Spring newsletter by Schudio

Spring Newsletter 2013

Happy new year

This newsletter captures just some of the activities and developments of last term. We are delighted to have the excellently refurbished sports hall in use by our students and local clubs. This is the last year in which AS and A level students will be sitting January modules. Due to a change in government policy, in future years AS and A level exams will only take place in the summer. Blackpool Sixth prides itself on the excellent teaching and highly responsive support it provides to ensure that students are thoroughly prepared for their exams. We are also proud of the efforts made by our students to combine their studies with a wide range of fulfilling activities whether it be sports, the arts or volunteering. With warm wishes to you all. Felicity Greeves, Principal and Senior Students Nehal Cheema and Jack Renshaw.

Seven students receive Oxbridge Offers Former Cardinal Allen Catholic High School students, Sarah Caulfield and Lucinda Denney have received offers from Cambridge to read English and Social and Political Sciences respectively. Martha Hirst, who previously attended St. Aidan’s Church of England Technology College, has the offer of a Cambridge place to read Law. Jack Renshaw (formerly of Collegiate High School) and Rachel Leech (formerly of Unity College) both have offers to read Geography at Cambridge. Jack commented, “I have received excellent support for applying to Cambridge through mock interviews, improving my ability to think quickly and argue a point logically.”

Lucinda Denney, Sarah Caulfield, Rachel leech, Jack Renshaw and Martha Hirst were among students who have places at Oxford and Cambridge University.

Caitlin Mackridge, formerly of Highfield Humanities College, has been offered a place at Cambridge to read Land Economy. Caitlin completed her A levels last year and is currently on a gap year in France. Former St. George’s School student, Chloe Wakelin has the offer of a place at Oxford University to read Biological Sciences.

In October 2012, Blackpool Sixth achieved the Eco Schools Green Flag award. This award is given to educational organisations that can demonstrate very significant success in their work on sustainability and the environment. Recent projects which caught the eye of the Eco Schools assessor were the college-wide push to cut paper waste, innovative student-led activities to address energy efficiency and practical conservation work. These and other projects have been co-ordinated by the staff-student Sustainability group. A further highlight of the past year was the installation of photovoltaic solar panels which provide one of the sixth form’s main teaching blocks with all the electricity it needs for eight months of the year. The idea for this came directly from students.

Green Award

www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk 01253 394911 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/blackpoolsixth

Staff Achievement Awards The Celebration of Staff Achievement Awards has been held for the past six years and takes place at our staff Christmas lunch. The awards were presented by John Boyle, Chair of Governors

Staff Award Winners Outstanding Support Staff Winner - Esther Mellor Outstanding Teacher Winner - Matthew Speight Outstanding Team Winner - FYi

Award for Innovation & Creativity Winner - Lucy Plumbley Long Service Award Helen Crowther Linda Gregory

Unique Arts role for Craig

International film success

A Blackpool Sixth Form student has been making a major contribution to arts and literature in Blackpool.

BTEC Creative Media Production student Fazil Kizhakkayil created a promotional film poster based on his group’s horror film production.

Craig Hodgkinson, has combined his second year A level studies with a unique role with Blackpool Council. He has been a student Arts Development Officer since September, helping to organise and run Blackpool’s own literature festival, Wordpool. Craig played a key part in the success of many of the exhibitions, workshops and performances in this year’s programme. He is now in the final stages of his internship and is working on an evaluation of the festival.

Youth Work Award for students Two Blackpool Sixth Form students have received national attention for their youth work in Blackpool.

Bethany Acton and Dale Rayner from the Blackpool Young People’s Council (BYPC) collected a “highly commended” award at the Children and Young People Now awards in London on Thursday 29th November. Bethany, Dale and the BYPC caught the eye of the judges for the awards with their innovative and life-changing work with other young people in Blackpool. In recent months the BYPC has helped distribute funds for a wide range of programmes to support the town’s youth.

‘Ouija Board' which was filmed as part of one of their projects. Fazil was showing his design to family members and his mum was so impressed that she sent his poster design to a film poster design competition run by Indian multimedia company, Auriga, in conjunction with The Neo Film School. To his great surprise, Fazil won first prize in the competition.

School iPad winner Blackpool Sixth Open Day prize draw The lucky winner was Rosie Huddleston, a year 11 student from St Bede’s Catholic High School

Spring Newsletter 2013

Falklands Veteran gives Memorial Lecture

Spellbinding contest

Simon Weston OBE was the guest speaker at the Blackpool Sixth annual memorial lecture which is supported by the Trustees of the Blackpool Grammar School War Memorial Foundation. Mr Weston gave an inspiring talk to over three hundred guests, including students from Blackpool Sixth and Collegiate High School, trustees and friends of the sixth form, about his experiences during and since the Falklands War and the importance of self-belief. Before the talk Simon was able to meet with students from A level Modern History, to discuss the history of the Falklands and the changes in modern warfare, and BTEC Public Services, to discuss careers in public services.

