Prospectus | September 2016 entry

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: XXXXXXX

To be an outstanding Sixth Form College providing high quality education for all.

Mission Statement

03Wirral’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, 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, 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 of the opportunities available from our student alumni and staff.

Kathryn Podmore Principal

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.

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

“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

05Wirral’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.

Wednesday 11th November 2015

Wednesday 20th January 2016

Saturday 19th March 2016

Open events

COMPETITION FOR PLACES

IS HIGH So apply early to secure the course

of your choice

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: XXXXXXX06

Why choose us?

WIdEST CHOICE oF CoUrSeS

HIGH ACHIEvING ACAdemiC CenTre oF

exCeLLenCe

£4M inveSTmenT in modern FACiLiTieSSPECialiST

in SixTh Form

edUCATion

07Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Why choose us?

OuTSTANdING SuPPORT

FuLL PREPARATION

For higher edUCATion

08 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Why choose us?

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.

09Wirral’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

• Morechoiceofcourses,availableinanysubjectcombination, to suit each student’s ambitions and abilities.

• Dedicatedsixthformteachersandspecialistsupportstaff.

• Anadultapproachtostudentlearning,providinga‘steppingstone’ from school to the world of employment or university.

• Learningenvironmentsdesignedforsixthformstudy.

• Sixthformcollegesstatistically outperform all other providers of 16-18 education.*

What sets a sixth form college apart from school?

*SixthFormCollegesAssociation:‘SixthSense-howSixthFormCollegeshelp students progress to higher education and beyond’.

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses10

Courses.

ALL THE GuIdANCE YOu NEEd TO BUilD

THE RiGHT PROGRaMME

FOR YOU

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

Study the courses of your choice, with more combinations than any other sixth form in Wirral

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses12

Below is an example of a standard pathway for our Level 3 courses:

a levels and BTEC Qualifications

Advanced Level courses.

ENTRY

YEaR 1

YEaR 2

PROGRESS

Five separate GCSEs, including Maths and/or English Language, at grades A*-C

Study four A Level subjects or BTEC equivalent qualifications

Study three or four A Level subjects or BTEC equivalent qualifications

University, employment, or further education/other higher education course

* Some subjects may have additional entry criteria * BTEC qualifications may be considered if at Merit or above

13

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

Forensic Science

Medical Science

Sport

Choose from the following:

BTEC level 3 QualificationsSubsidiary DiplomaEquivalent to: 1 A level

Extended DiplomaEquivalent to: 3 A levels

DiplomaEquivalent to: 2 A levels

“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 Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses14

Level 2 courses.

“College provides a superb bridge

between high school and university.”

Matthew, Wirral Grammar School for Boys

15Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Courses

Below is an example of the sort of progression you can expect from our Level 2 courses:

BTECs and GCSE Qualifications

Entry: GCSEsmostlyatgradeCorD

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.

BTEC level 2 Diploma

GCSE/level 2

art & Design

Business

Health & Social Care

iCT

Media

English Maths

Choose from the following:

Choose from the following:

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.

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support16

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 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

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:

• Pastoralsupport

• Academicsupport

• Learningsupport

• Careerssupport

• HigherEducationsupport

• Financialsupport

“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

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.

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.

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Support18

“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

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 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-onesupportfromaqualifiedLearningSupportAssistant

• Dyslexiasupport

• Discreetin-classroomsupport

• Notetakersand/orreaders

• Specialexamconsiderations,includingrestbreaks,psychological support, extra time, readers, scribes or separate exam rooms

• Technicalsupport,includingtheloanofequipment,such as laptops

• AccesstotheLearningAssistanceBasewithindividual work stations, large tables and sofas, and an adjacent quiet room fitted with comfortable sofas and laptop tables

Additional Learning 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:

• AccesstotheCareersPortalcontainingsoftwareandonline exercises covering all aspects of the job and apprenticeship application process, as well as details on interview preparation and techniques

• Assistanceinapplyingforhigherlevelapprenticeshipswith industry-leading companies

• Career-focusedtutorialscoveringinterviewtechniques, apprenticeship options, vacancy search, and CV and cover letter writing practice

• Careersfairswithlocalandnationalemployers

• Supportedopportunitiesthroughorganisations 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:

• ExpertadviceonUCASapplicationsfromexperiencedCollege staff and university admissions teams

• VisitstoOxbridgeandothertopuniversities

• Talksandexpertguidancedeliveredaspartofanestablished mentoring scheme with the University of Liverpool

• Opportunitiestolookatuniversityplacementsbothat home and abroad

• LinkstotheLiverpoolUniversityScholar’sScheme,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:

• Specialistguidanceonthesubjectsthatarepreferred by the most competitive universities for your choice of degree

