Beyond the Classroom
Sixth Form at MVS extends well beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to lead, mentor, volunteer, and contribute to the wider school community, developing the confidence and independence that will support them long after they leave school.
Leadership, Mentoring & Responsibility
- Prefects: Serve as role models, assist staff, support school events, and help foster a respectful, supportive school community.
- School Council: Chaired by the Head Student, the Council allows Sixth Formers to represent their peers, shape initiatives, and influence school life.
- Scholarship Roles: Sixth Form Scholars are expected to contribute to the wider school community through mentoring younger pupils, leading clubs, supporting enrichment activities, and sharing their subject expertise.
- Peer Mentoring: Act as a “big brother / big sister” to younger students, providing guidance, encouragement, and pastoral support.
- Club & Sports Leadership: Lead or support clubs across academic, creative, and co‑curricular areas, and coach or assist in sports activities, helping to develop teamwork, organisation, and leadership skills.
- Model United Nations (MUN) Sixth Formers in the MUN Team debate global issues, represent countries, negotiate resolutions, and develop research, diplomacy, and public speaking skills, broadening their understanding of international affairs.
- Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award In 2025, one third of the Sixth Form cohort completed this prestigious award, which includes volunteering, physical activity, skill development, and expedition components. The Gold DofE Award challenges students to develop resilience, independence, teamwork, and personal skills.
Sixth Form Volunteering & Community Service
Giving back is central to MVS. In 2025, nearly 70% of Year 12 students participated in our Sixth Form volunteering programme, choosing placements including:
- Girls Allowed – supporting disadvantaged girls aged 9–11 through sports and activities such as skateboarding, dance, and badminton.
- Laurence’s Larder – helping at a community foodbank, assisting with meals, food, and clothes distribution.
- Essendine Primary School – assisting with classroom activities, pastoral support, and enrichment.
Student reflections
Cecily (Year 12) – “Girls Allowed is a foundation for disadvantaged girls aged 9-11 where in each session there are different sports activities for them to engage with. Each week there are new activities such as skateboarding, dancing and badminton. As volunteers, our job is to help out with each activity and help the girls know what they’re doing or set up equipment for them. It’s been a really great experience getting to know all the girls and enjoying different activities with them each week. My personal highlight has been learning dance routines with the girls and having them correct me when I got it wrong! “
Max (Year 12) – “While my time at Essendine Primary School has so far been short, the enrichments in my knowledge have certainly been tightly packed. My role has varied from sharpening pencils, all the way to dealing with the classic ‘he hit me first’. While being called ‘Mr Max’ has been hard to get used to, my time so far at Essendine has been just as enlightening as it has been empowering. I have had a true sense of fulfilment, and I am proud to have gone so far.”
Kitty (Year 13) – “I really enjoyed my time helping at Laurence’s Larder. All the volunteers do so much for their local community. During my sessions, I helped prepare afternoon tea and clean up the church and kitchen after they hosted a food bank for the homeless. I’m glad I had the opportunity to volunteer.”