Staff and student teams in the Spelling Bee As part of the library's Spelling Week, students and staff went head-to-head to find out who could spell the best. In a USA-style Spelling Bee, contestants were asked to spell out loud ever more difficult words, culminating in a head-to-head battle. The list of words included plenty to challenge even the most accomplished speller, such as “flocculate” and “lachrymose”.

Simon Weston OBE with senior student Jack Renshaw

And who won? After a closely fought contest, the staff won by a whisker. The word which clinched it was that tricky little one, “graffiti”.

Baroness visits

Students put to trial

Blackpool Sixth hosted a talk by Baroness Newlove, a member of the House of Lords, to encourage students to engage more with the political and parliamentary process.

Fourteen AS and A level Law students from Blackpool Sixth travelled to Manchester on November 17th to compete in the regional heats of the Bar National Mock Trial competition.

The Baroness spoke to a full theatre of staff and students about the work and role of the House of Lords. This was followed by a question and answer session on various aspects of life at Westminster.

It took place in the Minshull Street Crown Court with trials being heard by real judges in real courtrooms. The sixth form team made it to the final two and found the whole Law students preparing for mock trail: Anna Buckley, Luke Wainwright, experience very Sosha Lewis rewarding.

Upper sixth Law student, Tom Millar, commented, "I thought her experience with her husband was fascinating and she proves that with even the worst things that happen in life you can get anywhere with hard work."

Lower sixth student, Sosha Lewis commented, “I really enjoyed it. It was pretty valuable as it is the career I want to go into eventually. It was really interesting to go into court and see how it worked and see different people’s roles.” Baroness Newlove meeting with Blackpool Sixth students

www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk 01253 394911 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/blackpoolsixth

Visit to the past A group of A level Classical Civilisation students visited the Lancaster offices of Oxford North, the commercial archaeology specialists. The students got the chance to examine a 10th century Viking sword and a massive find of medieval pottery recently excavated in Carlisle. They were also intrigued by a cow skull from the 3rd century AD which was used as target practice for Roman archers. Earlier in the year, two students from the Classical Civilisation course completed work placements with Oxford North.

Students get growing A new project has been launched to grow vegetables, soft fruit and flowers on the sixth form campus.

Alan Hulme pictured with Alice Bradshaw (left) and Kirstie Andrews (right)

The project is linked to the Grow Blackpool initiative managed by former student, Alan Hulme. Alan came in before Christmas to give Eco Action students and some staff an introduction to polytunnel growing. Students sowed herb, salad and leek seeds and are eagerly awaiting their first crop in the spring.

Fright night

Biology Week Success

Year 10 students from across the Fylde Coast attended Blackpool Sixth’s Fright Night.

The Science Department ran a specially themed Biology Week in October.

The event included Halloween themed performances from sixth form dance and music students and a screening of ‘The Woman in Black’ in the Blackpool Sixth Theatre.

The week highlighted the exciting developments taking place in the life sciences and how they affect everyone, scientists and non-scientists alike. The activities included an online Giant Panda debate on priorities for wildlife conservation, a lecture from local ecologist on the Costa Rican rainforest and a biology careers workshop. There were also fundraising events such as a cell-themed bake sale and wildlife fancy dress day with proceeds going to the Genetic Disorders UK charity.

Spring Newsletter 2013

Christmas Showcase

In December the department of Performing Arts, Music and Media put on an evening of music dance and drama with guest performances from some of our local partner schools. Left: BTEC Dance students. Bottom left: Millfield Science and Performing Arts College dance students peforming a piece based on the story of the Pendle Witches and Bispham High School Gospel Choir. Bottom Right: BTEC Performing Arts students peform a St Trinian’s piece.

Music for a Winter’s Night

Hosted in the Blackpool Sixth form theatre, Lancashire Music Service and Blackpool Sixth Chamber Choir and jazz musicians came together for a night of Christmas favorites and jazz classics.

Staff and students came together to participate in the annual Blackpool Santa Dash, raising money for Trinity House Hospice

Santa Dash

Members of the Blackpool Sixth Choir

East meets West

Blackpool Sixth hosted an evening of performances, fine food and conversation in December.

