Year 11 English Masterclasses

Students are able to attend the following dates for English support with Miss Connolly in the Cinema. Each session will focus on a specific area. All sessions take place on Wednesdays from 3:00–3:45 pm.

• 11th March: Tips to secure Grade 7+ in English Language

• 18th March: How to write thoughtfully in Literature (for students aiming for Grade 6)

• 25th March: How to secure a Grade 4 in English Language – resit students welcome

English After-School Provision

Our English department is pleased to offer the following after-school provision for students. They will take place every Monday from 4–4.30pm:

• Library with Mr Corner – come along and borrow books from our extensive selection.  There will also be a space to read quietly.
• Culture Club with Mr Murphy – gain a deeper understanding of what is going on in the world, develop your general knowledge and expand your viewpoints and perspectives

For Year 10 only:

• Support with GCSE content with Miss Jackson 

For Year 11 students only:

• Target grade 7+ revision with Miss Connolly
• Target grade 5+ revision with Miss Manzoor
• Target grade 4+ revision with Mr Mackenzie
• Grammar and writing development support with Miss Gymnopoulou *This intervention will be particularly helpful for those students whose first language is not English

High-Tech Water Fountains and Reusable Bottles

In school, we have new high-tech water fountains for students to fill their bottles. Students are advised to bring a reusable bottle into school each day if they wish to use this facility. Staying hydrated throughout the day is important for concentration and wellbeing, and using a reusable bottle helps reduce plastic waste.

Introducing our Junior Editors of the BRI Journal

We are excited to introduce our newest Junior Editors of the Baltic Research Institute (BRI) Journal. These brilliant Year 10 Scholars will help shape the next issues of the BRI Journal, the only student-led scientific journal of its kind.

Through this initiative, our students conduct rigorous research across a range of scientific disciplines, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that prepare them for future careers in STEM. The BRI Journal serves as a professional platform for them to publish their work. 

MeDeVet (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science) Students University Offers

Two of our Liverpool Life Sciences UTC students recently received offers from University of Leeds to study Medicine and University of Cambridge to study Psychology. This is a reflection of their hard work and dedication, well done. 

From the Classroom to the Factory Floor

Our T-Level students experienced cutting-edge manufacturing in action, exploring robotics, precision engineering and careers within the automotive industry at Sanko Gosei UK Ltd.

Throughout the day, the group were given a deep dive into the integration of Industry 4.0, witnessing how robotics and precision engineering come together to produce complex components for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. For our T-Level cohorts, seeing this level of technical excellence is invaluable, as it brings the complexities of their curriculum to life in a way that only a live production floor can.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Operations Director Craig Birchall for hosting us and for his commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers. We are also incredibly grateful to Wayne Ash, whose time and insight throughout the tour gave our students a genuine sense of the career pathways available to them.

Alfred H Knight Trip

This week, Chemistry and Applied Science students visited Alfred H Knight to experience their labs and apprenticeship opportunities. 

Alfred H Knight are an independent, family-owned provider of inspection, testing, and analytical services for the metals, minerals, solid fuels, and agricultural industries, founded in 1881. Operating in over 40 countries, they provide trusted quality assessments, sampling, and chemical analysis for global trade. 

Royal Court Misogyny and County Lines Performance

Our Year 10 students recently had the opportunity to watch a powerful performance of County Lines, delivered by visiting actors from the Royal Court Theatre.

The production explored important real-life issues surrounding youth exploitation, peer pressure, and personal choice, helping students better understand the risks faced by young people today. It supported our PSHE and safeguarding curriculum and encouraged meaningful discussion about staying safe, making informed decisions, and knowing where to seek support.

Students responded very positively to the performance and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They engaged thoughtfully with the themes presented and demonstrated maturity, respect, and enthusiasm throughout the session.

We are proud of the way our students embraced this valuable learning opportunity. 

