University admissions tutors and employees are increasingly looking for evidence of involvement in activities outside the classroom. The wide range of activities and courses available to you in the Sixth Form will help to enhance your team-working, leadership and communication skills. They may also help you to develop a new interest or hobby.

We run an annual lecture series, hold several Sixth Form conferences regarding induction, interviewing and attending assessment centers as well as having a comprehensive PSHE programme.

As well as being able to participate in a wide variety of societies, clubs and groups, Sixth formers are invited to apply for internal leadership posts as school officers, house officers and prefects, many of which involve working with younger students.

Along with other students, Sixth Formers also take part in sporting and cultural visits, debating societies, business enterprise activities, the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards scheme, sports clubs, art exhibitions, choir, orchestra and school productions. They also enjoy visits from speakers as diverse as charity representatives, MPs, and motivational speakers.

AQA Baccalaureate Award (AQA Bacc)

The AQA "Bacc" is an opportunity for students to significantly improve their further learning, education and employment prospects. It is an academic qualification which builds on a student's core A level subjects, adding value through wider learning and enrichment activities.

It is composed of four essential elements, each developing key facets of the students' all-round education.  These elements are:

Academic in-depth study

Students will study 3 or 4 subjects to A2 level.

Broader study

Students will study General Studies to at least AS Level

Enrichment activities

Students will take part in personal development activities (eg Duke of Edinburgh's Award)  or community work.

Independent learning

Students will complete the Extended Project Qualification.

By completing these four elements, students will be awarded an "AQA Bacc" - there are three levels: "AQA Bacc", "AQA Bacc with Merit" and "AQA Bacc with Distinction".  We expect that many Westholme students will gain this over-arching qualification by skilfully combining their Sixth Form options to meet the requirements.

Preparing for the Future

Sixth Form staff and our Careers Department provide students with the information and support needed to make the right decisions about their future.

Our Careers and Higher Education library has a comprehensive range of university guides and computer facilities for on-line research and advice is available to help choose universities and courses in an informed way during weekly PSHE sessions or via individual appointments.

For students considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge universities, our Oxbridge Co-ordinator will provide all the guidance needed including the choice of subject and college.

Sixth Formers also have the option to attend careers courses and university open days. In addition, students are able to participate in a practice session with external interviewers from academic, industrial and commercial institutions.

We pride ourselves on the attention to detail that is given to UCAS and other applications. Individual support and guidance is given by Form Tutors, the Head of Sixth Form and the Principal.

Sixth Formers are also able to benefit from our extensive network of former students who are happy to share their experiences of universities and careers and provide valuable contacts and work placements.