PROSPECTUS Sept 2024
Unrivalled
Support Inspiring Lessons
WELCOME
It is a great pleasure and privilege to welcome you to The Birkenhead Park School.
Our mission is to improve the life chances of all our students. We encourage them to believe in themselves, to expand their abilities, to seek new skills and experiences, to learn from setbacks and to celebrate success, to aim high in pursuit of their dreams, and, above all, to aspire to be the best they can possibly be.
Everything we do builds on the strong foundation of our school values: Positivity, Ambition, Resilience and Thoughtfulness. Relationships are a real strength; these are based on mutual respect, where every student is valued for their individual talents and interests. We are committed to making a difference to our community by embracing excellence and transforming lives. This responsibility lies at the heart of our school.
Our standards are set high, underpinned by an expectation of hard work, good manners, regular attendance and a commitment to learn.
Our talented subject leaders, ensure the curriculum is well planned and quality first teaching ensures each student is supported to make progress relative to their individual starting place. The curriculum extends beyond the classroom, we actively encourage our students to enjoy extra-curricular activities in sports and school clubs, and opportunities outside school in the wider community.
In return for meeting our high standards, students at Birkenhead Park receive a great education delivered by a team of staff who are passionate and committed, and who genuinely care for our students, working closely with their families and carers to understand and support them. I warmly invite you to see all that we have to offer them.
Nicola McNamee Head of School
EXCELLENCE FOR ALL Ambition AND
We believe that children have the very best chance to succeed if they are in a happy and inspiring environment. Our exceptional staff create this on a daily basis and the school values of Positivity, Ambition, Resilience and Thoughtfulness underpin every aspect of school life:
Positivity – we are positive about what we can do and what others can do
Ambition – we will work to raise aspirations and develop a strong desire for success
Resilience – we will be determined and not give up when faced with difficulties
Thoughtfulness – we treat everyone with respect
These values are brought to life across the school in many ways including awards, recognition postcards, events and parental engagement.
We know that by nurturing Positive, Ambitious, Resilient and Thoughtful behaviours, we are setting our students up for academic success and with the vital skills for life beyond GCSEs.
HABITS Learning
The Birkenhead Park School Learning Habits provide a framework to ensure our core values (Positivity, Ambition, Resilience, Thoughtfulness) are embedded within our daily practice. Every student is expected to uphold these values:
Uniform: Full school uniform, including black school shoes, is expected to be worn by all students every day.
Behaviour:
Punctuality & attendance:
Positive behaviour: We expect students to meet the school’s relentless routines which are based on the school’s values. This supports a safe and disciplined environment.
The school expectation is that students attend and are punctual 100% of the time.
Homework:
Students are expected to complete all homework assigned to them each night.
Equipment:
Calm Corridors:
Students are expected to arrive every day with the correct equipment to support their learning.
Corridors should be calm, quiet and orderly and students should be polite and find the quickest route to their next lesson.
PROGRAMME Literacy OUR
The introduction of The Birkenhead Park School’s school-wide Literacy Programme has further cemented the school’s place as an innovator and leader in improving young people’s literacy and academic achievement.
The Literacy Programme combines many individual unique initiatives that the school has developed and implemented over the past few years which have had proven effect on raising students’ reading capabilities and therefore academic results.
Literacy is instilled in the lifeblood of the school, with tailored initiatives for every year group to best support their age and development. The strategic educational ethos of ‘Read More, Learn More, Achieve More’ informs everything that we do, which in turn raises students’ aspirations and open doors to future pathways that students may not have thought possible before.
The Literacy Programme starts as soon as students join the school in Year 7. The daily reading programme, called The Big Read, creates a love of reading that can shape students’ futures and their careers beyond education.
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The Big Read has been impactful because it has generated such a LOVE OF READING! They look forward to listening and it has been a pleasure to model high standards of reading to them - it has been empowering watching even the most reluctant of our readers engage.
English Teacher “
“ I love Drama and English and these lessons have inspired me to be an author or an actor in the future, and I feel like I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Emily, Student “
Lessons
WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS STUDY?
One of the most exciting parts about going to secondary school is the many new and different lessons. As well as English, Maths, Music, Art and IT which students will already have studied in primary school, there will be experiments in science labs, acting in the Drama Studio and lots of different sports to experience. Students will also study History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages and get hands-on in Food Technology.
All students follow individual learning programmes and we seek to work with parents at every stage to ensure the programme reflects both the student’s starting point and their future ambitions.
We value communication, and use the ClassCharts app to directly stay in touch with our parents and carers.
AGE 11-14
In Years 7, 8 & 9 (Key Stage 3), students study English, Maths, Science, French or Spanish, History, Geography, Art, Music, Food and Nutrition, Information Technology, Physical Education, Drama, Design Technology, Textiles, Religious Education and PSHE.
AGE 14-16
In Years 10 & 11 (Key Stage 4), students study core GCSE subjects of English Language, English Literature, Maths and Science. They can then choose from a range of options that include History, Geography, RE, French, Spanish, Statistics, IT, Sports Science, Art, Drama, Product Design, Food, and BTEC qualifications such as Music.
Expert staff support high achieving students, as well as those who need additional help with numeracy and literacy.
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I can’t thank the teachers enough for how they have helped Mark excel and push himself beyond what he thought he could achieve. Year 11 Parent
YOUR CHILD
Our team provides support to students who have an identified SEND such as ADHD, ASC, learning difficulties, mental health difficulties and language needs. We are an inclusive school and we get to know our SEND students well so that they are supported academically, socially and emotionally.
