Westholme School - Westholme Sixth Form, Blackburn, Lancashire

Sixth Form at Wilmar Lodge

Single-sex education for girls aged 16 - 18

Welcome

Many pupils choose to stay on at Westholme to complete their education and we also welcome a number of new pupils each year from other schools. This is because you can be sure to get the very best preparation possible for University and beyond; not only excellent grades, but also the skills which will secure you the best university places and careers.

Life in the Sixth Form is entirely different to mainstream school. The Sixth Form Centre is where you will be based, with your own Common Room, dining area and classrooms. You will be treated as an adult and afforded a greater degree of freedom. The timetable is created around your personal preferences and we do not put subjects into groups from which you must make a selection. We offer expert advice on subject choices based on career aspirations, but we will accommodate your choices, whatever they might be. The offer is broad with 25 subjects taught, including the new entrants of Photography and Economics. We are open to change and develop the curriculum wherever possible, keeping closely aligned with what universities are looking for.

Curriculum enrichment is a priority in Sixth Form. You will be leaving Westholme to go out into a competitive world, and we look to give you that point of difference which will enable you to stand out from your counterparts. To this end we encourage you to take the Extended Project qualification where you will select a topic which particularly enthuses you, and with the help of your tutors, you will deliver a complete assignment, gaining valuable UCAS points. You may get involved with CSLA (Community and Sports' Leadership Award) which involves planning and supporting several events. We also offer ESB (English Speaking Board) which all pupils are expected to join in with; this allows you to gain confidence in Public Speaking and will form an impressive addition to your CV. Together with your core A Level subjects and General Studies, these additional learning experiences will allow you to complete the AQA Baccalaureate, which means you really will stand out from the crowd.

More than anything, being in the Sixth Form at Westholme is great fun! The younger pupils look to you to set an example and lead them, and you may find yourself running clubs for them. There are numerous positions of responsibility for you to assume, from Head Girl to Prefects and House Captains. The two years will pass very quickly as you master fresh skills, make new friendships and spend time thinking about and planning for your future. We are very proud of the preparation we do with you and many admissions tutors comment that they really feel that they know Westholme pupils as they come alive on the paper in the written references we submit. There are practice interviews, University visits, lectures, guest speakers, links with Alumni in addition to all the extra-curricular which come as standard at Westholme. You are in for an incredibly rewarding time!

Mrs Rachel Waldron (Head of Sixth Form)

May 16, 2012

British Biology Olympiad

Sixth Form students receive their Biology Olympiad medals