Beyond the Classroom

We aim to offer all-round education to our Sixth Form students. We encourage them to make the most of their academic talents but also to develop skills, hobbies and interests which will stay with them into their adult lives. That’s why we offer an extensive Sixth Form extra-curricular programme.

Sixth Form extra-curricular activities are held at lunchtimes, after school, at weekends and even during the holidays. There are also over 50 activities within the timetable, all of which students are welcomed to get involved in. These include cheerleading, computer programming, chess, debating, russian, climbing, financial maths, knitting, yoga and gardening.

Our most popular extra-curricular activities available to Sixth Formers include…

Sixth Form Sport

Our Sixth Form students can take part in sport two afternoons each week.

We cater for the major team sports, like boys’ rugby, hockey and cricket and girls’ hockey, netball and rounders. We also offer rowing, which is a major interest for our students, football, squash, badminton, dance, tennis and many more. The personal fitness training in the School’s fully equipped Fitness Centre also proves popular in our games programme.

Performing Arts

Music plays a huge role in the life of the School and so we encourage Sixth Form students to develop their musical talents through lessons and performances. We also offer individual tuition on all main instruments and voice with a talented group of visiting music teachers.

Students have access to our superb new Music School, as well as the incredible 750-seat Princess Alexandra Auditorium. Our facilities allow for regular rehearsals for upcoming performances or examinations.

The music department puts on a number of exciting musical events both in and out of School throughout the year. These include large scale productions, concerts, church services and music tours. ABRSM, Rock School and LCM exams also take place in school on a termly basis.

We welcome and encourage everyone to participate in drama. Whether experienced actors or complete newcomers to performing, there is a breadth of opportunity available for our Sixth Form students. From large whole school productions to the Sixth Form play, the annual House Drama and Duologues competitions, Sixth Form students are able to impress on the stage or behind the scenes.

Sixth Form Outdoor Education

Many students engage in our Outdoor Education programme which is under the direction of our two full-time and highly qualified specialists.

Outdoor Education is a diverse extra-curricular activity that offers students the chance to participate in walking, camping, climbing, skiing, caving, canoeing and much more. Our location in Yarm means we’re just a stone’s throw away from the incredible Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. We sometimes travel further afield to Scotland and overseas destinations. Furthermore, school staff organise all trips and excursions, rather than external companies.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at Gold Award level is open to students joining the Sixth Form whether they have previously taken the Bronze or Silver Award, or if they are new to the scheme. DofE is extremely popular here at Yarm School and we always encourage participation as the Gold Award is highly regarded by universities and employers.

Combined Cadet Force

The School’s Combined Cadet Force is another popular extra-curricular activity. Cadets learn a range of team-working and leadership skills as they take part in varied pursuits such as rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, signaling, field craft and survival skills.