Sixth Form Enrichment
At Blue Coat we recognise that one of the greatest challenges facing our students face is to manage your time and workload in order to achieve success whilst at the same time ensuring that you take every opportunity to broaden your outlook on life and what it has to offer.
Universities, apprenticeship providers and employers all want individuals who have not only achieved academically, but have also contributed to, and benefited, from wider opportunities which have helped you develop into a well rounded individual with your own viewpoint, opinions and ideas.
At The Blue Coat Sixth Form you will have lots of opportunities to broaden your horizons and develop new interests giving you every opportunity to become all that you are meant to be. Below are a few examples:
ChemiCon 2024 was our very first A Level Chemistry conference, in which more than 80 Year 13 students presented their own research in the form of a conference poster. Hundreds of our Years 10-12 students came and discussed high level Chemistry with the presenters. Joined by guest speakers and judges from local universities, our Year 13 students, without exception, dazzled with their abilities to present their work clearly and effectively. Thank you to The Royal Society of Chemistry, Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester for their support with the conference.
STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) Mathematics is a well-established mathematics examination designed to test candidates on questions that are similar in style to undergraduate mathematics. STEP is used by the University of Cambridge, the University of Warwick and Imperial College London.
Blue Coat Sixth Form offers a fantastic opportunity for year 13 students to meet and work with other students who are planning to take a STEP exam or just enjoy the opportunity to develop their higher-level problem-solving skills. Students will have a full day to immerse themselves in intellectually challenging maths problems supported by our host; Peter Mitchell.
Peter studied Mathematics at Oxford for six years. He was a head of mathematics for 23 years. He now works in a variety of fields, including preparation for STEP Mathematics, Young Gifted and Talented summer schools, teaching for the Open University and running workshops for gifted children. He was also Chairman of MEI for 6 years and runs the website Meikleriggs’ Mathematics.
Our students take part in numerous charity events across the year to raise money for important causes. Our students put on an annual Bake Sale for Macmillan Coffee Morning and raise hundreds of pounds. Around the festive period, our students take part in Christmas jumper day in support of Save the Children, they also collect goods to donate to local food banks, and have worked with NorthCare charity and designed Christmas cards to send well wishes to NHS staff and patients who spend Christmas in hospital. In the summer, our students get their trainers on and take part in Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK. We also welcome any of our student’s ideas to help charities based on personal experience.
The Debating Society is a place where students debate and discuss contemporary issues by exploring a range of perspectives and opinions. Some weeks this takes place in the context of a formal debate where two teams go head-to-head to debate contrasting views on that week’s issue. Other weeks we hold open debates where all students are invited to share their thoughts and opinions and respond to their peers by challenging and expanding their views. It is a great opportunity for students to develop the following skills: rational thinking, public speaking, communication and reflection.
The EES (Engineering Education Scheme) provides students with an in-depth experience in engineering and technology which will enable students to make an informed decision about their future studies and career. Students will work in a small team on a real engineering project, designing mechanisms, manufacturing their designs with help from the DT department and a mentor company, taking a prototype to a Liverpool University workshop for testing, and finally presenting their finished product to EES. The project is set by the sponsoring engineering company and the outcome is relevant to the current developments being worked on within their company. An engineering mentor will support the team and project management techniques will be applied to help make the project a success – this is a great practice for the type of project undertaken during engineering and other STEM courses at university, and participants will receive an Industrial Cadets Gold Award at the end to reflect this.
These placements are funded by the Nuffield Foundation and delivered by STEM Learning. They are engaging, hands-on research projects, where students have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the work of a host organisation. They are a fantastic opportunity for students to apply skills and knowledge learned at school and work alongside researchers and industry professionals to enhance personal statements and university applications or improve subject knowledge.
The Blue Coat Sixth Form is proud to be part of the Cranmer Education Trust
Cranmer Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity registered in England. Company registration number: 07687709. Registered Office: Cranmer Education Trust, c/o The Blue Coat School, Egerton Street, Oldham OL1 3SQ. The website address is www.cranmereducationtrust.com and the phone number 0161 785 5082.