We have high expectations for our students with SEND and our focus is in developing resilience and independence. Every student on the SEND register has a personalised plan which summarises their individual barriers to learning and how best to support then in lessons. The plan is a combination of all the advice that we get from specialist outside agencies. You will get a copy of your child’s plan and we welcome your input!
Teachers use the personalised plans to help them adapt the curriculum for each student with SEND.
Our focus is on planning high quality teaching which is responsive to need and provides targeted support to students who are struggling. The curriculum includes a focus on developing reading, building vocabulary and speaking with confidence, and we have a fantastic Lexia Literacy programme.
For more information, you can contact Mrs Canham at mcm@birkenheadparkschool.com and Miss Masters at mas@birkenheadparkschool.com.
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Clubs SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Secondary school is not just about lessons. We offer a wide and exciting range of opportunities to have fun, learn new skills and make new friends.
There are over 30 clubs each week and examples of some of our new clubs are Horrible Histories, Gymnastics, Dance, Film Club and Duke of Edinburgh club.
Not only are these extracurricular clubs a great way to develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity, leadership and confidence, they are also a great way to settle into school.
My advice for starting at this school would be to join as many clubs as possible. It will help you to make friends and there are loads of choices. I attend Drama, Library, Singing and Family Lunch. Being a part of these clubs has given me loads of confidence.
Serenna, Student “
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I was really worried about starting high school but I shouldn’t have worried. I have made new friends and everyone looks after each other. Ethan, Student “
Moving Up FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL
Starting secondary school is an exciting time and, to help our new students settle in quickly, each student has their own dedicated Year 7 Tutor who will get to know them and support the step up from primary school.
This eases the transition from primary to secondary education and ensures that all our students feel confident, safe and secure as they continue their learning.
Uniform OUR
We are very proud of our uniform and our students look very smart in the black and red uniform. There is also a school PE kit that students are expected to wear and they are given a branded school bag on their first day.
Each student also wears a lanyard. We have four different colours - representing Positivity, Ambition, Resilience and Thoughtfulness. This lanyard is also a handy place to keep timetables.
Recognising their status and responsibility as our most senior students, we have introduced a unique Year 11 uniform that shows how they can dress professionally for interviews and the workplace.
Full details on our uniform policy can be found here:
www.birkenheadparkschool.com/students/ uniform
Year 7 WHAT IS IT LIKE?
With a enhanced transition programme and committed staff, we go to great lengths to help our students settle into secondary school life.
This is what some of our former Year 7 students had to say about their experience of starting at The Birkenhead Park School:
“I settled here really quickly and by the first week I had made loads of new friends. If you go to the Induction Day in July you will meet everyone and all get to know each other. The teachers are really easy to speak to and you will have all the support you need. You can speak to Mrs Kirwan, Mrs Chong and many more other teachers to help you with any problem.”
You have to remember that everyone is in the same boat when it comes to starting high school. You are not alone and from the minute you start at this school you feel like you belong. There is always someone to help you.
Aisha, Student “ “
“I was extremely nervous when I started because I had moved from another area. Mrs Kirwan helped me to settle in and make new friends. You feel safe in the school and it means you have loads of time to get used to the rest of the school and learn your way around. I feel confident to always be myself and really enjoy coming to school.”
Sophie Logan
MEET THE TEAM
Year 7
Mrs Kirwan Head of Pastoral Care
“As Head of Pastoral Care, my role is to ensure every student has a smooth and successful transition into secondary school, and through their time at BPS, ensure they develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in life.”
Dave Huyton Year 7 Leader
“As the Year Leader, my role is to make sure students feel confident and secure in their new and exciting learning environment.”
Careers & NEXT STEPS
As a school, we strive to give our students an all-round education that develops them into confident young adults with high ambitions and expectations.
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Progression to sixth form is the natural next step for many and our students have a seamless pathway to study at Birkenhead Sixth Form College. Like us, the College is a member of the BePART Educational Trust and they offer outstanding sixth form education only five minutes away from school.
My journey in education has been irreplaceable. I’ve enjoyed my time at both school and college, but I’ve also worked really hard to get my results, so this is the end of a long journey - but the hard work starts again soon!
Callum Griffiths
Former Student at The Birkenhead Park School
Throughout their time with us, students will benefit from a planned programme of activities to help them determine their future career path and to understand where different education and training choices could take them in the future.
School HIGHLIGHTS
Trips
Expanding learning experiences
In School Activities
Enjoying time in & out of the classroom
Enrichment
Fun activities & learning new skills
Attendance Awards
Celebrating 100% attendance
HOW TO Apply
We welcome applications to join The Birkenhead Park School in September 2025.
Applications for a place at The Birkenhead Park School must be made via Wirral Council’s Application Portal.
The online application process opens on 1st September 2024 for Wirral residents. The deadline for submitting this is 31st October 2024.
Paper applications can also be downloaded and posted to Wirral Council.
Online applicants will receive their secondary school offer by email on 1st March 2025.
Paper applicants will receive their offers by post.
If you have received an offer for your child to study at The Birkenhead Park School, we will also contact you directly by post and email.
If during the process any of your contact or address details change, please ensure you notify Wirral Council otherwise you may miss important notifications.
