and international graduate schemes. In addition, our Futures Skills
Advisers 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
various tests required for certain university courses. 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.
"For those seeking a place at Oxbridge, we offer bespoke
mentoring, in which an experienced member of staff will work
closely with an applicant to set goals and suggest wider reading
and investigations appropriate to the interests or requirements
of the individual concerned. In addition, our Advanced Tutorial
Groups, overseen by the UCAS Co-ordinator, encourage students
to lead discussions on a range of current, challenging and
thought-provoking contemporary topics. Thus, whether preparing
students for Oxbridge, supporting and guiding them through
an international application, or drawing on our established and
extensive preparations for medical school, we have a team of
experienced and specialist staff on hand to provide just the right
support and advice. "Our Beyond the Curriculum programme also forms an important
part of the Sixth Form timetable. 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.
"Linked closely to the Futures programme are our industry-
specific careers conferences, open to all students on Wirral, and
organised by our Futures Co-ordinator. These specialised events
offer students an opportunity to speak to experts in a variety of
areas within a specific field. To date, we have hosted conferences
focusing on professions in Healthcare, Engineering, Technology &
Design, as well as Media & the Arts. In the new year, the focus
will be on careers in Finance & Law with an event being held on
Monday 10th February. Not only are students able to access first
class information from a range of professionals, many of them Old
Birkonians, but these events are also instrumental in providing
extensive networking contacts, work experience placements, site
visits and follow up mock interviews.
"As part of our commitment to personal development, in the Sixth
Form we provide students with unique opportunities through
which to extend and enrich their experience. Since last year we
have been delighted to offer students the opportunity to take
part in a Discovering Personal Effectiveness Programme run by
a leadership development organisation that encourages students
to explore their self-awareness and gain a better understanding
"During the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, each week concludes with
a Friday lecture, as part of the Nicholls Lecture Series. This guest
series, going back several decades, provides Sixth Form students
with an opportunity to listen to a range of thought-provoking talks
on a broad range of topics. In recent years we have played host
to eminent speakers including the Archbishop of York, a Chief
Financial Officer from a Premiership football club, our local MP
and a Justice of the Supreme Court.
"We pride ourselves on inspiring our students through the
quality and breadth of opportunities on offer within a supportive
community. The significant number of students who maintain
their links with the School after leaving, is testament to this. It
is our firm belief that the Birkenhead School experience furnishes
students with the confidence, resourcefulness and independence to
thrive in the world beyond school."
Anyone interested in joining the Sixth Form at Birkenhead
School or applying for an Access Scholarship is encouraged to
attend the forthcoming Sixth Form Open Evening being held on
Thursday 13th February from 6-8pm or to contact Ms Smeaton
for an informal discussion. Further information on the evening
and the Access Scholarships is available on the website. Deadline
for applications is Monday 24th February.
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