Prospectus | September 2016 Entry Choosing where to continue your education Welcome. at 16 is an important decision and we are Mission Statement delighted that you are considering To be an outstanding The Sixth Form College. As a Centre of Excellence for sixth form studies, we are We hope you feel The Sixth Form College is the right choice experienced in helping students just like you to achieve your for you. Please do come along to one of our Open Events to Sixth Form College full potential in preparation for your future career. find out more about all of the opportunities available from our student alumni and staff. Our courses are led by subject specialists with a wealth of experience of teaching 16-19 year-olds and our results, providing high quality which are higher than both the local and national average, are a testament to our expertise.

We offer a mature and aspirational place in which to learn, education for all. and foster a culture of independence, confidence and mutual respect, so students leave with a broad skill set and a real Kathryn Podmore desire to succeed. Many go on to study at top universities, Principal including Oxbridge, whilst others secure apprenticeships or jobs with leading employers.

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: XXXXXXX Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Welcome 03 Find out why  “I chose to study at Open The Sixth Form College we are Wirral’s  because it’s friendly, supportive staff and No.1 Sixth Form: environment welcomed events me more than anywhere else.” Want more information? Melissa, Weatherhead Come along to one of our open evenings where you can High School & Calday Grange Grammar School take a look around the college for yourself and chat to Welcome...... 03 current students and subject tutors about courses. Why Choose Us...... 06 Wednesday 11th November 2015 Courses...... 10 Facilities...... 22 Wednesday 20th January 2016 Advanced Level Courses...... 12 Student Life...... 26 Saturday 19th March 2016 COMPETITION Level 2 Courses...... 14 Application Process...... 28 FOR PLACES IS HIGH Support ...... 16 Travel...... 29 So apply early to secure the course of your choice

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Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Open Events 05 Why choose us? FULL PREPARATION £4M FOR HIGHER INVESTMENT EDUCATION IN MODERN SPECIALIST FACILITIES IN SIXTH HIGH WIDEST FORM ACHIEVING CHOICE OF EDUCATION ACADEMIC OUTSTANDING COURSES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE SUPPORT

06 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: XXXXXXX Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Why choose us? 07 As one of only 93 specialist sixth form What sets a sixth form college colleges in the country and a recognised Specialist Sixth Centre of Academic Excellence, we are the apart from school? experts in sixth form education.

It is a bold statement, but one we know we can deliver • More choice of courses, available in any subject combination, Form College. on - whatever your qualifi cations and aspirations. to suit each student’s ambitions and abilities. We have more than 25 years’ experience in providing • Dedicated sixth form teachers and specialist support staff. specialist sixth form education and our team of dedicated and highly experienced and qualifi ed staff is committed • An adult approach to student learning, providing a ‘stepping to the highest standards of teaching and support for stone’ from school to the world of employment or university. our students. • Learning environments designed for sixth form study. We are here to equip you with all the skills you need • Sixth form colleges statistically for Higher Education and employment, with the widest outperform all other providers range of A Level and BTEC course options in the area, of 16-18 education.* and additional activities all designed to add depth and “Coming to breadth to your CV. The Sixth Form It is our personalised approach, combined with the College was the quality of our provision, which has made us the number best decision one choice for school leavers from every school in the I’ve ever made.” area, with many students also joining us from even Breandán, further afi eld.

08 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Why choose us? * Sixth Form Colleges Association: ‘Sixth Sense - how Sixth Form Colleges Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Why choose us? 09 help students progress to higher education and beyond’. The widest choice of courses in Wirral

Courses. For detailed Whether you are looking to progress on to Higher Education at a and up to date top university or secure a position with one of the country’s leading information on all employers, we offer you all the help and advice you need to choose subjects and the best combination of courses to get you there. courses visit Take a look at the table below to confirm www.bsfc.ac.uk which level is best for you:

