Holyhead School

The Student Council gives sixth form students the opportunity to have a genuine voice in school life. Members work closely with staff and fellow students to share ideas, represent their peers, and help shape decisions that enhance the school community. It is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while making a positive and lasting impact on the school.

Our sporting enrichment programme offers students the opportunity to stay active, develop new skills, and represent the sixth form throughout the year. Students can take part in a range of sports, including Football, Cricket, Tennis, and Badminton. Whether competing against other schools or enjoying recreational sport with friends, students build teamwork, resilience, confidence, and school pride while maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Student Mentoring provides sixth form students with the opportunity to support and inspire younger pupils as they progress through school. Acting as positive role models, mentors help build confidence, offer guidance, and encourage others to achieve their potential. This rewarding experience develops valuable leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills while making a meaningful contribution to the wider school community.

Students interested in law can take part in a range of enrichment opportunities, including university masterclasses and taster days, work experience with local law firms, guest speakers, visits to local courts, and debate days at the University of Law. These experiences provide valuable insight into legal careers and university study.

Science students benefit from exciting enrichment opportunities, including the 'Spectroscopy in a Suitcase' programme, where they use university-level equipment to investigate crime scenes using advanced analytical techniques. Students can also attend subject masterclasses at the University of Birmingham in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, providing valuable insight into university study and scientific careers.

Art and Design students can support younger pupils, assist with technical activities, and develop their leadership skills within the department. Enrichment also includes visits to museums, galleries, and local degree shows, giving students the opportunity to gain inspiration and experience a wide range of artistic styles and creative practices.

Business students benefit from visits to leading organisations such as JLR and Coca-Cola, alongside masterclasses and taster days at local universities. Students can also take part in the national Eureka Challenge at the University of Birmingham and work with DivInc to develop entrepreneurial skills and gain real-world business experience.

Criminology students have the opportunity to visit universities and institutions linked to the criminal justice system, including courtrooms, to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. These experiences provide valuable insight into criminology and related career pathways.

English students benefit from a range of enrichment opportunities, including theatre visits, university masterclasses, and access to online articles and revision resources. Students are also encouraged to read widely using the Sixth Form collection in the library, helping to broaden their knowledge and develop their analytical skills.

Geography students have the opportunity to take part in visits to locations such as Snowdonia, Manchester, Birmingham city centre, and the University of Birmingham. A range of lectures, seminars, and masterclasses throughout the year further enrich students' understanding of geographical issues and support their studies.

Health and Social Care students benefit from university masterclasses, including sessions such as Introduction to Nursing, as well as a range of work placement opportunities. Placements in settings including medical centres, care homes, pharmacies, early years settings, and special educational schools provide valuable hands-on experience and insight into careers in the sector.

History students can take part in A-level study days and university masterclasses to deepen their understanding of the subject. Enrichment also includes opportunities to engage with resources and events from organisations such as the National Army Museum and the Imperial War Museum.

Mathematics students benefit from visits to local universities, mentoring from University of Birmingham students, and the annual Maths in Action event at the University of Warwick. Students can also take part in AMSP problem-solving clubs to further develop their mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.

French students can enjoy a range of enrichment opportunities, including cinema and theatre visits, University French Days, a trip to France, and conferences at local universities. Grammar booster sessions are also available to help students strengthen their language skills and confidence.

Spanish students benefit from a range of enrichment opportunities, including a trip to Spain, visits to the cinema, theatre, and art exhibitions, as well as university visits. These experiences help develop language skills while providing valuable insight into Spanish culture and higher education.

Psychology students benefit from a range of enrichment opportunities designed to enhance their learning beyond the classroom. These include Tutor2U grade booster sessions, which develop exam and application skills through interactive activities, visits to local courts to observe the justice system in action, and talks from professionals working across different areas of psychology. Together, these experiences provide valuable insight into real-world applications of psychology and support students in exploring future university and career pathways.

Religious Studies students can attend the renowned Candle Conferences, featuring leading scholars in Philosophy and Ethics, as well as the annual Sixth Form conference at Newman University. Students are also encouraged to support younger pupils in lessons, helping to develop their leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.

Music students enjoy a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including performances at prestigious venues such as the ICC, Symphony Hall, Town Hall, Birmingham REP, and The MAC. Students can also take part in a variety of extracurricular ensembles and clubs, developing their musical skills, confidence, and performance experience.

Sociology students benefit from mentoring by university students, masterclasses at local universities, and a range of engaging educational visits. Recent enrichment has included talks from ex-convicts and prison officers, relevant cinema screenings, visits to the Galleries of Justice, and conferences featuring leading sociologists. These experiences help students connect sociological theory to real-world issues and explore future study and career opportunities.

Sport Studies students benefit from a range of enrichment opportunities, including university seminars, practical workshops, and subject-specific events. Students also receive careers guidance, support with the university application process, and valuable insight into university life, helping them prepare for further study and careers in the sport and leisure industry.

STEM Society offers students the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics beyond the classroom. Through engaging activities, guest speakers, challenges, and practical projects, students develop problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation skills while discovering exciting university and career opportunities in STEM fields.