Life In Sixth Form
In the Sixth Form your goals become more focused and you are looking for opportunities to develop as an adult. Birkdale provides a welcoming and open atmosphere in which you can do just that.
To help you meet the many demands of Sixth Form life, we have a team of experienced Sixth Form Tutors. Small tutor groups usually led by one of your A level subject teachers, allow your tutor to get to know you well, providing you with effective support, advice and encouragement. You will enjoy a more interactive relationship with teaching staff who share your commitment to academic achievement.
Communication with your parents is equally important and there is an opportunity for parents to meet the Form Tutors early in your first term to establish links which will be maintained throughout your time at Birkdale.
Taking the Lead
Throughout your two years in the Sixth Form, those who are keen to take on an active leadership role can find opportunities in both the House system and as School Prefects. There is also a host of other activities in which we can look to you to assist in playing a major part in shaping the life of the Birkdale community.
To support the personal development of each individual, a two day course is run for the Lower Sixth in the Christmas Term at the Outdoor Activity Centre in Edale. Here our students are introduced to the skills and processes of being both a team member and a team leader.
Making the Most of It
It is our aim to provide students with a broad and well-rounded education that prepares them not only for academic and career success but also to live life to the full as a confident and independent adult.
Our wide range of Extra Curricular activities are vital for developing character, for encouraging teamwork, leadership, self-reliance and preparing our students to be active citizens. There are many Sixth Form clubs and societies to enjoy, or help lead, in addition to all the opportunities through sport, music and drama. There are music groups to suit most tastes and an equally wide range of sporting activities.
An U6 student who recently left Birkdale describes his experience below:
“I’ve been at Birkdale for seven years, having moved here in S1 (Y7), and my experience has been great. The teachers are friendly and extremely supportive, helping you to achieve the grades you need at GCSE and A-Level. I’ve been able to get involved in lots of activities outside of the classroom including reaching the AEGON team tennis national finals and participating in the European Youth Parliament. My highlight has been travelling to Nepal with the school where I got the chance to teach in the Peace Garden School, set up by Birkdale, and trek in the Himalayas!”
Duke of Edinburgh Award
This is very popular in the Sixth Form with a great many of our students getting involved at Gold level and there is a comprehensive programme to support all of the requirements. Both the Gold practice and qualifying expeditions are completed in the Lake District, supported by a team of experienced staff to facilitate completion of the Award by the end of the Upper Sixth year. Pictured here are two students receiving their Gold Award at Buckingham Palace.
Community Action
There is also the opportunity to take part in Community Action and be involved locally in voluntary work. Typically we have students who volunteer at local primary schools (including our own Prep School), local hospitals and nursing homes.
Birkdale has forged important links with Tinsley Meadows primary school and a group of Sixth Formers travel there weekly to support literacy, numeracy and creative lessons.
Work Experience
We also operate a work experience programme having strong links with local industry and commerce. Each Sixth Former spends one week either during the Christmas or Easter holidays in the Lower Sixth, work shadowing in an area of their choice.
Nepal
Further afield, we run a hugely popular annual trip to Nepal where members of the Sixth Form teach in some of the poorer schools near Kathmandu and trek in the Himalayas.
Birkdale Abroad
Recent destinations for the other academic, cultural and sporting trips on offer have included Dubai, The Azores, Iceland, Berlin, Paris, and Seville.
