Education - Your Life, Your Future

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EDUCATION Your Life, Your Future 8-page post-16 study guide

An ECHO advertisement supplement

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/post16

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 2nd February 2012 6pm - 8pm Queens Drive, Walton, Liverpool, L4 6SH I Telephone: 0151-235 1200

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Consider all your options S

O, you’re 16 years of age, or approaching that milestone, and you’ve reached the first stage in your life when you find yourself at a major crossroads and have to think, which way next?

But even with your GCSE results some way off, it’s not too early to look at your options for sixth form education.

Your time at sixth form is a major stepping-stone between the compulsory period of study expected of children and young adults in the UK and the wider world of work and higher education awaiting them in the future.

During your sixth form education you can study A levels or AS levels, while some colleges will give you the option to choose workrelated qualifications instead, such as vocational courses working towards the Qualifications and Credit Framework. Others may offer qualifications in Key Skills,

which are essential skills that employers are on the lookout for.

The idea of these courses is to either help you into higher education or into a job when you leave sixth form.

You can study towards these qualifications at a sixth form college, a school sixth form, a further education college or a specialist college.

While many people choose to continue their education at the school where they took their GCSEs, it is a good idea to keep your options open and consider what other schools and colleges can offer. After all, you might find a nearby college offers a wealth of subjects you didn’t realise were open to you.

Sixth form sizes vary considerably and tend to offer quite different facilities and course options.

Make sure you think thoroughly about what type of course you want to do, what subjects you might need to take for your future study

or career path, and whether your chosen school or college can meet these requirements.

If you do want to follow a quite specific path you may find that a specialist college, such as an art college or a dance and drama school, might be a better option for you.

Always visit a school or college before you decide to attend. Many schools and colleges hold open days to allow prospective students the chance to look around and meet the staff. Take into account how far it is from your home and how easy it will be to travel there. Other things to consider include: do you like the teaching staff, are the class sizes too large, are the courses suitable for you, and are the general amenities good?

Take your time, weigh up the options, ask advice from teachers and parents, and you’ll find you can make the decision on which direction to take next with confidence.

There are plenty of study options open to sixth-formers

Belvedere Academy

Prepare for the future

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ELVEDERE Academy Sixth Form is a lively and friendly place to both learn and study.

A top performing sixth form, Belvedere is committed to building upon its reputation as a distinguished provider of the highest quality academic education.

Students are engaged in their subjects by talented teachers, inspired to enjoy studying in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.

Belvedere will prepare you for the future you desire and equip you with friends for life.

The 2011 results speak for themselves; 29% of all A level grades were A*-A, while 61% of all A level grades were A*-B. There are plenty of opportunities within the sixth form; from directing to mentoring, everyone has an important role to play in day-to-day life at Belvedere.

There is an open choice at A level and many students cross the arts/science divide.

In Year 12 students choose four subjects to study from a wide range of AS courses on offer.

Students also follow a General Studies course in Year 12 which leads to an AS qualification.

Belvedere Academy offers outstanding opportunities In Year 13 students choose three of their AS subjects to continue to A level. And in addition to these areas of study, sixth formers complete an extended project as part of the AQA Baccalaureate qualification.

The Belvedere Academy was inspected by Ofsted on May 26 and 27, 2010. This was the Academy's first Ofsted inspection since opening in 2007, and the inspectors praised the sixth form as Outstanding in all aspects.

The report said: “Students’ personal development is exemplary. They are confident, articulate, ambitious young women who want to succeed and are proud of their achievements. They

show unstinting commitment to the academy and take pride in their association with it.”

And the praise continued: “The outstanding leadership of the sixth form is driving improvement and expansion.”

“Teachers’ excellent subject knowledge shines through.”

“The intervention and support provided, including for the most vulnerable students, is well judged and is highly regarded by the students themselves.”

And: “In the sixth form, the proportion of students gaining A or B grades in GCE A level examinations is well above average.”

