Information Guide for Parents 2023

information guide for parents

Everything you need to know for when your son or daughter joins us in September 2023

“I came here from a grammar school and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Dear Parents,

An interesting piece of information to share is that the majority of staff at the College seek to have their own children educated here. So, those with the inside knowledge want those they care about to come here for this critical part of their education. In most cases, they will be leaving schools with sixth forms, including grammar schools.

I hope you find that reassuring. They are parents just like you and they will only do what is best for their children. They know education, they know the College and they make this positive decision.

In this booklet you will find information about how the College works. You will also find a summary of our values. We want this to help you understand us and so support us with the journey that your child will be on over the next few years.

These are critical and transformative years: they are the stepping stone to adulthood and independence. You are putting your trust in us, we take that seriously and will work to ensure that trust is repaid.

Choosing BSFC

the best choice

As award-winning experts in educating students aged 16-18, we are absolutely confident that the choice to study at Birkenhead Sixth Form College is the right decision for students and you as parents.

We are honest and open that the sixth form experience here is vastly different to high school or other sixth forms, but it’s different in a way that brings out the best in young people academically and personally.

The College is a stepping stone to university, apprenticeships or employment and helps to open doors for students’ futures. We expect a lot of our students but our teachers and support staff more than match the endeavour and hard work that our A Level, BTEC and T Levels students put in.

About us:

We are the most successful sixth form in the area

We consistently outperform all local schools including grammars

We are over subscribed every year

4

Our teachers are experts in sixth form education

The opportunity for personal growth is unrivalled

After high school, College is a fresh start

hear from a parent of a former student

Ellie Blakemore left the College in 2016, and as you can see below, she enjoyed a tremendous time at the College and beyond.

Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to watch a video with Ellie’s mum, Paula, who would say in the strongest terms that the choice to join Birkenhead Sixth Form College from a grammar school was the best decision Ellie ever made.

how it went at College

how it went at Uni (Nottingham Uni)...

First Class Degree

five year integrated masters program with a year in industry and chemical engineering

Listen to Paula’s story as a parent

scan the code with your phone’s camera

a few recent quotes from parents

What you have done for Ben is life changing and has opened so many doors for him.

We have been so impressed, and grateful, for the organisation, enthusiasm and massive support. Every teacher has gone above and beyond our expectations.

May 2022

I’d just like to say how delighted my wife and I are with everything that Bikenhead Sixth Form College has done. In every respect, you’ve been brilliant. My daughter has settled in great. She has made new friends and knows plenty of people on her courses already.

January 2023

February 2023

Thank you again for your excellent communication and your endeavours to maintain such high standards of care, it is greatly appreciated.

September 2022

My son has taken away so much more than just his educational achievements. He has also grown in so many way personally.

December 2022

We have been impressed with the College from day one, and have recommended it to a number of friends looking at sixth form options.

March 2023

Thank you for helping set our daughter on the path for the rest of her life.

November 2022

COLLEGE OF THE YEAR 2023

A truly outstanding sixth form college...

Educate North Awards judges

“

our awards our awards

We are very proud of our local and national awards which recognise many of the components that make us the nationally renowned College that we are.

Along with accolades acknowledging the College’s superb academic achievements, we are extremely pleased to have been so widely recognised for our commitment to social mobility, ensuring that all students have access to the same opportunities, no matter their background or starting point.

The College was also the first sixth form college in the country to be awarded the Quality in Careers Standard, proving that our careers provision is industry-leading, offering a broad spectrum of programmes to help students achieve next steps after College that many would never have thought possible elsewhere.

our results

We consistently outperform all local schools, including grammar schools.

Students achieve more with us than anywhere else, no matter their starting point.

High grades - best in the area.

The results our students get with us get them to the right university for them, the best university for their future - that’s a guarantee.

Russell Group universities are the most discerning universities in the country. We get students the results to make these universities their destination.

We also help students gain apprenticeships with leading employers.

our values

Our values run through everything we do every day.

Both staff and students exemplify the four values and they influence each and every interaction that we have.

we are positive about what we can do and what others can do positive we are

ambitious we are resilient we are thoughtful we are

we work to release the innate human drive for success

we will not give up when faced with difficulties

we treat everyone with respect and consideration

teaching house style

At Birkenhead Sixth Form College, our teaching style is informed by proven scientific research and methodology that sculpts how best to educate young people. Our teachers are trained specialists and adopt a consistent approach in how lessons are conducted and how to communicate information in an absorbable and understandable fashion.

Instructional Learning

we don’t do fads, we follow the evidence and so we adopt an Instructional based style.

Cognitive Load

the volume and pace of learning is managed by us according to the theory of cognitive load.

Engagement

we require students to be engaged throughout a lesson and will check to make sure they remain on task and demonstrate their learning.

Positive Challenges

we manage how we question students but we always require an answer. ‘I don’t know’ is never allowed, let’s find out what they do know.

Homework

all of it completed, from all of the students, all of the time.

Never Tardy

we start all our lessons on time and we do not finish early.

In Command

we are always polite and always in charge.

start of term

‘Find Your Feet’ is the College’s unique programme for students’ first few weeks of term that helps them settle in, make new friends and feel totally at home at College. From taster sessions in various clubs, societies, activities and sports, to ‘Inflatable Fridays’ to get involved in (or have a laugh watching!), they’ll find no end of things to do and ways to introduce themselves to fellow new students.

Our Student Ambassadors and staff will be in the hallways and around the College to help new students get to where they need to go, so they don’t have to worry about getting lost when they first start.

Key information before joining BSFC

joining us

There are a number of events leading up to the start of term that are crucial for students and parents to be aware of, most notable being Enrolment Appointments. Each student’s Enrolment Appointment date and time is outlined both in the letter accompanying this guide and with the letter in the students’ Enrolment packs.

This section will outline what to expect at Enrolment, along with a checklist of what students need to bring with them. Parents are welcome to come along to students’ appointments if you wish.

We will also highlight what to do if there are concerns over students’ GCSE results if their Enrolment Appointment falls after Thursday 24th August.

key dates 2023

Below are the key dates to look out for before students start their College journey.

All of the events are designed to make the switch from high school to sixth form as smooth and comfortable as possible, and there are always plenty of staff and current students to ask questions to and help find the way around the campus.

Return Enrolment Forms - by Thursday 10th August

GCSE Results Day Clinic- Thurs 24th August 1- 3pm

If students’ results aren’t as they’d hoped or some advice is required before Enrolment appointments, then our expert tutors run a GCSE Results Day Clinic for students to speak to them and get some reassurance.

Enrolment Appointments -

Thursday 24th August - Wednesday 30th August

Each student is allocated a specific time and date for Enrolment that you will find in the accompanying letter to this guide. This is where final course choices are made and students officially join the College.

First day of term - Monday 4th September

The start of term. This dedicated day for just new students to attend College is a chance to get settled in and enjoy meeting their teachers, tutors and fellow new students while taking part in some fun activities.

what to expect at an enrolment appointment

We’re looking forward to welcoming your son/daughter to enrol at the College. The appointment date/time is detailed in the letter with this booklet - it will be on either 24th, 25th, 29th or 30th August 2023.

Here’s what to expect:

Please bring the student’s enrolment form, a paper copy of their GCSE exam results and £5 College fund contribution for their College ID card.

Students will finalise their course choices based on their GCSE results and career aspirations.

The Enrolment Appointment is at the College. Please arrive at the main entrance on Park Road West.

Parents or carers are welcome to attend.

The Enrolment process typically takes around 1 hour, but we give students as much time as is needed to ensure that they are enrolled on the right courses for them.

Equipment is required to be purchased for selected subjects:

• Calculators for Maths, Further Maths, Statistics - £21.50

• Dance top - £10.75

• Sport & P.E. top - £8.65, fleece - £20

Then they become an offical BSFC student!

the enrolment form

In the pack sent to students they will find their Enrolment form. This is a really important document and contains their personal details.

