Prospectus | September 2017 Entry
Mission Statement
To be an outstanding Sixth Form College providing high quality education for all 2
Welcome
Choosing where to continue your education at 16 is an important decision and we are delighted that you are considering The Sixth Form College. As a Centre of Excellence for sixth form studies, we are experienced in helping students just like you to achieve your full potential in preparation for your future career. Our courses are led by subject specialists with a wealth of experience of teaching 16-19 year olds and our results demonstrate we have an excellent academic track record of success - a testament to our expertise. We offer a mature and aspirational place in which to learn, and foster a culture of independence, confidence and mutual respect, so students leave with a broad skill set and a real desire to succeed. Many go on to study at top universities, including Oxbridge, whilst others secure apprenticeships or jobs with leading employers.
We hope you feel The Sixth Form College is the right choice for you. Please do come along to one of our Open Events to find out more about all the opportunities that are available. We look forward to meeting you.
Kathryn Podmore Principal
Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Welcome
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“I chose to study at The Sixth Form College because it’s friendly, supportive staff and environment welcomed me more than anywhere else.”
Find out why we are Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form:
Melissa, Weatherhead High School & Calday Grange Grammar School
Welcome.................................................03 Why Choose Us......................................06 Courses...................................................10
Facilities.................................................22
Advanced Level Courses.......................12
Student Life............................................26
Level 2 Courses......................................14
Application Process..............................28
Support ..................................................16
Travel.......................................................29
facebook.com/birkenheadsixthformcollege
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Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: XXXXXXX www.bsfc.ac.uk
@BSFC
Open Events Want more information?
Come along to one of our Open Evenings where you can take a look around the College for yourself and chat to current students and subject tutors about courses and studying at the College.
Wednesday 5th October 2016 Wednesday 23rd November 2016 Wednesday 25th January 2017
COMPETITION FOR PLACES IS HIGH So apply early to secure the courses of your choice
Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Open Events
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Why choose us?
£4M INVESTMENT WIDEST CHOICE OF COURSES 6
SPECIALIST IN SIXTH FORM EDUCATION
IN MODERN FACILITIES
OUTSTANDING SUPPORT
HIGH ACHIEVING ACADEMIC CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
FULL PREPARATION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
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Specialist Sixth Form College
As one of only 93 specialist sixth form colleges in the country and a recognised Centre of Academic Excellence, we are the experts in sixth form education. It is a bold statement, but one we know we can deliver on - whatever your qualifications and aspirations. We have more than 25 years’ experience in providing specialist sixth form education and our team of dedicated and highly experienced and qualified staff is committed to the highest standards of teaching and support for our students. We are here to equip you with all the skills you need for Higher Education and employment, with the widest range of A Level and BTEC course options in the area, and additional activities all designed to add depth and breadth to your CV. It is our personalised approach, combined with the quality of our provision, which has made us the number one choice for school leavers from every school in the area, with many students also joining us from even further afield.
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What sets a sixth form college apart from school? •
More choice of courses, available in any subject combination, to suit each student’s ambitions and abilities.
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Dedicated sixth form teachers and specialist support staff.
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An adult approach to student learning, providing a ‘stepping stone’ from school to the world of employment or university.
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Learning environments designed for sixth form study.
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Sixth form colleges statistically outperform all other providers of 16-18 education.*
“Coming to The Sixth Form College was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Breandán, South Wirral High School
* Sixth Form Colleges Association: ‘Sixth Sense - how Sixth Form Colleges help students progress to higher education and beyond’.
Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Why choose us?
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Courses
ALL THE GUIDANCE YOU NEED TO BUILD THE RIGHT PROGRAMME FOR YOU
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Study the courses of your choice, with more combinations than any other sixth form in Wirral
The widest choice of courses in Wirral Whether you are looking to progress on to Higher Education at a top university or secure a position with one of the country’s leading employers, we offer you all the help and advice you need to choose the best combination of courses to get you there.