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Alsop High School

A caring environment

A Sixth Form Centre for the 21st century

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LSOP High School is one of the largest schools in the city, with nearly 1,800 students on roll, including more than 300 in the sixth form.

In July 2011 the school celebrated its best ever examination results, with 83% of students achieving at least five A* grades at GCSE, and a 99% pass rate in the sixth form.

It is a school of first choice, with a welcoming, caring and successful environment which promotes and values students’ achievements.

The school believes every student has the capacity to reach their full potential, and to offer something to society.

Headteacher Joe Mangan said: “Students come to Alsop High Sixth Form Centre to learn, achieve and succeed, following their own personalised pathways.”

Indeed, Alsop High School gives students the chance to continue their studies in one of Liverpool’s biggest sixth form centres. The extensive and inclusive curriculum offers more than 30 level three courses, with a wide mixture of traditional A levels and vocational BTEC courses on offer.

The school also provides an exciting enrichment programme, incorporating

Students enjoy the cafe facilities lessons in scuba diving, dancing, sign language and more. In addition, The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Volunteering Certificate and Sports Leader Award are all offered to older students, encouraging social skills and building confidence and teamwork.

The sixth form also has a strong pastoral team, with a head of year, two assistant heads of year, a pastoral support mentor and student support officer. The team provides both pastoral and academic support throughout Key Stage 5.

Each year a large number of students go on to university or higher education – something of which the school is very proud. Extensive guidance is given for those applying for university, with regular UCAS support sessions and trips to universities organised.

The new sixth form facilities at Alsop are second to none. State-of-the-art learning and studying aids are available, ensuring all students have everything they need to learn, enjoy and succeed.

The Building Schools for the Future programme (BSF) has ensured Alsop now has some of the best facilities in Merseyside. Sixth formers have access to the latest technology to support their development, with over 1,600 PCs and laptops, interactive whiteboards in every room, ultra-fast broadband access and the latest software to hand. The school’s new sixth form centre contains designated study areas and a cyber cafe, accessible to sixth formers only.

The new facilities are transforming learning at Alsop, helping support students to be successful.

Presenting our new state of the art sixth form facilities Queens Drive, Walton, Liverpool, L4 6SH Telephone: 0151-235 1200 I Web: www.alsophigh.org.uk

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 9th February 2012 Starts 6.00pm

Notre Dame Catholic College ES

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Established 1869

Everton Valley L4 4EZ Telephone: 0151 263 3104 Fax: 0151 260 1849 ao@notredame.liverpool.sch.uk www.notredameliverpool.com Headteacher: Mrs F Harrison BSc (Hons) NPQH

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Childwall School

See facilities for yourself

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ROSPECTIVE students and their parents are warmly invited to a sixth form open evening at Childwall School on Wednesday, February 22 beginning at 6.30pm.

Childwall School is a specialist sports and science college and, with nearly 300 pupils, its sixth form is one of the biggest in the city.

In partnership with King David High School, Broadgreen International School and The Academy of St Francis Assisi, the sixth form is able to offer a wide range of course choices for all levels of learner.

Director of the sixth form Owen Crispin said: “I warmly invite anyone considering Childwall School to our open evening on February 22. I would be happy to show any prospective students and their parents around the sixth form; it is, after all, a huge decision to make.”

The school’s aim is to provide well-taught, suitable courses, in order for its students to successfully secure a place in further or higher education, training or employment.

In September 2011, Childwall School was delighted to take ownership of a newly-built Sixth Form

The newly-built Sixth Form Learning Centre Learning Centre, housed in the Fiveways Neighbourhood Centre, which also accommodates a library and NHS facilities. The sixth form also benefits from a 70-computer wireless network and an on-site pastoral office.

“This allows us to assist and support independent work, with a purpose-built Year 13 study room and an open-plan learning area,” said Mr Crispin.