Predicted/ Course choices actual results ALL THE 5 GCSEs at grades Advanced Level GUIDANCE YOU A*-C (including (A Levels and BTEC NEED TO BUILD Study the courses Maths or English qualifications) THE RIGHT of your choice, with Language) PROGRAMME FOR YOU more combinations GCSEs at grades C-D Level 2 (BTECS and than any other sixth GCSEs) form in Wirral GCSEs at grades E-F Please contact the Admissions Team for 10 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses advice Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses 11 Advanced A Levels and A Level Subjects BTEC Level 3 Qualifications BTEC Qualifications (AS and A2 including Applied subjects) Subsidiary Diploma Diploma Level courses. Equivalent to: 1 A level Equivalent to: 2 A levels Below is an example of a standard pathway for Choose from the following: Business Business our Level 3 courses: Law ICT Art & Design - Fine Art English Language and Mathematics - Further University, employment, or further Literature Applied Science Forensic Science PROGRESS education/other higher education course Art & Design - Graphics Media Studies English Literature Medical Science Art & Design - Textiles Music Film Studies Sport Biology Physics Extended Diploma Study three or four A Level subjects French Equivalent to: 3 A levels YEAR 2 or BTEC equivalent qualifications Business Psychology Geography Chemistry Religious Studies Health & Social Care Government & Politics (Full Time Programme) Computer Science Sociology YEAR 1 Study four A Level subjects or BTEC Health & Social Care equivalent qualifications Dance Spanish “The college really helps History Design Technology Sport & Physical Education to unleash the full potential ICT (Applied) Drama & Theatre Studies Statistics Five separate GCSEs, including Maths of all of its students helping ENTRY Law and/or English Language, at grades A*-C Economics you to achieve your Mathematics English Language career plans.” James, St. John Plessington 12 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses * Some subjects may have additional entry criteria Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses 13 * BTEC qualifications may be considered if at Merit or above Catholic College Level 2 courses. BTECs and GCSE BTEC Level 2 Qualifications Diploma

Choose from the following: Below is an example of the sort of progression you can expect from our Level 2 courses: Art & Design ICT Business Media YEARS 2 AND 3: Study for Level 3 Advanced Level Health & Social Care courses and follow a similar pathway to that outlined on page 13. GCSE/Level 2 “College provides Year 1 Study / BTEC Level 2 Diploma: May include GCSE a superb bridge resits (or equivalent courses) in Maths and/or English Choose from the following: between high school English Maths and university.” Matthew, Entry: GCSEs mostly at grade C or D Wirral Grammar School for Boys

Please note that we do reserve the right to place students on an alternative Level 2 qualification in Maths or English. The qualification we offer will be appropriate to an individual’s level of ability and will be confirmed following a short assessment at the start of the term.

14 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses 15 One of our key roles as a sixth Support. form college is to provide a strong “The college is a friendly foundation for students. This allows environment in which you to progress from school fully teachers push students to succeed and also prepared for Higher Education, provide support through further training or employment. processes such as applying for University.” Bethany, To make sure you feel fully supported from when you start, our academic offering is underpinned by “Since joining a friendly and experienced support team who will The Sixth Form College be on hand to offer unrivalled guidance and advice “The Sixth Form College I have become more whenever you need it: offers great support in confident and enjoy my chosen subjects. The studying. Teachers here • Pastoral support teachers are friendly support you and help • Academic support and helpful and the college has a great you achieve your goals • Learning support and ambitions.” atmosphere.” Geena, • Careers support Jack, Birkenhead School High School Academy • Higher Education support • Financial support

16 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support 17 If you require additional learning support, our dedicated Pastoral Support Academic Support Additional Learning Support team of Learning Support staff will work closely with you, your family, school, external agencies and College staff to deliver a level of provision that is exactly right for you. Our Personal and Guidance tutors will work closely To unlock your full academic potential, we offer with you on a one-to-one basis throughout your time a range of specialist support led by experienced Our Learning Support Team is based in the Learning at The Sixth Form College, helping you to pinpoint staff that is designed to support your learning, Assistance Base here at The Sixth Form College and strengths and areas you may wish to develop so that including: offer tailored support including: you are fully prepared for the next stage in your professional or academic development. • Advanced academic writing programme • One-to-one support from a qualifi ed Learning Support - where you are fully supported to develop your Assistant You will attend weekly tutorials, which will cover writing skills for the higher level required at topics such as Higher Education choices, careers, A Level and in preparation for university • Dyslexia support fi nance, personal safety and current affairs, all • Discreet in-classroom support delivered by specialist teaching staff or experts • Subject plus sessions - timetabled sessions in the fi eld. offering you additional preparation and support • Note takers and/or readers in particular subjects • Special exam considerations, including rest breaks, • Study Hall - a timetabled session when you psychological support, extra time, readers, scribes or have an opportunity to do exam practice or separate exam rooms “The staff exude passion and attend extra lessons • Technical support, including the loan of equipment, such as laptops strive to make sure that every • Extended project qualifi cation - student’s needs are met.” a university-style project which gives you an • Access to the Learning Assistance Base with Elizabeth, Hilbre High School opportunity to extend your abilities beyond the individual work stations, large tables and sofas, and parameters of the A Level syllabus an adjacent quiet room fi tted with comfortable sofas and laptop tables