Take a look at the table below to confirm which level is best for you:
Predicted/ actual results
For detailed and up to date information on all subjects and courses visit www.bsfc.ac.uk
Course choices
5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (including Maths or English Language)
Advanced Level (A Levels and BTEC qualifications)
GCSEs at grades C-D
Level 2 (BTECS and GCSEs)
GCSEs at grades E-F
Please contact the Admissions Team for advice
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Advanced Level courses
A Levels and BTEC Qualifications Below is an example of a standard pathway for our Level 3 courses:
ENTRY
Five separate GCSEs, including Maths and/or English Language, at grades A*-C
YEAR 1
Study four A Level subjects or BTEC equivalent qualifications
YEAR 2
Study three or four A Level subjects or BTEC equivalent qualifications
PROGRESS
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Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses
University, employment, or further education/other higher education course
BTEC Level 3 Qualifications
A Level Subjects (AS and A2 including Applied subjects)
Subsidiary Diploma Equivalent to: 1 A level
Choose from the following:
Diploma Equivalent to: 2 A levels
Art & Design - Fine Art
English Language
Mathematics
Business
Business
Art & Design - Graphics
English Language and Literature
Mathematics - Further
Law
ICT
Media Studies
Applied Science
Medical Science
Art & Design - Textiles Biology Business Chemistry Computer Science Dance Design Technology Drama & Theatre Studies Economics
English Literature Film Studies French Geography Government & Politics Health & Social Care History
Sport
Music Physics Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish
ICT (Applied)
Sport & Physical Education
Law
Statistics
Extended Diploma Equivalent to: 3 A levels Health & Social Care (Full Time Programme)
Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma Art, Design & Media
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Level 2 courses
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Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses
“College provides a superb bridge between high school and university.” Matthew, Wirral Grammar School for Boys
Vocational and GCSE Qualifications Below is an example of the sort of progression you can expect from our Level 2 courses: Entry: GCSEs mostly at grade C or D
Year 1 Study / BTEC Level 2 Diploma: May include GCSE resits (or equivalent courses) in Maths and/or English
YEARS 2 AND 3: Study for Level 3 Advanced Level courses and follow a similar pathway to that outlined on page 13.
Vocational Level 2 Diploma Choose from the following: Art & Design
ICT
Business
Media
Health & Social Care
GCSE/Level 2 Choose from the following: English
Maths
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.
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Support “Since joining The Sixth Form College I have become more confident and enjoy studying. Teachers here support you and help you achieve your goals and ambitions.” Geena, Birkenhead High School Academy
“The Sixth Form College offers great support in my chosen subjects. The teachers are friendly and helpful and the college has a great atmosphere.” Jack, Birkenhead School
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Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support
One of our key roles as a sixth form college is to provide a strong foundation for students. This allows you to progress from school fully prepared for Higher Education, further training or employment.
“The college is a friendly environment in which teachers push students to succeed and also provide support through processes such as applying for University.” Bethany, Hilbre High School
To make sure you feel fully supported from when you start, our academic offering is underpinned by a friendly and experienced support team who will be on hand to offer unrivalled guidance and advice whenever you need it: •
Pastoral support
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Academic support
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Learning support
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Careers support
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Higher Education support
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Financial support
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Pastoral Support Our Personal and Guidance tutors will work closely with you on a one-to-one basis throughout your time at The Sixth Form College, helping you to pinpoint strengths and areas you may wish to develop so that you are fully prepared for the next stage in your professional or academic development. You will attend weekly tutorials, which will cover topics such as Higher Education choices, careers, finance, personal safety and current affairs, all delivered by specialist teaching staff or experts in the field.
