BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL EXAM SUCCESS
Students at Birkenhead School have once again been picking up their A Level and GCSE results and now continue their educational journey at leading universities and apprenticeships across the UK .
Headmaster , Paul Vicars , comments : ‘ This year ’ s results are a chance to reflect on the journey these very special students have been on throughout the majority of their studies and not just the statistics . Over the last 18 months , this cohort of A Level and GCSE students have shown remarkable perspective , resilience and academic courage as they have overcome one hurdle after another to deliver these individual and collective results . Their approach to the March and May assessments in particular , key data points in calculating the Teacher Assessed Grades ( TAGs ) this year was memorable , and made staff very proud ; their focus , and desire to take responsibility for their learning and outcomes was at a level we have perhaps not seen before .
Throughout this journey , they have been supported through periods of remote learning and bespoke catch-up by a teaching and support staff team that have gone above and beyond in supporting the academic progress and mental welfare of the students – the focus on each individual ’ s needs has been very special to observe .
This year ’ s cohort , many of whom started back in Pre-Prep fifteen years ago , has always been known to possess a highly academic ‘ top end ’, matched only by their brilliant attitude to learning . Fifteen students have achieved 3 or more A * grades across their subjects ; three students now take up their places at Oxbridge , studying Land Economy , Economics & Management and Medicine , alongside a further four medics at medical schools across the country . Other students follow their passions to take up Russell University places in subjects ranging from Physiotherapy to Politics & International Relations , Engineering to English Literature & Philosophy . A number of students , inspired by the co-curricular provision , move on to study music and drama at leading institutions , while an apprenticeship at Microsoft has been added to recent years ’ apprenticeship destinations at the BBC , Redrow and Auger .
Perhaps even more importantly , are the skills that these students will take with them on their journeys beyond Birkenhead School , safe in the knowledge that they have got the resources and adaptability to survive , even thrive , when confronted with adversity . The approach of this cohort to what has been thrown at them this year will live long in staff memories and we could not be prouder of them .’
In September , students in Lower Sixth will be joined by a number of new academically ambitious students attracted by the bespoke approach to Sixth Form studies that is facilitated by small class sizes . In addition to the regular academic curriculum , these students will benefit from a range of further opportunities designed to provide the launchpad for success after school . These include the Beyond the Curriculum programme ( BTC ) which provides students with core skills including critical thinking , presentation , research and interview skills , bespoke Oxbridge and Medical pathway preparation and support from the dedicated Futures Team regarding UCAS and top degree apprenticeship opportunities . In addition to a range of volunteering , mentoring and leadership opportunities , the Sixth Form is an exciting place to develop lifelong skills and independence of thought , alongside gaining access to a global network of Old Birkonians keen to help recent leavers and university students with their next steps .
Birkenhead School ’ s vision is to inspire each and every student to find their niche or passion whilst at the School , not just within the classroom , nor purely through external exam grades . Driving academic excellence for all students will always remain at the core , but equally important is the wider curriculum that typifies a Birkenhead School education – those sporting , creative and ‘ out of comfort zone ’ opportunities that grow a child ’ s confidence , character and perspective so key to success and happiness in later life . So strong is the School ’ s commitment to these opportunities that they continued to run an extensive co-curricular programme of clubs and activities from Reception to Upper Sixth throughout the past year both in person and online during lockdown periods .
The School has recently completed an extension to its Little School playground ( Reception , Year 1 & 2 ) and continues to push forward in planning exciting projects for the coming year which will include extensive refurbishment of the School Library and continued investment in sporting facilities . One of the highlights of the year just passed , included the launch of the ‘ Be Inspired ’ programme , an inspiring programme of academic and wider enrichment for local Year 5 & 6 children on Saturdays across the Summer Term . The programme forms part of the School ’ s desire to further broaden accessibility to a Birkenhead School education alongside its extensive bursary provision .
The School is hosting Open Events in the Autumn Term for prospective families and Assessment Days for September 2022 entry into Seniors are being held in January 2022 . Funded Access Scholarships are available for Sixth Form entry and a new Liverpool bus service is starting in September this year .
Anyone interested in visiting the School to enquire about potential admission , and the scholarships and bursaries available , should contact : seniorsadmissions @ birkenheadschool . co . uk or Julie Hopper , PA to the Headmaster , on 0151 651 3009 .
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