18 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support 19 Higher Education Careers Support Honours Programme Financial Support

The Honours Programme is a tailored academic All essential costs, such as course workbooks, textbooks, If you are planning to go to university, The Sixth Form From day one, we will match our support to your career programme of curriculum, enrichment and guidance, instruments and equipment, are covered by the College, College is the perfect choice to help you to get ahead of ambitions, and we have a proven track record in helping designed to equip high achieving students with the however additional fi nancial support is available for your peers and secure a place. We offer all the support students to pursue careers across a whole range of sectors. knowledge and support needed to progress students who meet the necessary criteria. you need, with advice, talks and visits including: We will help to improve your employability to a leading university. potential with: Depending on your circumstances, this may include: • Expert advice on UCAS applications from experienced During your studies you can benefi t from: College staff and university admissions teams • Access to the Careers Portal containing software and • A guaranteed bursary of £1,200 online exercises covering all aspects of the job and • Specialist guidance on the subjects that are • Visits to Oxbridge and other top universities apprenticeship application process, as well as details preferred by the most competitive universities • An income assessed bursary on interview preparation and techniques • Talks and expert guidance delivered as part of an for your choice of degree • Access to the College’s discretionary learning established mentoring scheme with the University support fund • Assistance in applying for higher level apprenticeships • Opportunities to participate in lectures and of Liverpool with industry-leading companies a residential at Oxbridge universities • Opportunities to look at university placements both • Career-focused tutorials covering interview • Opportunities to develop the skills that top at home and abroad More of our students techniques, apprenticeship options, vacancy search, universities look for go on to university and CV and cover letter writing practice • Links to the Liverpool University Scholar’s Scheme, than from any other • Opportunities to take leadership roles, where Year 12 students take part in activities Wirral sixth form, with • Careers fairs with local and national employers such as becoming involved in the student designed to prepare them for university life many securing places ambassadors programme at prestigious Russell • Supported opportunities through organisations Group Universities. such as The Social Mobility Foundation and • Opportunities to visit Russell Group universities The Sutton Trust

20 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support 21 Facilities

Our teaching provision is supported by modern facilities designed to support sixth form study. Over the last few years we have made signifi cant investment in the College, spending over £4 million on:

• The School of Art and Design

• The Wilfred Owen Humanities Building

• New and fully equipped Science Laboratories “The college has • New Learning Assistance Base provided the necessary facilities • 8SQ student refectory and conservatory and outstanding • Extended multi-gym teaching required for me to realise my full potential” Max, Neston High School

22 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities 23 Technology The Hub “The college As a student at The Sixth Form College, you will have The Hub - a university-style integrated learning area really helps to unleash access to a technology support package that is designed - provides students with a great space in which to the full potential of all to enhance your learning experience. IT & Technical complete any independent study using: of its students helping Services provide computer facilities and specialist you to achieve your software including the Microsoft Offi ce 365 Education • Open access computers career plans.” Package. These include: • Text books James, St. John Plessington • eBooks Catholic College • Wi-Fi that can be accessed at any time, on any device • Journals • Video wall • Remote Access