The sixth form offers a host of A levels, Level 3 BTECs and a number of Level 2 courses. In partnership with Everton in the Community, it also runs a Level 3 Football Academy and hosts Mersey Tigers’ Basketball Academy.

“Last year almost half of all our Year 13 students went on to further their study at higher education

Shorefields Technology College

Shorefields

Sixth Form

An exciting future ahead

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routes for all students.

The development of exciting Level 3 courses in sport, science and child development, linked to longterm work placements, offers sixth formers a balance of education and work-based training that supports their development to be outstanding members of the local community.

It also offers Level 2 courses in growth areas of business and tourism as well as an innovative course in football coaching with guaranteed work-based learning leading to an NVQ Level 2.

Uniquely, the college offers a Level 1 and Level 2 bridging course that offers students the support mechanism to develop communication and study skills.

This prepares students fully for the next stage of learning and ensures that once they begin a sixth form course they can ensure higher grades and better access to university courses of their choice.

University Academy Liverpool will be dedicated to delivering the highest quality provision to every student who wishes to continue their education in its sixth form.

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Shorefields Technology College is looking to the future with its University Academy Liverpool proposal

is changing to . . .

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HE proposed transformation of Shorefields Technology College to University Academy Liverpool has provided the opportunity to redefine and redesign sixth form provision in the south of Liverpool.

The college has an exciting and dynamic approach to sixth form that focuses on developing the whole student so they can meet the expectations of higher education and the world of work.

The proposed University Academy Liverpool is developing a sixth form with clear pathways for success, with excellent links with its partner, the University of Chester Academies Trust.

The University of Chester will offer its students preferential terms of entry onto higher level degree courses by guaranteeing a UAL student an ‘offer’ of a place if they meet all the entry requirements.

Shorefields Technology College prides itself on its high quality and creative approach to learning and is a sixth form that can meet the needs of young people in south Liverpool.

It has excellent links to all higher education providers in the Merseyside region to ensure clear progression

institutions,” said Mr Crispin. “While many of our students chose to study at universities locally, a large number also spread their wings and have ventured on, continuing their studies at universities across the length and breadth of the UK.” The sixth form prides itself on offering an excellent UCAS system, ensuring that students who wish to go on to university have the opportunity and guidance throughout their application process.

Mr Crispin added: “I am proud of the pastoral support that we have in place for all of our students. Together with group tutors, our supporting team provides a high level of care, guidance and support for every individual learner within our sixth form.

“Ofsted deemed the pastoral care as outstanding, and I am convinced that in the coming years it can only get better as we strive to give every student the very best further education experience.”

For more information about the open evening on Wednesday, February 22 call 0151 722 1561, log onto www.childwallsc.co.uk or visit Childwall Sports College, Fiveways, Queens Drive, Liverpool, L15 6XZ.

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Telephone: 0151 727 1387 Email: shorefields@shorefields.com Web: www.shorefields.com Dingle Vale, Liverpool, L8 9SJ

Find your pathway to success.

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Roby Sixth Form College

Dedicated to helping students prosper I F you want to be part of a college that’s dedicated to learning and ensures its students build up a wealth of knowledge and skills, then Roby Sixth Form College (part of Knowsley Community College) is certainly the one for you.

An Open Evening will be held on Thursday, January 26 from 5pm to 8pm, giving you the perfect opportunity to take a look around the college and discover the excellent range of facilities, such as well-equipped study centres, an Apple Mac Suite, a 180-seat performance theatre and a brand new fitness suite.

Roby Sixth Form College offers a fantastic range of A levels in a wide variety of subjects, along with Level 3 BTECs in art and design, media, music, performing arts, public services and sport.

What’s more, in 2011 the students at the college produced an excellent set of examination results, with 17 A level subjects gaining a 100% pass rate, and an overall pass rate of 95%. Experienced and friendly tutors aim to ensure students get the

In 2011 students at Roby sixth form produced excellent examination results, with an overall pass rate of 95%

most out of the course, helping them build up a wealth of knowledge and understanding in their chosen subjects.

