Sixth Form Diploma Newsletter Spring 2023

Welcome to highlights from our recent Sixth Form Diploma sessions

Lower Sixth Diploma

The spring term, whilst shorter than the autumn term, was equally busy for our Sixth Formers during their Diploma sessions.

During the first half term all Lower Sixth students had lessons to prepare for their academic project. They were taught how to structure a report, use references and citations correctly, and how to prepare an academic presentation. Following this, they have all continued to embark on their independent research and writing.

In order to allow all Lower Sixth students a chance to complete an external five week community service placement, the year group was split up over two half terms:

• The EPQ (Extended Project Qualification - the examined academic project route) students completed their volunteering placements this half term, during their Tuesday Diploma sessions.

• Meanwhile, the SFP (Sixth Form Project - our internal academic project) students completed their academic projects. This involved them finishing their essay write up, and presenting their findings to their groups.

Sixth Form Project reflections

“My SFP looks at whether animal organs can be as effective in reducing organ shortage worldwide.

“I have loved doing the SFP for several reasons:

1) It gave me the opportunity to complete an independent academic research project without the pressures exerted by the EPQ, particularly as I have continued with four A Levels.

2) It gave me the opportunity to increase my knowledge in the medical industry and has given me something I can talk about in my personal statement.

3) From this, I have been able to develop skills in research, writing, organisation, and presentation. I would encourage all future Lower Sixth Formers to be active participants with the SFP!”

Sejan Vigneswaralingam

“For my SFP I wanted to do something related to medical ethics as I am interested in a career in medicine. I decided on the title of ‘Should the creation of saviour siblings be banned in the UK?’. I have focused on whether it is ethical for parents to create a baby through IVF and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) purely for the purpose of acting as a stem cell donor for their sibling with a rare, terminal disease. Although research took time, I enjoyed the fact that it allowed me to read around a topic I am interested in studying in the future and think it helped me to understand some of the ethical dilemmas that medical professionals face in their work.”

Rachel Timm

Volunteering Reflections

“Volunteering at a care hope gave me an insight into the lives and experiences of the elderly where I learnt about their unique perspectives in life. I learnt how to arrange activities for others and it was a fulfilling experience, giving me a chance to make a positive impact on other people’s lives.”

Ronak De

“I have really enjoyed volunteering at Haling Park Primary School this half term. From organising PE lessons to helping out with arts and crafts in the classroom, it has been lovely to see the enthusiasm of the students and teachers alike.”

Gabriella Thomas

“Overall I have found my volunteering placement to be a positive experience, as it allowed for a certain degree of freedom when solving the problem and organising myself. It therefore helped improve my efficiency and time management, trying to complete the task in the quickest way without sacrificing any of the content. Throughout each placement, I found that I was able to complete more sections of the task, due to the method of going about it slowly evolving and changing based on experience.”

Joseph Anderson

Upper Sixth Diploma

Upper Sixth students have benefited from a range of Personal Development workshops during spring term’s Diploma sessions. These have included a session on Self Defence, led by Tahir from Defence Lab; a talk from Natasha Devon to discuss the challenges to their mental health when they transition to university. There were also sessions on how to balance their finances at university and preparing for their A Level examinations, using techniques such as long term planning.

“The sessions about University Budgeting and Finance made me aware of the costs of going to University and the ways in which this is dealt with. I found it most useful to be able to actually hear what budgeting at university is like from university students themselves who were previously Trinity students. They were extremely helpful in giving specific tips and the ways that work best for them, given the fact that they are at university at the moment.”

Robert Green

“I have learned that I am able to prepare a decent week-long meal plan for a relatively small budget of 20 pounds!”

Drew Gormley

“As I prepare to leave Trinity and move on to the next phase of my academic journey, I feel reasonably prepared but also aware of the challenges that lie ahead. While my time at Trinity has equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed at the next level, I know that there will be new obstacles to overcome, such as adjusting to a new social environment and managing my finances independently. Nonetheless, I feel excited about the opportunities that await me and confident in my ability to tackle whatever challenges come my way.”

Roshan Frost

“I think one of the most important sessions was on Mental Health. At this time of the year, everyone in Upper Sixth especially is incredibly stressed with university interviews and exams in school. The sessions focusing on winding down and paying attention to how we are feeling internally were very nice for a change.”

Coming up in Summer Term Diploma lessons

The Lower Sixth EPQ students will spend the first half term finishing their academic projects, while the SFP students carry out their volunteering placements. In the second half of the term they will carry out some department-led enrichment sessions and have a year group talk from motivational speaker, Anthony Bennett

The Upper Sixth students have now finished their timetabled Diploma sessions. During their final few weeks, they have their last mock before their A Level Exams - we wish them the best of luck!

Anna Brovko

“I feel a bit nervous leaving Trinity and going ahead to university or taking a gap year but school has given me a good understanding of life ahead not only for uni but also after uni and working.”

Sarujen Kokulathas