The event “East meets West” was a collaboration with the Fylde Coast Hindu Society to celebrate the festival of Diwali and Christmas. Blackpool Sixth Trad Jazz group

Book your tickets for Blackpool Sixth shows including the hit musical ‘Our House’ 6th - 8th March 2013 http://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/theatre

The event began with a traditional Hindu prayer and “lighting of the lamp” ceremony. The audience were then treated to an array of stunning performances. This included traditional Indian dance performed by Khavita Kaur Rhendava (bottom right) and Christmas songs from St George’s School choir (bottom left) . The presenters for the evening were senior students, Nehal Cheema and Jack Renshaw.

www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk 01253 394911 www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk 01253 394911 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/blackpoolsixth

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/blackpoolsixth

New Sports Facilities

The £500,000 refurbishment of the Sports Hall is now complete and provides high standard accommodation for our enrichment and sports curriculum. The exterior of the building has been given a fresh modern facelift. An impressive glazed mezzanine area contains a fitness suite, classroom and viewing area. The playing surface has been replaced with the latest high performance flooring technology. Further work to be carried out this year will include spectacular sporting graphics to help inspire our sportsmen and women. We also plan to clad the roof with solar panels in order to make the sport hall self-sustainable in electricity.

Sports Awards

On December 19th we staged the AllStars Sports Awards in conjuction with The Gazette. These awards focus on achievement in youth sport across the Fylde Coast. This year’s judging panel included two local paralympic athletes, Shelly Woods and Myles Pearson. Team of the Year - YMCA U18s

Overall winner Emily McNeill with judges Tim Craven, Shelly Woods, Myles Pearson and Andy Moore

UK Colleges call up

England cap for footballer

Upper Sixth student Alix Townsend (formerly of Kirkham Grammar) has been selected for the second consecutive year as part of the UK College’s womens hockey squad.

Fleetwood Town Youth mid fielder Michael Smith has been selected for England U18 Schoolboys in the forthcoming home international series. Michael studies BTEC Sport at blackpool sixth as part of his apprentice ship with the League Two club.

Double sports status

for Sixth Form

Blackpool Sixth Form was approved by Sports Leaders UK in October as one of only five accredited sports leadership academies in the North West. This honour acknowledged the excellent work done by the college to develop young sports leaders and to provide trained volunteers who can make a difference in their communities through getting more people involved in sport. Blackpool Sixth was also delighted to be selected as one of the few colleges in the region to be allocated College Sports Maker funding by Sports England. The money will fund a new post to further develop participation in youth sport.

Spring Newsletter 2013

Attendance and Holidays in Term Time

The Fylde Coast Teaching School Alliance Train to become a qualified teacher within a year. We are offering School Direct primary and secondary teacher training for graduates, starting in September 2013. . Gain a PGCE from the University of Cumbria . School based teacher training in local schools . One day a week in Professional Development activities . Bursaries available

Full attendance is the best way of ensuring success at Blackpool Sixth. Sixth Form policy is that leave for term-time holidays will not be permitted. Requests for leave on the grounds of exceptional circumstances must be in writing to the Principal at least one month in advance. Parents and students need to be aware that sixth form may not re-admit a student who takes an unauthorised holiday during term time. Download the new Blackpool Sixth iPhone app and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Path Your Futureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Scan this barcode using a QR code reader app on your mobile phone to view our courses or visit www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk

Blackpool Sixth Form Open Evening

For more information see www.fyldecoastteachingschool.blackpool.sch.uk

6-8pm - 27th February

Key Dates 2013 Spring Term

Mon 7 January 2013 - Thur 28 March 2013 Half Term: Mon 18th February 2013 Fri 22nd February 2013 th

Sixth Factor Live Final - Tues 12th February Open Evening - Wed 27 February th

Our House: The Musical - 6th, 7th and 8th March Preparing for University Evening (Upper Sixth) - Thur 14th March

Summer Term

Mon 15 April 2013 - Tue 9 July 2013 Half Term: Mon 27th May 2013 - Fri 31st May 2013 th

AS/A level Results Day - Thurs 15th August

Dance Showcase - Thur 20th June

A2 Enrolment - Thurs 15th - Fri 16th August

Progression Evening (Lower Sixth) th - Wed 19 June An Evening of German Classics by Blackpool Symphony Orchestra - Sun 23 rd June

Concert at the White Church in Lytham St Annes - Wed 20th March

Battle of the Bands - Wed 27th March

Pre-Sixth Taster Day - Fri 28th June & - Mon 1st July

Key dates

th End of Spring Term - Thur 28 March

Mon 2nd September 2013 - Thurs 19th December Half Term: Mon 28th October - Fri 1st November 2013

Contemporary Theatre Showcase - Thur 9 th May

Celebrating our Community Evening - Mon 24thJune

HE Information Evening (Lower Sixth) - Thur 28th March

Autumn Term

Student Awards Evening 2013 - Wed 26 th June

AS Enrolment - Thurs 22nd - Fri 23rd August Start date for Upper Sixth - Mon 2nd September Start date for new students - Wed 4th September End of Autumn Term - Thurs 19th December

Summer Music Concert - Tue 2nd July End of Spring Term - Wed 10 July

Blackpool Sixth, Blackpool Old Road, Blackpool, FY3 7LR Tel: 01253 394911 Fax: 01253 300459 www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk