Liverpool: Sixth formers explore life beyond the classroom

Training with ambulance service

Students at St John Bosco Arts College Sixth Form in Croxteth, Liverpool, have been exploring life beyond the classroom in a series of trips, visits and workshops, immersing themselves in hands-on careers experiences to develop new skills and prepare for post-18 opportunities.

Since the start of the academic year, students have explored a range of career pathways during external trips, visited higher education institutions and participated in workshops to build their employability skills as part of the Croxteth-based sixth form's enrichment programme.

Year 12 students recently discovered careers across healthcare and the emergency services at the North West Ambulance Service's awareness day. Held at Aintree Racecourse, students met with staff from across the emergency services to hear stories about working on the frontline and took part in a range of hands-on learning experiences including CPR training delivered by first responders.

Emily, a Year 12 student, said: "I really enjoyed the ambulance awareness day trip because I got to speak to different professionals and explore careers I didn't even know existed. I even got the opportunity to learn CPR, and it taught me a valuable life-saving skill. The experience opened my eyes to new opportunities and helped me think more about my future career."

Meanwhile, Year 13 students experienced life as higher education students at the University of Liverpool as part of an exciting visit where they toured the campus, sat in on a taster criminology lecture and medical seminar, and gained valuable insights into the UCAS application process.

Organised by IntoUniversity, a national charity supporting young people to achieve higher education, employment or work-based training, part of the day's activities also involved students learning how to navigate and make the most of the university library.

Year 13 student, Nathan, said: "I had the opportunity to explore the University of Liverpool, getting the chance to explore the campus and see what university life could be like. The visit also helped me understand more about the UCAS application process and what I need to do to apply for university in the future. Now, I am considering applying to the University of Liverpool after sixth form."

Preparing young people for higher education and the world of work through a range of opportunities, including work experience opportunities, is an integral part of St John Bosco Arts College Sixth Form's provision, enabling students to make informed choices about their next steps.

The success of this careers-focused approach is reflected in the outcomes of last year's Year 13 leavers, many of whom progressed on to a variety of destinations directly supported by the opportunities provided by the sixth form.

This includes Phoebe who is now studying early childhood at Liverpool Hope University following the completion of her A-level studies in the summer.

Phoebe said: "The support and encouragement I received from my teachers helped me achieve the grades I needed to progress to university. Sixth form also helped me discover my future career aspirations and I'm now studying early childhood at Liverpool Hope University. I honestly wouldn't have got to where I am today without their support."

Miss Charlotte Lyon, head of sixth form, said: "At St John Bosco Arts College our aim is twofold: to enable students to achieve the best academic qualifications, whilst supporting them to develop as mature twenty-first century citizens ready for life after school.

"There are so many opportunities available to students in today's world, and we are committed to providing experiences which open doors, inspire ambition and prepare them for the future through our enrichment programme."

Current Key Stage 4 students and their families can discover St John Bosco Arts College's thriving sixth form at its upcoming open evening on Thursday, 12 November from 5pm until 7pm.