You’ll need to check that we have all of these correct, and a parent or guardian will also need to be part of the process of filling it in.

You can return these to the College once completed before Thursday 10th August to begin fast track enrolment, which makes the Enrolment process event smoother.

Student name

Your enrolment form for September 2023 entry

There are 3 simple steps to completing your enrolment form:

1. Read & Check: Make sure that the information on this form is correct and add any additional information required

2. Sign: Both yourself and your parent/guardian need to read and sign this form

3. Post: Return your completed form in the postage paid enveloped provided by 10th August 2023 so we can Fast Track your enrolment appointment. Otherwise make sure to bring this form with you when you come to enrol

worried about GCSE results?

There is a lot of support in place for students incase their GCSE results aren’t what they had hoped.

GCSE Results Day Clinic

Thursday 24th August 2023

1pm - 3pm

If GCSE results aren’t what were expected and the student’s enrolment appointment is scheduled for after 24th August, you may well want to speak to someone about options before enrolling. Our team of tutors is on hand for a drop-in clinic to offer advice and guidance.

PLEASE NOTE: This does not replace the enrolment appointment and is for guidance only.

Programme

The College offers a programme for students who don’t meet the College’s minimum entry criteria of three grade 4s and two grade 5s at GCSE.

The Year 0 programme is a three year course, with the first year a chance to get prepared for the following two years of A Level, BTEC or T Level study whilst gaining further qualifications and experience. Places on the programme are limited and have entry criteria.

Life at BSFC

student life

Making the switch to the College from high school is a fresh start for everyone.

There will be changes to many aspects of students’ education including their College day, their timetable, the tailored support on offer, travel and more.

This section of the booklet will give you the information you need to know about how the day-to-day aspects of student life at the College work, what we expect from students and what we offer to ensure that they have the best possible experience whilst they study with us.

We will also be in touch about information events for parents of our new students after the new term begins.

the College day

Students will have three 90 minute lessons and one 60 minute lesson per subject per week. We are unique in this timetable, with the extra hour in every subject adding up to a total of 13 weeks of extra face-to-face teaching time for every student compared to the average.

Students are expected to manage their own free time and can do work in the Study Hall or HUB (our Learning Resources Centre) or at home. There is also 8SQ, our canteen and social space which has a great choice of food and drink.

College day: am pm

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday: Thursday: Friday:

9:00 – 4:15 9:00 – 4:15

9:30 – 3:00 9:00 – 4:15 9:00 – 3:00

Students will be given their timetables on the first day of term on Monday 4th September 2023 and all lessons will fall between the above times.

A Levels in Maths, History and Psycholog

rst year student who might be studying

an example for a

support

We help each and every student with stepping up to sixth form education and adapting to a new environment with a full range of support.

tutors

A student’s personal tutor helps them with everything to do with College outside of subject lessons. From settling in to monitoring academic progress, then for assisting with university applications and preparing students for the next steps after College, the tutor will be with students throughout their whole time with us. Students receive a weekly, small group tutorial session and termly scheduled one-to-ones. The tutor team have their own base, which operates an open door policy, so students can drop in to speak to their tutor if they need to outside of timetabled activity.

careers

Not only are our tutor team experts in guidance for the next steps after College, but we also have dedicated careers advisors at the College who run careers appointments and designated careers sessions throughout the year. The College was the first sixth form college in the country to receive the Quality in Careers Standard award, which has just been renewed in 2023.

learning support

The College’s team of Learning Support Assistants are here to help any students with additional learning needs. This could be in the classroom or even offering a quiet place to study or take some time out. The team is based in the Learning Assistance Base, better known as the LAB.

There is also our Designated Mental Health Lead, Kirsty, who will get students the help they need if they have any wellbeing issues.

our College dogs!

And where would we be without Toffee, Teddy and Alfie to brighten up every day!

College core requirements

At Birkenhead Sixth Form College, your son/daughter will be taught by dedicated professionals who will work tirelessly to support them to excel in their studies. As a College student, they are expected to take responsibility for their own education and meet the following Core Requirements:

• Attend all lessons on time and be fully prepared.

