Half Term Updates - October 2026 | Birkenhead Sixth Form College

It has been a productive and enjoyable first half term. I have been very impressed with how well our new students have settled into college life. Year 1 students I met recently spoke positively about the more mature environment, independence and opportunity to focus on subjects they enjoy.

Our Year 2 students have also made a positive start to what will be a demanding but rewarding year, with over 150 UCAS applications already submitted. Although our College deadline is in December, we encourage early applications so students can focus on their studies as university offers begin to arrive.

We expect all students to prepare a university application to keep their options open, even if they intend to pursue an apprenticeship or employment. Apprenticeship support is also available, with opportunities regularly posted on our Careers Team page. Our Assistant Principal, Jo Wood, recently outlined the progression routes available at our Year 2 Parent Information Evening, her presentation has been sent separately to support conversations at home.

I hope our staff, students and families enjoy a restful and well-earned half-term break.

Rob Myatt, Principal

AI is a rapidly evolving area and we know that students are increasingly using AI to support their studies. All students have attended briefings on how to navigate the world of AI while remaining effective learners. We discussed avoiding AI-generated coursework, which could lead to suspected malpractice and research showing that AI can improve homework performance while leaving students performing lower in tests and exams due to poorer retrieval.

Analysing information, evaluating arguments, interpreting data and for example struggling with solutions to Maths problem are all essential parts of learning. My message was simple - AI should not “do the doing”. Used thoughtfully, however, it can help students personalise their revision for example, by generating practice questions, testing their knowledge through quizzes or providing feedback on answers they have written themselves.

Positive Psychology

This half term, our Year 1 students have explored Positive Psychology in Student Briefing and tutorials. After reflecting on their happiness on a scale of 1–10, students were set three practical tasks to support their wellbeing: carry out an act of kindness, challenge their natural negativity bias by identifying something positive each day, and review their screen time and social media use.

Key dates

w/c 19^th October – Half term assessment results shared
2^nd November – GCSE resit exams start
18^th November – BTEC mocks start
12^th & 19^th November – Year 0 & 1 Parents’ Evening
16^th December – College UCAS deadline

Careers

WHAT’S HAPPENED?

A record 30 early UCAS applications for Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
A total of 196 UCAS applications have been submitted, with 158 offers received so far.
51 students studying for an EPQ, developing intellectual curiosity and independent research skills through the Extended Project Qualification.
9 Tomorrow’s Teachers graduates – congratulations to our students, who gained valuable classroom experience, confidence and a clearer understanding of routes into teaching.
18 Year 1 students have joined our specialist programme for aspiring medical, dental and veterinary professionals.
Multiple inspiring careers events, including a Learn with the Lords session with Baroness Baker and our Legal and Protective Services Careers Fair, which welcomed over 20 organisations.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Applications open for the High Performers Programme
Wednesday 11th November – Tomorrow’s Teachers programme briefing for new applicants
Wednesday 18th November – Care Services Careers Fair
Healthcare Professionals careers programme begins

Enrichment & Clubs

WHAT’S HAPPENED?

Our Be More enrichment programme helps students discover new interests, build confidence and make the most of College life beyond lessons. At the Be More Fair in September, students explored over 40 clubs and activities, from Debate and Table Tennis to Film Club and Science, alongside international trips and local volunteering opportunities.

To help students settle into College life, our Fun Day Fridays have featured inflatables and a visit from rescued animals, with Gloria, a four-month-old southern white owl, stealing the spotlight! The fun continued at Halloween Fest, where students enjoyed a spook-tacular day of activities, including a bake sale, ghost hunt and a scary film after College.

It’s not too late for your son or daughter to get involved - please encourage them to join a club, try something new and make the most of the opportunities on offer.

WHAT’S COMING UP?