Blackpool Sixth: open days for 2023 entry

Now is a great time for youngsters to get the information they need to plan their futures.
Ad Feature by Blackpool Sixth
Published 7th Sep 2022, 09:20 BST
Save the dates for the Blackpool Sixth open days.Save the dates for the Blackpool Sixth open days.
Save the dates for the Blackpool Sixth open days.

For students entering Year 11, the start of the school year is a good point to begin thinking carefully about the next stage of their education and future careers.

Choose to succeed

Jon McLeod, Head of Admissions at Blackpool Sixth, said it is never too soon to start thinking about which college best suits them and what subjects they might take. Younger students such as those starting Year 9 and 10 are also advised to look ahead as far as they can.

It is never too early to start thinking about what you want to do with your future – start planning with Blackpool SixthIt is never too early to start thinking about what you want to do with your future – start planning with Blackpool Sixth
It is never too early to start thinking about what you want to do with your future – start planning with Blackpool Sixth

“If you have a career in mind already, then build that into the subjects you choose to study in sixth form and beyond,” he says.

“Also, pick subjects you enjoy. That often gets missed by parents who want to guide children towards subjects they think will lead to a good job. If a student isn’t interested, they are unlikely to succeed and will probably change their mind at some point.”

Know your type

How do you learn? Do you prefer to put pen to paper in an exam setting, or build up grades as you go through practical work? A Levels suit students who enjoy an academic approach with lots of theory to learn, while BTEC or vocational-style courses suit others who like to put the theory they are learning into practice in a context related to particular jobs. In June 2020, Blackpool Sixth received the national ‘BTEC College of the Year’ award for the excellence of its vocational provision. The college is also introducing the new T Level courses. Blackpool Sixth is equally strong in its more traditionally academic provision, with many students securing a string of top grade passes. Many gain places at elite universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Blackpool Sixth offers a choice of ways to learn. Students can opt to focus on A Levels or vocational qualifications, or a combination of both.

“Our combined programme means students might pursue a health and social care BTEC but also an A Level in sociology,” adds Mr McLeod. “It’s a good way to group together courses to create an individual package of learning.”

Keep an open mind

Students should always consider subjects they might not have experienced before. Blackpool Sixth, rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, offers more than 50 different courses including subjects like A Level accounting, psychology, electronics and textiles, BTEC Level 3 sport and exercise science and travel and tourism. All topics which students might not have explored in school.

“It can be good to keep options open and choose courses that could lead in a number of directions,” added Mr McLeod. “For example, students might combine art, media studies and English language, giving them the chance to go to art school if they want or switch direction and study English or journalism instead.”

Plan to succeed

University and the world of work might seem far off but look around now at what is offer so you can plot your course properly. Check university websites, UCAS and apprenticeship programmes to see what qualifications they are looking for.

If you’re planning to start sixth form college in September 2023, chat now with college staff to discuss your options.

Why choose Blackpool Sixth?

Blackpool Sixth Form College offers a diverse range of courses and a flexible approach to learning for 16 to 19-year-olds. Because it is strictly for that age group, the college can focus on helping students achieve their aims for the next stage in their lives, whether they choose a vocational route, A Levels or a combination of both.

With a 99% pass success rate across 60 subjects, and almost all leavers going on to positive destinations, it has a proven track record in helping young people on the path to success.

In December 2021 Ofsted inspected the college and declared it ‘Outstanding’ in all aspects.

Blackpool Sixth is holding an open day on Saturday, October 1st and another on Saturday 12th November. There will be live talks covering all the different subject areas as well as an overview of the college curriculum. You can find out more and pre-register for the October open day at https://www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/events/blackpool-sixth-open-day-1st-october-2022/

Find out more at www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk

Related topics:OfstedStudents