• Be attentive and engaged in class and complete all work, including homework as directed.

• Show respect to all staff and follow any directions given.

• Treat fellow students with consideration and allow them to focus on their studies.

• Turn off mobile phones and have it out of sight when in class or in The Hub.

• In the event of being absent, students must inform the College. Students also need to email their teachers to get work they will have missed.

• All work deficits to be cleared as required by teachers.

• With the exception of water, no food or drink to be consumed in the classrooms or in The Hub.

• Wear College ID when on campus.

• Be ambitious and accept the challenge to fulfil their potential.

College buses

College buses are an easy, cheap and popular way to travel to College. We have five different subsidised College bus services, which are easily accessible from all areas of Wirral, Merseyside and Cheshire.

Please see the enclosed leaflet or scan this QR code for bus route options and prices

Bus passes will be on sale at Enrolment. If you have any further enquries, please don’t hesitate to contact us via enrol@bsfc.ac.uk.

College bus travel is free for students on a bursary

financial support

We are committed to ensuring that all students have access to the right resources to be successful in their academic studies and remove any barriers to participation. Financial support is available to help cover:

• Travel to and from College (if you live more than a mile from the campus)

• College meals

• Compulsory College trips

• Selected learning materials

Applications are made online. Details will be given at Enrolment

Eligibility is based on the government’s criteria for free school meals and your son/daughter may qualify if parents/carers are in receipt of any of the following:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Vulnerable student bursary

There is separate application form for students in defined categories (such as in care, care leaver, receiving financial benefits such as income support etc). In addition to the benefits listed previously, students could receive a bursary of up to £1200 a year based on individual circumstances.

attendance & absences

It is a College Core Requirement that all students attend all lessons punctually. This gives students the best opportunity to be successful in their studies as good attendance is directly linked to good attainment. For example, two weeks of absence has been shown to result in a drop of 1 whole grade at A Level. Students should also remember that their attendance is always required on references for universities and employers.

Action required in the event of absence

If students are too ill to attend College, they or their parent/carer should inform the College Attendance Office by emailing them on attend@bsfc.ac.uk and/or telephoning on 0151 652 5575.

Authorised and unauthorised absence

Students are expected to maintain 100% attendance and punctuality through the year. The College is not able to authorise holidays in term time. Students taking holidays in term time put their achievement at risk. Routine medical and dental appointments are also not permitted reasons to be absent and will be recorded as unauthorised. These should be arranged for outside of lesson time. Driving lessons should also not be organised in lesson time.

parent partnership

We value the strong partnership between students, parents and the College.

As a College, we are committed to offering high quality teaching, sixth form expertise and high levels of monitoring.

Parent Portal

The Parent Portal is an online tool that gives you direct access to your son/daughter’s up-to-date attendance and progress data. Account details, including username and password, will be distributed in September. We urge you to login regularly to the portal to see how your son/daughter is doing.

New Parents’ Information Evening - Wednesday 13th September 2023

This will be an opportunity to hear from the Principal, Deputy Principal and Vice Principal, as well as meeting your son/daughter’s tutor.

Parents’ Evenings – Thursday 2nd & 9th November 2023

We hold Parents’ Evenings to provide an opportunity for consultation between parents, staff and students. Students make their own timetable of appointments with subject teachers and tutors. We will send a letter of invitation prior to each event.

enrichment

Activities outside of the classroom are a vital part of College life, as they encourage students’ personal deveopment and growth, gaining skills and experience that make them well-rounded individuals. Here are some of the enrichment opportunities available at College.

Clubs and Activities

With more than 40 clubs, societies and activities to get involved in, there’s always so much for students to do. From learning British Sign Language to glow-in-the-dark sports, there is something for everyone.

Trips & Visits

Subject departments have multiple trips that students take part in each year, from visiting Shakespeare’s Globe and the museums of London with English, to seeing how the industry works at the BBC and ITV in Media City, Salford. Some others will travel abroad with French or Spanish, while a cross-College trip to New York in July is open to all students.