Arabic Cultural Experience

On Thursday, Four Oaks Primary School visited for an exciting Arabic Cultural Experience. Students took part in an Arabic Tea Workshop, explored the Arabian Tent, listened to Arabic Stories, and learnt some basic Arabic words. They also discovered fascinating aspects of Arabic culture, including Egyptian Gods, Spices, Traditional Clothes, and Arabian Artifacts. Our Year 10 Arabic Ambassadors, Saja, Lajin, Zynab, Ingrid, and Angelica, had the opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences, deepening the students' understanding of Arab heritage and developing their leadership skills.

Miss Mahjoub and Miss Mallo from Liverpool Life Sciences and The Studio said, "This hands-on experience sparked a passion for Arabic culture for our primary school visitors, you could see it in their eyes and smiles, and we look forward to welcoming more primary schools in the future!"

Miss Chambers from Four Oaks shared, "Great experience. It was brilliant to be immersed in a different culture. All staff, were so welcoming. The children really enjoyed listening to Arabic stories, drinking tea, and dressing up. It was especially amazing for a boy in class, whose first language is Arabic with very limited English, to be immersed in his own culture. He constantly has a smile on his face."

Miss Rafferty said, "Wonderful experience for both the children and adults. The children enjoyed the Arabic adventure. Fin loved the music; he said, ‘We got to try out the different instruments, it was fun.’ Noah said, ‘I liked the tea and biscuits the best.’ The whole experience was great and very well-led. The staff were very good and knowledgeable."

"The children really enjoyed the experience, led beautifully by the students. They loved all the activities and got involved, enjoying collecting the stamps as they went through. The children were fully involved during the Arabic culture dressing up, music, tea, and tent." - Mrs. Barrow. 

UKMT Mathematical Challenge

Our top set Ignite & Year 10 Maths students took part in the UKMT Mathematical Challenge this week. The is a very prestigious event in which our top Mathematicians will be up against some of the top schools in the country. 

Primary School Microscope Workshop at Liverpool Life Sciences UTC

Both Year 5 classes from Four Oaks Primary School visited to take part in a microscope workshop. This session encouraged the students to learn how to use the microscopes and learn to make accurate observations. We discussed why this is important for scientists to do. In addition to this, both classes got to grips using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) that we have on loan for a term. The students were brilliant at using descriptive language to write about their chosen samples.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Weekly Round-up

• It's been another busy week in the invocation labs showcasing the Hitachi Desktop SEM with us on a scheme supported by Hitachi, Institute for Research in Schools and The Royal Microscopical Society. Students from Roscoe Primary and Four Oaks Primary enjoyed sessions on the microscopes viewing a range of specimens or participating in creative writing fuelled by what they saw using the microscopes.
• One of our favourite pictures of the week is this one of bee bread; bees harvest pollen to feed on through the winter, and make little balls out of this pollen. Below is an EM of the surface of one of these bee breads, showing several different types of pollen. 

• Members of Ignite have integrated science and the arts by using the microscopes to view gothic items such as skulls, feathers, mushrooms and moths to inspire adjectives which will be used in creating a piece of gothic creative writing.  
• Two similar projects have begun for year 12 students. One is in collaboration with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) on chemical analysis of paint samples taken from two historic buildings in Saffron Waldon using the SEM and EDX. It is hoped that this analysis will contribute to SPAB being able to recreate these paints for restoration. The other seeks to analyse paint flakes from paintings by C E Schiffe, a painter who lived in the 1800s and 1900s.
• We have continued with our investigations into wettability in leaves and insect mandibles, and are delighted to report that a sample from Kew Gardens is on the way to us for use by Year 10.

• If you drop water onto a lotus flower it forms a sphere and rolls off. The image, taken by the scholars after school group, shows a piece of lotus petal edge on. The 3D structures you can see cause this extreme hydrophobicity. Images for this project have been difficult images to get, as they needed an angled sample to show the way the structures stick out from the surface. Fortunately, we have the adjustable angled SEM stubs which have been CAD designed and additively manufactured by Josh in engineering, which have proved very useful.  