• A range of software programs and tools • 50GB mailbox The Hub is divided into two fl oors • 1TB OneDrive Pro Cloud storage • Hub 1 is dedicated primarily to reading • Free fi ve-copy license of Microsoft Offi ce for and independent group study. home use whilst enrolled at the College (including use on mobile devices) • Hub 2 is our main computer suite consisting of 96 computers which students can access any time during Hub opening hours. 24 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities 25 LEARN A Gone are the days where less is more. Now, employers and university admissions teams are looking for CVs with that NEW SKILL: Learn to drive and get ahead added extra - something that makes you stand out from the hundreds, and even thousands, of other applicants. TAKE A CHALLENGE: Anything from To help enhance your CV and make your time at the College even more fulfi lling, we offer a huge range of Student life. Anything from British Sign Working in partnership with IGo Driving, we offer enrichment opportunities from student ambassadorships to subject trips at home and abroad. climbing the Three Language students the opportunity to learn to drive at reduced Peaks to completing to First Aid JOIN A rates, arranged around the college timetable. an environmental CLUB: LEARN A project DO WORK With pick up points and theory test sessions here at LANGUAGE: EXPERIENCE: Covering debating, The Sixth Form College, getting ahead is made easy. fi lm and A full driving licence can make life at university much Including Mandarin Organise a work experience many more easier and improve your CV and job prospects too. Chinese and other placement with employers or world languages apply to take part in national work experience schemes “The Sixth Form College with leading multi-national enables you to develop organisations SUPPORT key skills for the future BE A STUDENT FUN and provides a warm AMBASSADOR: FUNDRAISING atmosphere in which Staff nominate students to EARN THE DUKE EVENTS: strangers become represent the College and APPLY TO OF EDINBURGH’S friends.” student body at internal BE HEAD : Including Children in GOLD AWARD Need, Comic Relief, Phoebe, and external events STUDENT: No previous experience Battle of the Bands, all Your chance to necessary, includes organised by Student represent your two expeditions to Ambassadors and Head • Exclusive deals for our students fellow students Snowdonia Student team • Theory test sessions at the College

26 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Student Life Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Student Life 27 A5088 FROM WALLASEY Information on the travel options available Applying to the College is easy, here’s how it works: ST. JAMES can be accessed at: www.bsfc.ac.uk A553 CHURCH FROM 1. Submit an application form online via our website HOYLAKE Application process. www.bsfc.ac.uk or complete an application form which Travel. LAIRD ST. can be downloaded online or requested from the BUS DEPOT A5028 College reception. FROM A5151 LISCARD FROM BIDSTON MALLABY BIRKENHEAD 2. We interview all students, with appointments taking How to fi nd us… STREET PARK STATION place from December onwards. This is a chance for you We are situated in Claughton Village, next to Birkenhead Park. NORTH PARK ROAD NOR to come along to the college and discuss your expected or existing GCSE results, course options and recent CLAUGHTON By bus… POST OFFICE TH school reports with one of our staff to make sure you PARK ROAD P are following the route that is right for you. The College is accessible via an extensive bus network and there ARK ROAD WEST CONW are regular buses to and from the College from across Wirral. BIRKENHEAD AY STREET 3. After your interview, we will be in touch to let you know UPTON ROAD Dedicated College bus services operate from West Wirral and PARK if you have been successful and offer you a place at the A5027 College. south Wirral. FROM UPTON A553 WEST KIRBY FROM A FREE shuttle bus service also runs every morning from BIRKENHEAD 4. If you have been offered a place, you will be invited SHREWSBURY TUNNEL AND Birkenhead rail stations to the College. ARK ROAD EAST ROAD P TOWN CENTRE to attend our New Student Event which takes place in PARK ROAD SOUTH June or July. It is a really good opportunity to get a Putting taste of sixth form life before you start. By rail… The College is a 10-minute walk from Birkenhead Park station. academic WE ARE CHARING 5. The new term starts in September - new friends, excellence HERE CROSS teachers and the start of a successful future. By car… on the map The college is a fi ve-minute drive from Birkenhead town centre FROM BOROUGH ROAD and is easily accessible from all parts of Wirral. (A552) We have made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Application Process at the time of printing. The College reserves the right to make changes and cannot accept liability Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Travel 29 28 arising out of, or in connection with any revision. Students join us from

all over Wirral… h South Wirral Rose Bromwynne Jasmine Bethany Ben Phoebe Jessica St John Plessington Neston

Calday St Mary’s Birkenhead Hig Grammar Bebington Hilbre Elliott Aleksandra Geena Breandán Woodchurch Weatherhead Prenton

Pensby ay Upton Hall Birkenhead Kingsway St Anselm’s ew Kingsmead st Mosslands Joseph Harry Phoebe Stephen Alice Louis Chloe We

Kirby Wirral Grammar idg

Emma Harvey Liberty Ollie Jack ammar Gr R Oldershaw 30 Park Road West, Claughton, Wirral CH43 8SQ the centre of academic excellence Tel: 0151 652 5575 | www.bsfc.ac.uk