“The staff exude passion and strive to make sure that every student’s needs are met.” Elizabeth, Hilbre High School
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Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support
Academic Support To unlock your full academic potential, we offer a range of specialist support led by experienced staff that is designed to support your learning, including: •
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Additional Learning Support
If you require additional learning support, our dedicated 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 Learning Support Team is based in the Learning Assistance Base here at The Sixth Form College and offer tailored support including: •
where you are fully supported to develop your writing skills for the higher level required at A Level and in preparation for university
One-to-one support from a qualified Learning Support Assistant
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Dyslexia support
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Discreet in-classroom support
Subject plus sessions - timetabled sessions
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Note takers and/or readers
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Special exam considerations, including rest breaks, psychological support, extra time, readers, scribes or separate exam rooms
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Technical support, including the loan of equipment, such as laptops
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Access to the Learning Assistance Base with individual work stations, large tables and sofas, and an adjacent quiet room fitted with comfortable sofas and laptop tables
Advanced academic writing programme -
offering you additional preparation and support in particular subjects
Study Hall - a timetabled session when you have an opportunity to do exam practice or attend extra lessons Extended project qualification a university-style project which gives you an opportunity to extend your abilities beyond the parameters of the A Level syllabus
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Careers Support
Higher Education If you are planning to go to university, The Sixth Form College is the perfect choice to help you to get ahead of your peers and secure a place. We offer all the support you need, with advice, talks and visits including: •
Expert advice on UCAS applications from experienced College staff and university admissions teams
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Visits to Oxbridge and other top universities
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Talks and expert guidance delivered as part of an established mentoring scheme with the University of Liverpool
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Opportunities to look at university placements both at home and abroad
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Links to the Liverpool University Scholar’s Scheme, where Year 12 students take part in activities designed to prepare them for university life
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From day one, we will match our support to your career ambitions, and we have a proven track record in helping students to pursue careers across a whole range of sectors. We will help to improve your employability potential with:
Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support
More of our students go on to university than from any other Wirral sixth form, with many securing places at prestigious Russell Group Universities.
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Access to the Careers Portal containing software and online exercises covering all aspects of the job and apprenticeship application process, as well as details on interview preparation and techniques
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Assistance in applying for higher level apprenticeships with industry-leading companies
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Career-focused tutorials covering interview techniques, apprenticeship options, vacancy search, and CV and cover letter writing practice
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Careers fairs with local and national employers
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Supported opportunities through organisations such as The Social Mobility Foundation and The Sutton Trust
Honours Programme The Honours Programme is a tailored academic programme of curriculum, enrichment and guidance, designed to equip high achieving students with the knowledge and support needed to progress to a leading university. During your studies you can benefit from: •
Specialist guidance on the subjects that are preferred by the most competitive universities for your choice of degree
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Opportunities to participate in lectures and a residential at Oxbridge universities
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Opportunities to develop the skills that top universities look for
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Opportunities to take leadership roles, such as becoming involved in the student ambassadors programme
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Opportunities to visit Russell Group universities
Financial Support All essential costs, such as course workbooks, textbooks, instruments and equipment, are covered by the College, however additional financial support is available for students who meet the necessary criteria. Depending on your circumstances, this may include: •
A guaranteed bursary of £1,200
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An income assessed bursary
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Access to the College’s discretionary learning support fund
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Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities
Facilities Our teaching provision is supported by modern facilities designed to support sixth form study. Over the last few years we have made significant investment in the College, spending over £4 million on: •
The School of Art and Design
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The Wilfred Owen Humanities Building
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New and fully equipped Science Laboratories
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New Learning Assistance Base
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8SQ student refectory and conservatory
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Extended multi-gym
“The college has provided the necessary facilities and outstanding teaching required for me to realise my full potential” Max, Neston High School
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Technology As a student at The Sixth Form College, you will have access to a technology support package that is designed to enhance your learning experience. IT Services provide computer facilities and a range of indusrty standard sortware. These include:
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Wi-Fi that can be accessed at any time, on any device
• Remote Access
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Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities
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A range of indusrty standard software programs and tools
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1TB OneDrive Pro Cloud storage
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50GB mailbox
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Free five-copy license of Microsoft Office for home use whilst enrolled at the College (including use on mobile devices)
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Office 365 education
The Study Hub The Study Hub - a university-style integrated learning area provides students with a great space in which to complete any independent study using: •
Open access computers
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Text books
“The college really helps to unleash the full potential of all of its students helping you to achieve your career plans.” James, St. John Plessington Catholic College
• eBooks • Journals •
Microsoft IT academy training suite
The Hub is divided into two floors • Hub 1 is dedicated primarily to reading and independent group study. • Hub 2 is our main computer suite consisting of 96 computers which students can access any time during Hub opening hours.