This work leads on from work done last year with Tim Gabriel at Manchester Met, and we hope Tim will join in again and work with the scholars to show how images like these have been used in biomimicry to make self-cleaning paints.

Outstanding Achievement and Attendance in Sixth Form

This week the Sixth Form Team are proud to recognise students in Years 12 and 13 who have demonstrated outstanding commitment through both their achievement and attendance.

• Year 12 Student of the Week (Achievement): Tilly – for consistent effort and a positive approach to learning.
• Year 13 Student of the Week (Achievement): Lilly – for excellent progress and dedication to their studies.
• Year 12 Attendee of the Week: Jamiee - for exemplary attendance and reliability throughout the week.
• Year 13 Attendee of the Week: Stephen – for maintaining excellent attendance and setting a great example to others.

Well done to all students recognised this week, keep up the fantastic work!

To find out more about our Social Sciences Pathway, click here.

Career Opportunities

1. Medical Summer School

Applications for their online medical summer school are open until 8th March 2026. Funded by NHS England, MSC, and DSC, over 500 free places are available across England. Students in Years 11 and 12 from under-represented areas can apply for residential, commuter, or online places.

Summer schools provide a taste of studying medicine or dentistry, insight into careers, professional values, and support for applications, interviews, and admissions tests. Participants also build confidence, meet academics and students, and join social activities.

Check MSC Summer School Eligibility 2026 or contact [email protected]. Explore the summer school and their full list of programmes on their events page.

2. Exciting STEM Opportunity: Industrial Cadets

Fully funded bursary places are available for Year 12 students to attend  4–5 day Residential Insight into University courses at top universities. Students will experience lectures, group projects, mentoring, university halls, and social activities, gaining insight into STEM subjects. They can also earn the Silver Industrial Cadets Award. Full bursary criteria and applications are available here.

3. Hospitality Uncovered: A 1-Day Industry Insight

When? 5th March, 09:00 - 13:00

For? 14-19 years old

Curious about a career in hospitality? This 1-day insight offers a fantastic opportunity to gain real insight into this fast-paced and exciting industry.

With two contrasting employers – Flamingo Land and TROO Hospitality, you’ll explore hospitality from different perspectives and learn what makes great customer experiences truly stand out.

On this multi-employer insight day, you will:

• Virtually meet two leading hospitality employers
• Gain a broad understanding of the hospitality industry and why excellent service matters
• Learn about the different career pathways available in hospitality
• Take part in hands-on, industry-related activities

Why this opportunity is for you:

• Helps you decide if a career in hospitality is right for you
• Earn a certificate to boost your CV and stand out from the crowd
• A short, 1-day commitment with valuable real-world insight

Find out more here.

4. Free Youth Programme

Cycle of Life is delivering a community programme across Liverpool supporting young people and under-served communities through structured engagement and progression pathways, including:

• Employment And Employability Support
• Further Education, Training And Apprenticeships
• Skills Development And Volunteering / Social Action
• Formal Employment Support Programmes (e.g. Ways To Work, Restart)

They are currently delivering a new, fully funded programme at Kuumba Imani Centre, Liverpool, L8 1TH, and are recruiting young people aged 18–21 who:

• Live In Liverpool / Merseyside
• Are NEET (Not Currently In Education, Employment, Or Training)
• Are Motivated And Able To Commit To The Programme

The programme is free of charge and will run across Jan-March 2026 and offers:

• Cycling Skills Development (Bikeability)
• Micro-Enterprise Experience
• Practical Life And Employability Skills (CV Writing, Interview Preparation, Confidence Building)
• 1:1 And Group Mentoring
• Social Action Projects And Community Volunteering
• £50 Voucher/Bursary At Completion And Chance To Win a Bike
• Travel And Food Support
• English Language Support
• Access To Advice And Guidance Tailored To Individual Goals And A Chance To Meet With Employers.

