The pathways programme
Our Sixth Form Pathways Programme is a supplementary portfolio to the A Level course that brings the triumvirate of KNOWLEDGE, ENRICHMENT and SCHOLARSHIP to the core of our Sixth Form offering. It ensures all pupils have myriad opportunities to develop their skills, intellect and character outside of the prescriptions of the curriculum, complementing both their academic and personal development and preparing them to be nimble thinkers and compassionate citizens in an unpredicatable world.
In undertaking the Pathways Programme from the Spring Term in Year 12, pupils can select activities from a range of options that promote:
-
Holistic Intelligence Development - Fostering curiosity and self-awareness through learning that extends beyond exam preparation.
- Creative and Independent Thinking - Encouraging bold ideas, innovation and autonomy in academic exploration.
- Future-Ready Competencies - Building essential skills in communication, collaboration, Agility and critical analysis for the modern workplace
- Deep Academic Exploration - Offering immersive experiences in subjects of personal and intellectual interest.
- Future Pathway Preparation - Equipping pupils with the knowledge and insight to strengthen applications for university, degree apprenticeships and careers.
chosen fields of exploration might include
- If a pupil wants to work in the third sector, they might join the Young Ambassador Scheme for the Children's Hospice South West and develop their entrepreneurial skills with local business leaders while doing some impactful fundraising, alongside signing up to the Community Service programme and leading the school's Sustainability team.
- If a pupil wants to develop an application for Law, they might want to complete an Extended Project Qualification in a specialist field like jurisprudence while competing nationally in debating competitions and learning the rules of international diplomacy with the Model United Nations.
- If a pupil wants to interrogate the essential questions of philosophy, they may wish to attend Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution Philosophy seminars while submitting papers to the Future Thought Leaders or John Locke Essay competitions.
- If a pupil wants to discuss economic ideas and concepts they can enter the Institute of Economic Affairs' Budget Challenge or Bank of England's Innovation Competition.
- If a pupil wants to pursue language or interdisciplinary degrees in the humanities, they may wish to apply for a travel award to help secure a summer placement at a European language school, while completing a MOOC on the Korean alphabet and writing entries to our myriad creative writing competitions.
- If a pupil wants to widen their cultural horizons, they may wish to complete a specialist lecture series on modernism via Massolit, record a Podcast with the Classics department, or deliver a presentation to the critical-thinking club.

![]() |
KES TEAMS FINALISTS IN THE CAMBRIDGE BIOLOGY CHALLENGE.As part of their pathways enrichment last year, two KES teams elected to take part in the Cambridge Biology Challenge, with both teams qualifying for the final in a competition that attracted over 500 school teams nationwide. Run by Homerton College, this competition challenges students in Years 10-13 to think deeply about the kinds of questions posed at Cambridge. Using a mix of music videos, podcasts and more, the two teams responded to four questions over a number of months, including: Does behaviour fossilise, why do we dream and picking an aspect of Christmas, discuss it from a biological perspective. |