The college has also achieved the Matrix Standard in student support and offers excellent career guidance to get students ready for the next step towards university and employment.

There’s also a packed enrichment programme which includes yoga, five-a-side football, driving theory practice, a choir, radio skills with 99.8fm KCC Live, the Duke of Edinburgh award and so much more.

New for 2012, Roby Sixth Form College is offering up

to 20 A level scholarships to help support gifted school leavers with their A level studies. So, how would you like up to £2,000 to support you in achieving your potential?

To apply for the scholarship students must be leaving school in summer 2012 and be predicted to achieve at least seven GCSE subject passes at Grade B or above (including English, maths and science). Additionally, students will also be asked to provide a 500-word personal statement on why they’re choosing to study A levels and the career they wish to embark upon, plus the qualities they can bring to Roby Sixth Form both

academically and through enrichment.

Students will be able to apply online or request a form by contacting student services. More details will be available at the January Open Evening.

So, if you’re leaving school in 2012 visit Roby Sixth Form College on Rupert Road, Roby, on Thursday, January 26 from 5pm to 8pm and discover the great range of courses and facilities available.

For more details email info@knowsleycollege.ac. uk, log on to the website www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk or call 0845 155 1055. You can also follow the college on facebook.com/ knowsleycollege.

ROBY SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

OPEN EVENING Become part of a College that is dedicated to learning, where staff are ambitious and want you to succeed and students respect their environment and each other.

Thursday 26th January 2012 5pm-8pm Roby Sixth Form Centre (Rupert Road, L36 9TD)

• A Levels and GCSEs in a wide range of subjects

• BTEC and Extended Diplomas in Art and Design, Media, Performing Arts, Music, Public Services and Sport • Foundation Art & Design (Pre Degree Level 3-4)

re ut mo 2 o d n i F 201 s: t our abou holarship el Sc help A Lev £2,000 to e up to to achiev u ial yo otent p r u yo

Speak to expert staff and meet current students, tour our fantastic facilities including brand-new fitness suite and get a real taste of College life.

email: info@knowsleycollege.ac.uk

Call: 0845 155 1055

web: www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk

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Bellerive

SIXTH FORM OPEN E VEN I N G Tuesday 7th February 2012 6.00 - 8.00pm for students seeking entry in September 2012 www.bellerivefcj.org

’We made the right choice’

Please enter via the Sixth Form block in Windermere Terrace

Windermere Terrace Sefton Park Liverpool L8 3SB tel:

0151 727 2064 , ODO IN M IN RE R E R E p VIT SUA FORTIT tnershi r s Pa h t i e Fa of th ber Mem

ing, earn l d plie , Ap ces n e i Sc the g in puting n i s i om cial Spe s and C h t a M

De La Salle Academy

A wide range of options

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HE De La Salle Academy is making its mark on the Liverpool educational scene, and nowhere is this more evident than in the multitude of improvements which have been introduced to the sixth form at the Academy.

Students registering for the sixth form can now choose from an increased range of subjects.

As well as those which have traditionally been offered, there are now options to study subjects such as law, psychology, media studies and sociology.

These options follow the huge success which the A level in film studies has been enjoying in recent years, and open up new combinations of subjects for university courses in film and media, as well as providing a grounding for applicants in law and psychology.

Additionally, A level courses in music and Spanish have been added to the pool of options, giving a great range of choices for sixth form students.

Add in the multi-million pound building programme and the bank of Apple Mac suites to support sixth form study, and there is no question that students at the Academy can look forward to a promising future.

CHOICE: Students at De La Salle Academy sixth form can now choose from an increased range of subjects What’s more, the Academy has a flexible approach to study, and students are now able to access A level courses in Year 11.

It is not just in the classroom that the De La Salle Academy offers an attractive package to students. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is offered as an enrichment option, and all sixth form students will have the opportunity to progress to the Gold Award.

