcing and delivering these afternoon lessons to the children of a targetted primary school in the local area. The student’s creative and dedicated approach to planning and delivering these sessions led to some fantastic outcomes in the short period they spent with the Cambodian children. After just two weeks, the Sixth Form students managed to teach the children (who spoke little to no English) the basics of storytelling. The children were taught key vocabulary in English through creative games set up by the students and by the second week the Cambodian children were able to write basic stories in English and act out these stories with the theme of superheroes.
Temperatures reached 37 degrees celcius in the classrooms on some days and conditions were often very challenging. However, with hard work, perseverance and a fantastic team spirit the International Student Committee really embodied what it means to give glory to god and service to others, a key theme of their schools mission statement.
The mission itself also provided students from Bishop Challoner with a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Cambodia a country of real beauty, but with tragic past. Around 25% of Cambodia’s population was killed by acts of genocide between the years of 1975 and 1979 by the Khmer Rouge. Students had the opportunity in the evenings and weekends learn about this history and visit areas such as the killing caves and peace museum in Battambang.
Global citizenship is a concept that encourages people to see themselves as part of a worldwide community, recognising their responsibilities not only to their local society but also to people, cultures, and environments around the globe. It goes beyond national borders, inspiring individuals to act with awareness, empathy, and respect for the well-being of others. The International Students Committee from Bishop Challoner truly encapsulated and developed a true understanding of what it actually really means to be global citizens on their mission to Cambodia.
As well as a full enrichment offer subject departments run a number of trips throughout the year, these include:
- Dorset (Geography)
- Paris (French)
- Art galleries in London (Art)
- Theatre trips (English Literature)
- Auschwitz (History)
- Slapton Sands (Biology)
- Birmingham Crown Court (Law/ Criminology)
The Sixth Form team also run trips to Universities such as Oxford College, Keble.
Super-curricular activities are things you do that go beyond the school curriculum to deepen knowledge in a specific academic subject, giving you greater knowledge or experience within your area of interest. They relate to academic or career development within your chosen future path.
The can demonstrate intellectual curiosity, passion for a subject, and readiness for university-level study. They are especially important for university applications.
The guide below details super-curricular activities related to different subject areas.