St Aidan’s & St John Fisher Associated Sixth Form

🌟 UCAS Discovery Success at Leeds Beckett University! 🌟

Yesterday, around 250 of our Year 12 Associated Sixth Form students had a fantastic opportunity to attend a UCAS Discovery event at Leeds Beckett University- and what a brilliant day it was!

Students explored a wide range of subject stands from universities and other post-18 providers, gaining valuable insight into their future pathways. They also took part in a series of engaging lectures, workshops, and application advice sessions, helping to demystify the UCAS process and inspire their next steps.

We’re delighted to report that student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many feeling more confident and informed about their options. Even more impressively, their behaviour and attitude throughout the day were exemplary - a real credit to our Sixth Form community.

👏 Well done everyone, and thank you to Leeds Beckett University for hosting such an informative and inspiring event!

Our Year 12 A Level Geography students were out in the field today carrying out data collection for their Non-Examined Assessment (NEA).

Gathering primary data is a vital part of the investigation process, allowing students to apply their geographical knowledge and research skills in real-world environments. It was fantastic to see them working professionally, collecting observations, measurements, and survey data that will form the basis of their independent enquiries.

Of course, no fieldwork day would be complete without a little downtime, and students even managed to fit in a novelty game of cricket between data collection activities, adding plenty of fun and team spirit to the day!

We look forward to seeing how today’s fieldwork contributes to their final projects. Well done, Year 12! 🌍📊🏏

Students and staff from the Associated Sixth Form were hugely privileged to welcome the renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and his wife, fellow cellist Jiaxin Lloyd-Webber, for a truly inspiring visit to St. Aidan’s today.

The pair delivered a masterclass to four fortunate student cellists, including musicians from the Associated Sixth Form, while many more students and staff observed. It was an exceptional opportunity for our young musicians to perform for artists of such distinction, receive expert feedback on their playing, and gain invaluable insights into musical interpretation and performance.

We are especially grateful to Harrogate Music Festival for arranging this outstanding event. It was a memorable and enriching experience for all involved, and one that our Associated Sixth Form musicians will remember for many years to come.

We were delighted to welcome parents and carers to last night’s Year 12 presentation exploring the wide range of opportunities available to students after age 18.

We are very grateful to our guest speakers, Sixth Form alumni Elyse Ashton-Sharp from apprenticeship and training provider First Intuition, and Fred Binley from Lancaster University for sharing their valuable insights into researching, and then applying for pathways such as university, apprenticeships, employment, and vocational training.

Thank you to everyone who attended - your support plays a vital role in helping our students to both make informed decisions that suit their ambitions, interests, and strengths and to feel confident and prepared for their next steps.

If you were unable to join us or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can ensure every student is equipped for a successful future.

🌟 Gold Practice Expedition Success! 🌟

A huge well done to our students for successfully completing their Gold Practice Expedition this week! 👏

Throughout the expedition, they demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience, and determination, working together to overcome a variety of challenging weather conditions. From adapting to changing forecasts to supporting one another along the way, they showed the skills and attitude needed for success.

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the positive spirit they displayed throughout the journey. A fantastic effort from everyone involved—well done! 🥾🏕️🌦️

From 1-6 June, our amazing Year 12 French students were busy completing a variety of work placements in the lovely French city of Lille.

A full 35-hour week isn’t easy for anyone, but doing so in another language is particularly tough. However, our Y12s more than rose to the challenge. Placements included hotels, cafes, restaurants and shops. At the end of a long day, the immersion then continued as the students were also staying with host families.
Accompanying teacher, Mr. Weare, commented,

“It was a delight to be away with these amazing young people. Visiting them at work and hearing the fabulous feedback from their employers was a real privilege. Particular thanks go to Mrs. Allison for giving up her time to accompany us”.

Sixth Form at St John Fisher would like to say a massive thanks to Carnegie University for providing an amazing opportunity for some of our A-Level and BTEC students!!

Allowing them to become fully immersed in the world of a sports science student, practically collecting data from Exercise Physiology research labs as well as experimenting with state-of-the-art Biomechanical force plate equipment and limb kinematic technology used on elite athletes.

Our students loved it and gained an experience that they will not forget.

Huge congratulations to Year 12 St. Aidan’s student Lexie who has secured a finalist spot in the Young Fashion Designer UK competition - an outstanding achievement and a first for our school! Her creativity, dedication, and exceptional design work have truly set her apart.

She has been invited to attend the final event in Worcester on Saturday 6th June, where she’ll meet fellow finalists, connect with industry professionals, and discover the overall winner.

We couldn’t be prouder of everything she has accomplished so far, and we wish her the very best of luck for the final!✨

🌟 Remarkable students making a real difference 🌟

The St. Aidan’s school WALK (Wisdom, Aspiration, Learning Well Together and Kindness)values have been truly lived out by Zawadi St. Aidan’s student charity group. At their AGM today, guests from Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust Executive Team joined Mrs Dover, Mrs Orton, Mr Hodgson and Liz Cluderay from partner charity Artizan International to celebrate the incredible impact of their work.

Through events such as a Year 7 Disco, Candy Cane Stall and Easter Egg Tombola, Zawadi students have raised significant funds for Artizan International, supporting families with disabled members in Peru, Ecuador and the UK - helping people gain skills, dignity and independence.

By project‑managing these events, students have developed valuable leadership and workplace skills alongside raising money for a fantastic cause.

Jane Goodwin, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, described Zawadi as a “remarkable group of people” and praised their kindness and the lasting memories they have created across the school.

A huge thank you to the outgoing committee (Chris, Daisy, Sophie, Georgina and Emily) and a warm welcome to our new team - we can’t wait to see what’s next!⭐️