University Programmes

The College runs a variety of programmes to help students access the top universities in the country. The Student Development team have dedicated staff who run sessions for Oxbridge candidates while students hoping to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary science are supported in their application process to successful outcomes.

Partnerships to Open Doors

Pathways to Medicine, Law, Engineering and more plus partneships with universities are open to students to engage with and encourage participation for all to access university and the professions, no matter the student’s background or socio-economic situation.

National Competitions

Student across a number of subjects get involved in competing against other schools in the fields of Law, Chemistry, Politics and Maths, just to name a few. College teams have won debating contests in the European Youth Parliament and made the national finals of the Bar Mock Trial at the Old Bailey in London.

Assemblies

Students attend a wide range of assemblies during the year from both visiting speakers and specialist College staff. Visitors bring into focus important, challenging topics such as racism, drugs awareness and knife crime, which are vital issues for young people to learn more about.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The College facilitates both the Gold and the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for students, helping them navigate an expedition in the mountains and gaining other skills to enhance their future prospects.

Student Festivals

Christmas Fest and Halloween Fest are highlights of the year, where students dress up and take part in fun activities, competitions and bake sales. You might even catch a few members of staff in fancy dress as the College transforms into a festive and action-packed place to match the season.

College Production

Acting, singing, dancing and playing music in the annual College production are open to all students to take part in, with a different show for visiting audiences every year. We’ve seen pieces of promenade theatre which stretch across the full College campus, while 2023’s production was a fantastic version of the musical Grease.

Fundraising

Students organise fundraising events across the College calendar, which have included a staff vs students bike race over the course of a day, a sale of revision supplies and a romantic bake sale for Valentine’s Day. Staff are also heavily involved with raising money for charity, with Head of Fine Art, Alan undertaking an incredible feat just a few years ago where he ran from east to west coast over four days – 214 miles. That’s more than a double marathon each day!

If there is a club, society, activity, competition or performance that your son or daughter is interested in that the College does not currently offer, we have a dedicated Student Engagement Officer that they can speak to about it and we’ll do all we can to get that interest facilitated.

“Good luck to everyone joining us in September. You’re going to love it.”

catering 8SQ canteen

The 8SQ canteen sees students enjoy extremely high quality hot food and drink offerings in their working day. 8SQ serves everything from hot lunches to smaller, healthy snacks, and the team of caterers are specislists in food service and hygiene. Hot breakfasts, coffees and daily specials for lunch are all extremely popular with students in the five star food hygiene canteen.

If you have any other questions or queries, please email our Admissions team on enrol@bsfc.ac.uk College

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for the latest College news.

term dates 2023-2024 academic year

Term One - Autumn 2023

Thursday 24th August -

Wednesday 30th August

Monday 4th September

Tuesday 5th September

Friday 20th October

Monday 23rd October -

Friday 27th October

Monday 30th October

Friday 1st December

Friday 22nd December

Monday 25th December -

Friday 5th January 2024

Enrolment for new students

NEW students’ first day

ALL students in College

Final day of half term

Half term break

Term continues

College closed

Final day of term

Christmas Holiday

Term Two - Spring 2024

Monday 8th January

Friday 16th February

Monday 19th February -

Friday 23rd February

Monday 26th February

Thursday 28th March

Friday 29th MarchFriday 12th April

First day of term

Final day of half term

Half term break

Term continues

Final day of term Spring Break

Term Three - Summer 2024

Monday 15th April

Monday 6th May

Friday 24th May

Monday 27th May -

Friday 31st May

Monday 3rd June

Friday 12th July

First day of term

Early May bank holiday

Final day of half term

Half term break

Term continues

Final day of term

“an amazing place where amazing things happen.” parent of former student

Birkenhead Sixth Form College

Park Road West, Claughton, Wirral, CH43 8SQ 0151 652 5575

enrol@bsfc.ac.uk

bsfc.ac.uk