Careers Support

Birkenhead Futures is an exciting new programme designed to prepare students for Higher Education and the world of work.  The programme is part of our ongoing commitment to offering our Sixth Formers the very best bespoke advice and guidance .  Whether students wish to opt for university, a degree apprenticeship or workplace training, the programme looks to ensure that students are equipped with the requisite skills, experiences and ambitions to succeed in life beyond Birkenhead School. 
 

Through the programme, students participate in a range of engaging and interactive workshops and seminars.  Each area of Birkenhead Futures is overseen by a specialist member of the Sixth Form team, offering students valuable opportunities to develop their wider reading and research skills, as well as providing them with interview practice and tailored preparation for the various tests required for certain courses.
 

The aim of Birkenhead Futures is to support every student, as they prepare to pursue their own personal goals and fulfil their ambitions. 

From  September 2020,  an  eight  week  timetabled  Futures  course  is  aimed  specifically  at  developing  interview, presentation,  research  and  critical  thinking  skills.    We  also  have  a  dedicated  Futures  room  within  the  Sixth Form Centre, which provides a base for the  team, a place where students can receive one to one advice, and where they are able to practise the various university aptitudes tests they may be required to take, in one of two testing booths.

By providing our students with the very best and bespoke preparation, we are ensuring that our students stand out in the highly competitive world beyond Birkenhead School

Ms Smeaton is responsible for managing the Futures Programme. She has significant experience in all matters relating to University Admissions and is well-placed to answer any questions, although members of the Futures Team are the first point of contact.UCAS Co-ordinator: Mike TurnerMr  Turner  is  responsible  for  overseeing  the  UCAS  application  process,  guiding  and  supporting  students  to ensure they make informed choices.  Although the emphasis is on applying to university, Mr Turner will also work  closely  with  students  to  consider  whether  a  university  place  is  the  most  appropriate,  or  whether  an application for a job, degree apprenticeship or other training at the age of 18 would be worth investigating.

UCAS Co-ordinator: Mike Turner

Mr  Turner  is  responsible  for  overseeing  the  UCAS  application  process,  guiding  and  supporting  students  to ensure they make informed choices.  Although the emphasis is on applying to university, Mr Turner will also work  closely  with  students  to  consider  whether  a  university  place  is  the  most  appropriate,  or  whether  an application for a job, degree apprenticeship or other training at the age of 18 would be worth investigating

Futures Co-ordinator: Carol Keegan

As  our  Alumni  Officer,  Mrs  Keegan  has  a  vast  number  of  links  with  outside  agencies  and  employers  at  both local and national level, providing opportunities for our students to gain insight and experience into a range of different  career  paths.    Ms  Keegan  facilitates  networking  and  mentoring  opportunities  both  for  current  and former students and is also responsible for organising our biennial industry specific Careers Conferences.

Internship and Apprenticeship Adviser: Lisa Fountain

Possessing a wealth of experience, Mrs Fountain’s role is designed to raise awareness of internships and apprenticeships  and  how  they  support  effective  routes  into  high  profile  national  and  international  graduate schemes. Mrs Fountain will provide guidance and support to students considering, and subsequently applying for, internships and apprenticeships.

Futures Skills Adviser: Vikki Vicars

Drawing  on  a  huge  amount  of  experience  in  preparing  students  for  the  most  competitive  university  courses, Mrs  Vicars  will  offer  invaluable  advice  in  terms  of  interview  preparation,  developing  critical  thinking  and research  skills,  as  well  as  writing  an  effective  personal  statement.    In  addition,  Mrs  Vicars  will  be  preparing students for the various aptitude tests certain courses and institutions require

Futures Skills Adviser: Kate Eassie

As an experienced Mathematician, Mrs Eassie supports those students wishing to apply for competitive courses requiring  a  mathematical  or  scientific  component.    In  addition,  Mrs  Eassie  will  support  and  guide  students through  the  international  application  process.Mrs  Eassie  is  also  the  point  of  contact  for  international applications.

Careers Adviser: Elizabeth Reeve

Mrs   Reeve   will   provide   continuity   between   careers   advice   throughout   Seniors   and   the   University/Apprenticeship  application  process.    She  will  coordinate  the  Year  11  UCAS  Assessment  Days  and  provide ongoing careers advice to students as they progress through the Futures Programme