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.
In the Sixth Form at Blue Coat 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:
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 in 2022 managed to raise over £800! 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 science, engineering and technology which will enable students to make an informed decision about their future studies and career. Students will work in a team on a real engineering/scientific project. The project is set by the sponsoring company and the outcome is important to them. The company will supply an engineer mentor to support the team and project management techniques will be applied to help make the project a success.
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.
At Blue Coat we believe that there should be no limits placed on student aspiration and we encourage and support our highest achievers in their applications to Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League universities.
Applications to these universities have additional requirements such as interviews, supercurricular activities and aptitude tests. In order to prepare students for these additional requirements we run an Oxbridge Access Program. The program is essential for those students wishing to apply.
The sessions take place on Q Wednesday afternoons and include the following:
- What makes a good application?
- Supercurriculum
- Personal Statements
- Competitions and Olympiads
- Meeting successful Blue Coat applicants
- Preparing for Oxbridge Open Days
- Preparing for Summer Holidays. Getting ready for September
- Summer Schools
- SATs Practice
- Trips, lectures, reading
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Oxbridge Access Programme
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There are a variety of trips that run across different departments. In Politics, our students have had the opportunity travel to London for a guided tour of Parliament, visiting both the Chambers of the Commons and Lords, seeing their work in action. In English, our students were able to walk in the footsteps of the Brontes with a trip to Haworth, West Yorkshire, and had time to look around the Bronte parsonage.
In recent years, we have also offered international trips. Click below for more information
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Sixth Form Trips & Visits
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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.