Register now [email protected] 

Current vacancies - NWAS - North West Ambulance Service

Work Experience Opportunities

1. Big Work Experience Challenge

A DfE-backed initiative that gives students access to free, virtual experiences they can complete online to prepare for real-world placements.

It’s designed to support students who aren’t sure where to start, lack confidence, or still need to explore sectors before reaching out to employers.

What is the Big Work Experience Challenge, and how does it work?

Apprenticeship Opportunities

1. Applications for Babcock’s 2026 Apprenticeship Programmes are Open

Babcock apprenticeships are engineered with your future in mind. Spanning engineering, science, business and project management, each programme is designed to help you develop in-demand skills, gain industry-recognised qualifications and receive the support you need to thrive, during your apprenticeship and beyond.

This is your opportunity to gain a recognised qualification whilst getting paid and contributing to some of the UK’s most critical projects. From design through to decommissioning, your work as an apprentice will see you support products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. 

Explore more here.

2. Jaguar Land Rover Apprenticeship Information Webinar

When? 12th February 5.30 - 6.30pm

Join Jaguar Land Rover on their National Apprenticeship week webinar where you will hear from their Apprenticeship team and find out about the opportunities that you can apply for in 2026. Learn about the pathways to choose from, where a JLR apprenticeship could take you and top tips for applications. 

This webinar is suitable for anyone considering a JLR Apprenticeship application in 2026 or 2027 - Register here.

National Apprenticeship Week

This National Apprenticeship Week, Totum are celebrating with an exclusive offer, the UK's leading discount platform for apprentices, students, and professionals.

• Get 10% off TOTUM+ annual membership - Use code: NAW10

Why join TOTUM+?

• Save £550+ every year – Big discounts on everyday essentials from food to fashion
• Earn £243 cashback annually – Free TOTUM cashback on your purchases
• Access 4,000+ retailers – 1,000s of discounts in 90+ countries
• Official ID sorted – Government-recognised PASS card for age verification

Get 10% off TOTUM+ now →

Who's eligible?

TOTUM+ isn't just for apprentices – you might qualify too! Membership is open to:

• Apprentices at all levels (2-7)
• Professionals including trade union members, professional body members, and university alumni
• Students in sixth form, college, or university

Check your eligibility. 

The Sixth Formers' Guide to Degree Apprenticeships

Degree Apprenticeships offer an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional university route to graduate employment, allowing students to earn a salary, gain real-world experience, and achieve a degree-level qualification at the same time. And, with more UK employers offering these programmes each year, there is a wealth of exciting opportunities to explore.

The Sixth Formers’ Guide to Degree Apprenticeships is a free, 140-page online resource especially for sixth-form students weighing up their future options. The guide showcases exciting opportunities, introduces leading employers, and provides guidance on navigating application processes, giving students the confidence to plan their next steps beyond sixth form. 

Children & Young People's Mental Health Support in Liverpool

Bite-size sessions coming up in February, delivered via Zoom

• Introduction to Self-Harm - 18th Feb 10am - 11am Book here 
• Understanding Mental Health Support for Children and Young People in Liverpool  23rd Feb 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Book here 
• Managing Challenging Conversations - 23/02/2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Book here 
• Behaviour as Communication - 23/02/2026 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Book here
• Parental Mental Health - 24/02/2026 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Book here
• Understanding and Managing Anxiety - 24/02/2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Book here 
• Body Image – Eating Disorder Awareness Week - 26/02/2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am Book here
• Child & Adolescent to Parent Violence & Abuse Session (CAPVA) - 26/02/2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Book here 
• Nutrition and Wellbeing – Eating Disorder Awareness Week - 26/02/2026 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm Book here 
• Cultivating Self-Compassion - 26/02/2026 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm Book here 
• Adolescent Brain Development - 27/02/2026 9:30 am - 10:30 am Book here 
• Emotionally-Based School Avoidance - 27/02/2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am Book here
• An Introduction to Eating Disorders – Eating Disorder Awareness Week - 27/02/2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Book here
• Kinship Kids and Mental Health - 27/02/2026 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Book here