Other extra-curricular offerings include driver awareness training, football coaching badges and climbing instructor qualifications.

This year, six of the Academy’s sixth formers were delegates on behalf of the city at a two-week education conference in Shanghai, where they met

students from around the world. This was an incredible experience for them, and they represented Liverpool with pride.

The Academy sends its best wishes to its former student Jack Meredith, now at the University of Bath, and hoping to be selected for the hurdles event in next year’s London Olympics. Another recent success was Joseph Brennan, who survived a rigorous and competitive selection procedure to secure a fully-sponsored apprenticeship with Kaplan Accountancy.

The sixth form is open to male and female students across Merseyside. If you want a bright future, and have the desire to work hard to achieve your goals, then The De La Salle Academy looks forward to hearing from you.

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HY choose Bellerive as your choice of sixth form study?

Apart from the wide choice of courses on offer, top facilities and outstanding exam pass rates, just ask the students. Here’s what some of the past and present students have to say about their beloved Bellerive.

One commented: “The work ethos is strong. I found the encouragement and devotion of the teachers enabled me to succeed.

Classes were enjoyable, and there were good relationships between the staff and students.”

Another said: “This college gives you help and support whenever you need it. The teaching staff are very helpful. I am glad I have chosen this sixth form.”

While one praised Bellerive’s “family feel,” saying: “I chose this college because of its high reputation, and I am glad that I did. I love the surrounding environment and also the school ethos. I feel as if this school is one big happy family and I am a part of it now.”

In terms of academic and support Bellerive sixth form centre offers students 28 different A level courses. The pass rate for Advanced level

Students enjoy the family feel of Bellerive sixth form centre was 98%. Subjects involve five hours of tuition for each A level plus study support outside timetabled lessons.

Former girls and boys have gone on to study at universities across Britain, including Oxford and Cambridge, and when it comes to thinking of the future, each student is given full guidance and support with university and Higher Education applications, as well as employment options.

An Oxbridge preparation programme also includes a visit to Cambridge, mock interviews and guest speakers.

Outside of study, Bellerive’s enrichment activities add extra quality to a student’s life, now and in the future. These include fitness training, business enterprise, team leadership skills, financial awareness,

dance and jewellery-making plus the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. There is even an air-conditioned fitness suite, equipped with a range of exercise machines, in the centre.

Students also enjoy volunteering in the community and fundraising for many charities.

And Bellerive sixth form centre looks great as well!

Overlooking tranquil gardens and a park lake, the centre offers a peaceful place to study, housed in its own building with a reception area, two ample-sized common rooms, a kitchen, ICT suites, tutor bases, and a spacious study area.

There is even a fitness suite which comes with the ambience of a professional gym, equipped with a range of exercise machines and air-conditioning.

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St Hilda’s Church of England High School

High standards and perfect opportunities

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F you’re looking for a school which provides a vibrant, happy and supportive environment; where pass rates are among the best in the city and where pupils go on to accept places at the UK’s top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, then St Hilda’s Church of England High School is for you!

St Hilda’s, on Croxteth Drive near Sefton Park, offers an extensive range of A levels and AS levels including three modern foreign languages and the three key sciences.

A Level 2 Plus course is also offered for pupils who have just missed out on the grades needed to get on their chosen course. This covers English, maths, DiDA, business BTEC and hospitality, and on successful completion students will be guaranteed to progress to level 3 or A level courses.

In addition to the varied curriculum offering, pupils also have the opportunity to get involved in a range of extracurricular clubs, classes and companies. Among the most popular are sign language, canvas print

Pupils at St Hilda’s are offered a varied curriculum company and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Courses regularly allow pupils the chance to experience their subjects in a practical way through trips, such as theatre visits, geography and biology field courses, participation in competitions, visits to galleries and museums and the great excitement offered by activities abroad. These include trips to Austria, France, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Africa and Italy.