• Opportunitiestoparticipateinlecturesand a residential at Oxbridge universities

• Opportunitiestodeveloptheskillsthattopuniversities look for

• Opportunitiestotakeleadershiproles, such as becoming involved in the student ambassadors programme

• OpportunitiestovisitRussellGroupuniversities

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:

• Aguaranteedbursaryof£1,200

• Anincomeassessedbursary

• AccesstotheCollege’sdiscretionarylearningsupport fund

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities22

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:

• TheSchoolofArtandDesign

• TheWilfredOwenHumanitiesBuilding

• NewandfullyequippedScienceLaboratories

• NewLearningAssistanceBase

• 8SQstudentrefectoryandconservatory

• Extendedmulti-gym

Facilities

23Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities

“The college has provided the

necessary facilities and outstanding

teaching required for me to realise my full

potential”Max,NestonHighSchool

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities24

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 & Technical Services provide computer facilities and specialist software including the Microsoft Office 365 Education Package. These include:

• Wi-Fithatcanbeaccessedatanytime,onanydevice

• RemoteAccess

• Arangeofsoftwareprogramsandtools

• 50GBmailbox

• 1TBOneDriveProCloudstorage

• Freefive-copylicenseofMicrosoftOfficefor home use whilst enrolled at the College (including use on mobile devices)

Technology

25Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Facilities

The Hub - a university-style integrated learning area - provides students with a great space in which to complete any independent study using:

• Openaccesscomputers

• Textbooks

• eBooks

• Journals

• Videowall

The hub

The Hub is divided into two floors• Hub1isdedicatedprimarilytoreading

and independent group study.• Hub2isourmaincomputersuiteconsistingof

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

Student life.

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Student life26

Gonearethedayswherelessismore.Now,employersanduniversityadmissionsteamsarelookingforCVswiththatadded 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.

“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

LEARN A LANGuAGE:

Including Mandarin Chinese and other world languages

BE A STudENT AMBASSAdOR:

Staff nominate students to represent the College and student body at internal

and external events

APPLY TO BE HEAd

STudENT:Your chance to represent your fellow students

27Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: Student life

WorkinginpartnershipwithIGoDriving,weofferstudents the opportunity to learn to drive at reduced rates, arranged around the college timetable.

With pick up points and theory test sessions here at The Sixth Form College, getting ahead is made easy. A full driving licence can make life at university much easier and improve your CV and job prospects too.

Learn to drive and get aheadTAKE A CHALLENGE:

Anything from climbing the Three

Peaks to completing an environmental

project 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

EARN THE duKE OF EdINBuRGH’S

GOLd AWARd: Nopreviousexperience

necessary, includes two expeditions to

Snowdonia

JOIN A CLuB:

Covering debating, film and

many more

LEARN A NEW SKILL:Anything from

British Sign Language to First Aid

SuPPORT FuN

FuNdRAISING EvENTS:

Including Children in Need,ComicRelief,

Battle of the Bands, all organised by Student

Ambassadors and Head Student team

• Exclusive deals for our students• Theory test sessions at the College

Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: application Process28

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.

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.

DedicatedCollegebusservicesoperatefromWestWirraland south Wirral.

AFREEshuttlebusservicealsorunseverymorningfromBirkenhead rail stations to the College.

By rail…TheCollegeisa10-minutewalkfromBirkenheadParkstation.

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.

29Wirral’s No.1 Sixth Form: 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.

30

Woodchurch

Ridg

eway Prenton

Birkenhead Park School

SouthWirral

Hilbre

Pensby

Wirral GrammarMosslands

CaldayGrammar

Weatherhead

St J

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Ples

sing

ton

Bebi

ngto

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Nest

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Upton Hall

Oldershaw

Birk

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ad H

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Wes

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St Anselm’sBirkenhead

St M

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KingswayKingsmead

Elliott

Emma Harvey Liberty Ollie Jack

BromwynneRose Jasmine Bethany Ben Phoebe Jessica

Joseph PhoebeHarry Chloe

Aleksandra Geena Breandán

Stephen LouisAlice

Students join us from all over Wirral…

Woodchurch

Ridg

eway Prenton

Birkenhead Park School

SouthWirral

Hilbre

Pensby

Wirral GrammarMosslands

CaldayGrammar

Weatherhead

St J

ohn

Ples

sing

ton

Bebi

ngto

n

Nest

on

Upton Hall

Oldershaw

Birk

enhe

ad H

igh

Wes

t K

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Gr

amm

ar

St Anselm’sBirkenhead

St M

ary’

s

KingswayKingsmead

Elliott

Emma Harvey Liberty Ollie Jack

BromwynneRose Jasmine Bethany Ben Phoebe Jessica

Joseph PhoebeHarry Chloe

Aleksandra Geena Breandán

Stephen LouisAlice

ParkRoadWest,Claughton,WirralCH438SQTel:01516525575|www.bsfc.ac.ukthe centre of academic excellence