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Student life Gone are the days where less is more. Now, employers and university admissions teams are looking for CVs with that added extra - something that makes you stand out from the hundreds, and even thousands, of other applicants. To help enhance your CV and make your time at the College even more fulfilling, we offer a huge range of enrichment opportunities from student ambassadorships to subject trips at home and abroad.
LEARN A LANGUAGE: “The Sixth Form College enables you to develop key skills for the future and provides a warm atmosphere in which strangers become friends.� Phoebe, Woodchurch High School
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Including Mandarin Chinese, German and other world languages
APPLY TO BE HEAD STUDENT: Your chance to represent your fellow students
BE A STUDENT AMBASSADOR: Staff nominate students to represent the College and student body at internal and external events
LEARN A NEW SKILL: Anything from British Sign Language to First Aid
DO WORK EXPERIENCE: VOLUNTEERING With the National Citizen Service, local organisations and schools
EARN THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S GOLD AWARD: No previous experience necessary, includes two expeditions to Snowdonia
Organise a work experience placement with employers or apply to take part in national work experience schemes with leading multi-national organisations
JOIN A CLUB: Debating, Film, Taekwon-do, Law and many more
SUPPORT FUN FUNDRAISING EVENTS: Including Children in Need, Comic Relief, Battle of the Bands, all organised by Student Ambassadors and Head Student team
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Application process
Applying to the College is easy, here’s how it works: 1. Submit an application form online via our website www.bsfc.ac.uk or complete an application form which can be downloaded online or requested from the College reception. 2. We interview all students, with appointments taking place from December onwards. This is a chance for you to come along to the college and discuss your expected or existing GCSE results, course options and recent school reports with one of our staff to make sure you are following the route that is right for you. 3. After your interview, we will be in touch to let you know if you have been successful and offer you a place at the College. 4. If you have been offered a place, you will be invited to attend our New Student Event which takes place in June or July. It is a really good opportunity to get a taste of sixth form life before you start. 5. The new term starts in September - new friends, teachers and the start of a successful future.
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Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Application process
A5088 FROM WALLASEY
LAIRD ST. BUS DEPOT
MALLABY STREET
How to find us…
NORTH CLAUGHTON POST OFFICE
By bus…
By rail… The College is a 10-minute walk from Birkenhead Park station.
By car… The College is a five-minute drive from Birkenhead town centre and is easily accessible from all parts of Wirral.
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Putting academic excellence on the map
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Dedicated College bus services operate from Ellesmere Port, Neston and Heswall.
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We are situated in Claughton Village, next to Birkenhead Park.
The College is accessible via an extensive bus network and there are regular buses to and from the College from across Wirral.
BIRKENHEAD PARK STATION
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A5151 FROM BIDSTON
SHREWSBURY ROAD
PARK ROAD
WE ARE HERE Park Road West, Claughton, Wirral CH43 8SQ
We have made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate at the time of printing. The College reserves the right to make changes and cannot accept liability arising out of, or in connection with any revision.
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Travel
A553 FROM HOYLAKE
Information on the travel options available can be accessed at: www.bsfc.ac.uk
ST. JAMES CHURCH
SOUTH CHARING CROSS
FROM BOROUGH ROAD (A552)
Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Travel
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Students join us from all over Wirral‌
The Centre of Academic Excellence
Park Road West, Claughton, Wirral CH43 8SQ Tel: 0151 652 5575 | www.bsfc.ac.uk