Recent refurbishments at the school have also provided

top-of-the-range facilities including new science labs, a tiered drama studio, creative art and textiles studios, modern library facilities and a vibrant sixth form precinct.

At St Hilda’s the commitment to pupils is paramount: its traditions offer security and standards while the school constantly reaches for opportunities to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Come along to the sixth form open evening at St Hilda's High School near Sefton Park on Wednesday, February 1 from 4pm-6.30pm.

Holly Lodge Girls’ College

Holly Lodge Girls' College

Plenty to offer pupils

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Sixth Form Open Evening THURSDAY 2nd February 2012 7pm-9pm in the Pavilion at Holly Lodge A huge range of subjects, majority with 100% pass rate

Queens Drive, West Derby, Liverpool L13 OAE • Tel: 0151 228 3772 / 220 4234 www.hollylodge.liverpool.sch.uk • www.twitter.com/HollyLodgeLiver Headteacher Ms J E Tinsley BA Hons NPQH

F you're looking to take the next step in your education, Holly Lodge Girls' College's sixth form in West Derby could be the perfect choice.

The acclaimed sixth form is an integral part of the school and is rightly proud of its rapidly improving academic results, as well as the support that staff provide for their students.

In the past three years the number of A and B grades achieved at A level has increased by more than 50%, and Holly Lodge is confident its wide range of curriculum subjects is hard to beat.

In 2009, Ofsted said: “Students' personal development is outstanding; students gain confidence in themselves as a result of the school’s guidance and care – pupils are well supported by their subject teachers.”

There are more than 40 courses on offer for students wishing to study A levels or BTECS, including science, arts, communication, business, ICT, technology, languages and humanities.

Plus, students at Level 2 can resit core GCSE subjects, complete work skills, citizenship and catering qualifications and study an AS level in leadership.

Kate Robson, director of sixth form, said: “There

Pupils can take part in a range of activities “There’s a really friendly atmosphere here; you feel like you’re part of one big family” – Sarah Thomas “Studying at Holly Lodge sixth form was best for me; the teachers are very supportive and are able to work with you to get the best out of you” – Charlotte Holmes “I came from a different school and I felt like I fitted in straight away” – Abbie Gerard really is something for everyone, from re-sits right through to tailor-made programmes which support undergraduate medicine and dentistry applications.”

Students also have access to a large and well-equipped sixth form common room and coffee shop, as well as a Learning Resource Centre.

Plus, those without a computer at home are entitled to loan a free laptop for the duration of their time

in sixth form.

In addition, students are allocated a personal learning mentor who provides coaching in independent learning.

This, along with a comprehensive Future Focus programme, is one of the reasons that the sixth form consistently has some of the lowest NEET (not in education, employment or training) rates in the area.

Holly Lodge students also participate in a full programme of enrichment activities, including charity work, community work and extra-curricular activities such as trips to Farmageddon, Alton Towers and The Trafford Centre.

For more information, email k.robson@hollylodge. liverpool.sch.uk or visit http://hollylodge.liverpool. sch.uk/sixth-form. ● The school is holding an open evening on Thursday, February 2 from 7pm-9pm.

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Thursday, January 12, 2012

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Over 35 different courses on offer to students giving a wide range of choice

MARICOURT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ‘Going to Maricourt was one of the best decisions I have made so far.’

‘We are given an opportunity to achieve while knowing we have the support and care of our teachers.”

100% pass rate in 2011

Maricourt is one of the highest performing sixth forms in Sefton

OFSTED

‘Students speak highly of the excellent guidance they get to help them choose the right courses.’

‘Students personal development is outstanding.’

‘Students feel they are very well cared for, supported and guided and that their voice is heard.’

Come to our Open Evening on Thursday 2nd February 2012 At 6.30pm Hall Lane, Maghull L31 3DZ Ring Carol Haughton on 0151 2822124 haughtonc@maricourt.net

Achieving In A Community Of Love, Respect And Fellowship