to download our Prospectus for September 2017 Admission
Transcript of to download our Prospectus for September 2017 Admission
Prospectus | September 2017 Entry
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To be an outstanding Sixth Form College providing high quality education for all
Mission Statement
3Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Welcome
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
Choosing where to continue your education at 16 is an important decision and we are delighted that you are considering The Sixth Form College.
Welcome
4 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: XXXXXXX
Find out why we are Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form:
Welcome ................................................03
Why Choose Us .....................................06
Courses ..................................................10
Advanced Level Courses ......................12
Level 2 Courses .....................................14
Support .................................................16
Facilities ................................................22
Student Life ...........................................26
Application Process .............................28
Travel ......................................................29
facebook.com/birkenheadsixthformcollege @BSFC
www.bsfc.ac.uk
“I chose to study at The
Sixth Form College because it’s friendly, supportive staff and
environment welcomed me more than anywhere else.”
Melissa, Weatherhead High School & Calday
Grange Grammar School
COMPETITION FOR PLACES
IS HIGH So apply early to
secure the courses of your choice
5Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: 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 2016Wednesday 23rd November 2016Wednesday 25th January 2017
Open Events
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£4M INVESTMENT IN MODERN FACILITIES
SPECIALIST IN SIXTH
FORM EDUCATION
WIDEST CHOICE OF COURSES
OUTSTANDING SUPPORT
Why choose us?
7Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Why choose us?
HIGH ACHIEVING ACADEMIC CENTRE OF
EXCELLENCE
FULL PREPARATION
FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
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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.
Specialist Sixth Form College
9Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Why choose us?
“Coming to The Sixth Form College was the best decision
I’ve ever made.”Breandán,
South Wirral High School
• More choice of courses, available in any subject combination, to suit each student’s ambitions and abilities.
• Dedicated sixth form teachers and specialist support staff.
• An adult approach to student learning, providing a ‘stepping stone’ from school to the world of employment or university.
• Learning environments designed for sixth form study.
• Sixth form colleges statistically outperform all other providers of 16-18 education.*
What sets a sixth form college apart from school?
* Sixth Form Colleges Association: ‘Sixth Sense - how Sixth Form Colleges help students progress to higher education and beyond’.
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Courses
ALL THE GUIDANCE YOU NEED TO BUILD
THE RIGHT PROGRAMME
FOR YOU
Study the courses of your choice, with more combinations than any other sixth form in Wirral
11Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses
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:
The widest choice of courses in Wirral
Predicted/ actual results Course choices
5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (including Maths or English Language)
GCSEs at grades C-D
GCSEs at grades E-F
Advanced Level (A Levels and BTEC qualifications)
Level 2 (BTECS and GCSEs)
Please contact the Admissions Team for advice
For detailed and up to date
information on all subjects and courses visit
www.bsfc.ac.uk
12 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses
Below is an example of a standard pathway for our Level 3 courses:
A Levels and BTEC QualificationsAdvanced
Level coursesENTRY 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 University, employment, or further education/other higher education course
13Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses
A Level Subjects(AS and A2 including Applied subjects)
Art & Design - Fine Art
Art & Design - Graphics
Art & Design - Textiles
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Computer Science
Dance
Design Technology
Drama & Theatre Studies
Economics
English Language
English Language and Literature
English Literature
Film Studies
French
Geography
Government & Politics
Health & Social Care
History
ICT (Applied)
Law
Mathematics
Mathematics - Further
Media Studies
Music
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Sport & Physical Education
Statistics
Business
Law
Applied Science
Health & Social Care (Full Time Programme)
Business
ICT
Medical Science
Sport
Choose from the following:
BTEC Level 3 Qualifications
Subsidiary DiplomaEquivalent to: 1 A level
Extended DiplomaEquivalent to: 3 A levels
DiplomaEquivalent to: 2 A levels
Art, Design & Media
Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma
14 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses
Level 2 courses
Vocational Level 2 Diploma
GCSE/Level 2
Art & Design
Business
Health & Social Care
ICT
Media
English Maths
Choose from the following:
Choose from the following:
15Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses
Below is an example of the sort of progression you can expect from our Level 2 courses:
Vocational and GCSE Qualifications
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.
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.
“College provides a superb bridge
between high school and university.”
