A Level courses and the School wants to open up the academic offering to those who may not have yet had the opportunity to access all that an independent education offers .
Being a member of the Sixth Form is about so much more than examination results and the opportunities offered outside of the classroom are designed to inspire creativity , encourage self-discipline and develop leadership .
A particularly exciting feature of the Sixth Form is Birkenhead Futures , a programme designed to prepare students for Higher Education and the world of work . The Futures team comprises of specialist advisers who provide students with opportunities to develop their wider perspectives , critical thinking and research skills , as well as support with interview practice and tailored preparation for the selection tests required by some of the most competitive university courses . The team also host regular industry-specific careers conferences for students across Wirral to help inform their choices about a range of careers .
A number of students progress onto Oxbridge each year and benefit from the School ’ s bespoke Oxbridge mentoring programme . For those looking to pursue a career in medicine , the School ’ s established Medics Pathway draws on the School ’ s alumni and parental network to offer access to leading medical professionals , who in November , helped by conducting mock interviews with this year ’ s current Medics cohort .
As part of the School ’ s commitment to personal development , students can take part in a Discovering Personal Effectiveness Programme run by an external leadership development organisation that encourages students to explore their selfawareness and gain a better understanding of others ’ preferred way of working . This enables them to better adapt , connect and engage with their peers , an interviewer or potential employer
and in doing so , develop greater authenticity , assertiveness , leadership skills and personal resilience – key skills in the contemporary workplace .
The Beyond the Curriculum programme also forms an important part of the Sixth Form timetable outside of academic studies . Designed to encourage the development of new skills and interests , it offers students a range of courses which develop new aptitudes and broaden their personal horizons . The programme includes an eight-week core course in interview , presentation and research skills , as well as in critical thinking , all of which provide students with the very best and bespoke preparation for the years ahead of them . Students also benefit from weekly lectures as part of the Nicholls Lecture Series . The guest series , going back several decades , provides students with an opportunity to listen to a range of thought-provoking talks from a range of eminent speakers .
Louise Smeaton , Head of Sixth Form comments , “ Students who joined us in September , have quickly become part of our School community , and it is a delight to see them embrace the opportunities on offer and flourish in their studies . I am looking forward to seeing them take up leadership opportunities as their time progresses and firmly believe that the opportunities on offer will set them apart when it comes to university and future employment .”
Anyone interested in joining the Sixth Form at Birkenhead School or applying for an Access Scholarship is encouraged to contact Ms Smeaton , Head of Sixth Form , for an informal discussion via seniorsadmissions @ birkenheadschool . co . uk . The School is hosting a Virtual Open Event for new applicants on Tuesday 26th January and the deadline for applications is Thursday 11th February . Further information is available at www . birkenheadschool . co . uk . wirrallife . com 15