Matthew, Wirral Grammar School for Boys
16 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support
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
17Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support
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
• Academic support
• Learning support
• Careers support
• Higher Education support
• Financial 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
18 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support
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
19Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: 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:
• One-to-one support from a qualified Learning Support Assistant
• Dyslexia support
• Discreet in-classroom support
• Note takers and/or readers
• Special exam considerations, including rest breaks, psychological support, extra time, readers, scribes or separate exam rooms
• Technical support, including the loan of equipment, such as laptops
• 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
Additional Learning 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:
• Advanced academic writing programme - where you are fully supported to develop your writing skills for the higher level required at A Level and in preparation for university
• Subject plus sessions - timetabled sessions 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
Academic Support
20 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support
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:
• 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
• Assistance in applying for higher level apprenticeships with industry-leading companies
• Career-focused tutorials covering interview techniques, apprenticeship options, vacancy search, and CV and cover letter writing practice
• Careers fairs with local and national employers
• Supported opportunities through organisations such as The Social Mobility Foundation and The Sutton Trust
Careers SupportHigher 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
• Visits to Oxbridge and other top universities
• Talks and expert guidance delivered as part of an established mentoring scheme with the University of Liverpool
• Opportunities to look at university placements both at home and abroad
• Links to the Liverpool University Scholar’s Scheme, where Year 12 students take part in activities designed to prepare them for university life
More of our students go on to university
than from any other Wirral sixth form, with many securing places at prestigious Russell
Group Universities.
21Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support
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
• Opportunities to participate in lectures and a residential at Oxbridge universities
• Opportunities to develop the skills that top universities look for
• Opportunities to take leadership roles, such as becoming involved in the student ambassadors programme
• 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
• An income assessed bursary
• Access to the College’s discretionary learning support fund
22 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities
Facilities
23Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: 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
• The Wilfred Owen Humanities Building
• New and fully equipped Science Laboratories
• New Learning Assistance Base
• 8SQ student refectory and conservatory
• 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
24 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities
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:
• Wi-Fi that can be accessed at any time, on any device
• Remote Access
• A range of indusrty standard software programs and tools
• 1TB OneDrive Pro Cloud storage
• 50GB mailbox
• Free five-copy license of Microsoft Office for home use whilst enrolled at the College (including use on mobile devices)
• Office 365 education
Technology
25Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities
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
• Text books
• eBooks
• Journals
• Microsoft IT academy training suite
The Study Hub
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.
“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
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Student life
APPLY TO BE HEAD
STUDENT:Your chance to represent your fellow students
“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
BE A STUDENT AMBASSADOR:
Staff nominate students to represent the College and student body at internal
and external events
LEARN A LANGUAGE:
Including Mandarin Chinese, German and other world
languages
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.
27Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Student Life
VOLUNTEERINGWith the National
Citizen Service, local organisations
and schools
DO WORK EXPERIENCE:
Organise a work experience placement with employers or apply to take part in national
work experience schemes with leading multi-national
organisations
LEARN A NEW SKILL:Anything from
British Sign Language to First Aid
SUPPORT FUN
FUNDRAISING EVENTS:
Including Children in Need, Comic Relief,
Battle of the Bands, all organised by Student
Ambassadors and Head Student team
EARN THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S
GOLD AWARD: No previous experience
necessary, includes two expeditions to
Snowdonia
JOIN A CLUB:
Debating, Film, Taekwon-do, Law and many more
28 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: 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.
Application process
29Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Travel
How to find us…We are situated in Claughton Village, next to Birkenhead Park.
By bus…The College is accessible via an extensive bus network and there are regular buses to and from the College from across Wirral.
Dedicated College bus services operate from Ellesmere Port, Neston and Heswall.
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.
Information on the travel options available can be accessed at: www.bsfc.ac.uk
Travel
Putting academic excellence on the map
UPTON ROAD
SHREWSBURYROAD
A553FROM
HOYLAKE
A5151FROM BIDSTON
A5088FROM WALLASEY
ST. JAMESCHURCH
LAIRD ST.BUS DEPOT
A5028FROM
LISCARD
A553FROM
BIRKENHEADTUNNEL AND
TOWN CENTRE
FROM BOROUGH ROAD
(A552)
CLAUGHTONPOST OFFICE
A5027FROM UPTONWEST KIRBY
BIRKENHEADPARK STATION
BIRKENHEADPARK
PARK ROAD
MALLABYSTREET
NORTH PARK ROAD NORTH
PARK ROAD WEST
PARK ROAD SOUTH
PARK
ROA
D EA
ST
CONWAY STREET
CHARINGCROSS
WE ARE HERE
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.
Park Road West, Claughton,Wirral CH43 8SQ
Students join us from all over Wirral…
Park Road West, Claughton,Wirral CH43 8SQTel: 0151 652 5575 | www.bsfc.ac.ukThe Centre of Academic Excellence