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This week, our students have been engaged in real-world academic and professional experiences. We are thrilled to share the outstanding success of our Year 12 scientists, who competed for a prestigious industry internship judged by Bachem UK, as well as the brilliant research showcased by our Ignite, Year 10, and Year 12 students at the IRIS Conference in Manchester.
Alongside these scientific achievements, our creative and technical students gained valuable career pathways insight from a visit by Abertay University. These opportunities highlight our focus on providing students with hands-on, impactful experiences that bridge the gap between education and the professional world.
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Early School Closure
On Tuesday 23rd June, school will be closing at an earlier time of 3PM. This is due to an Options Evening Event for Ignite students and their parents/guardians. School will also close at the normal time of 3PM on Wednesday 24th June.
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Supporting Lemmy’s World Scout Jamboree Fundraising Walk
One of our students, Lemmy, has been selected to attend the World Scout Jamboree in 2027 as part of the Merseyside Scouts contingent. The World Scout Jamboree is one of the most significant events in the global Scouting movement, bringing together thousands of young people from across the world to share friendship, adventure, skills and culture.
Lemmy is now fundraising to help make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible. The money raised will go towards his own participation in the Jamboree, but will also help support Scouts from less fortunate countries so that they too can afford to take part.
On Sunday 7th June, as part of his fundraising, Lemmy took part in a sponsored walk with Merseyside Scouts, alongside other Scouts from across the Merseyside contingent. The Wirral Coastal Walk started at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton and finished at Wirral Country Park in Thurstaston, a distance of 20km.
Lemmy would be extremely grateful for any sponsorship or support you are able to give. Donations can be made here. Thank you for supporting Lemmy with this fantastic achievement and opportunity.
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School and Sixth Form Highlights
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Bachem UK Judges Year 12 Science Projects and Awards Summer Internship
On Friday, Bachem UK, who specialises in producing peptides and oligonucleotides for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, visited our schools to judge our Year 12s on their project presentations.
The judging panel from Bachem found it very difficult to make a decision and wanted to pass on to our students that they were genuinely blown away by the quality of the presentations and the additional materials they produced.
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They decided after much deliberation to award the project prize of a 4-week summer internship at the company to Jake. Congratulations to Jake, Diya, Elisheba, Delight, Dominion and Gbolahan for the amazing work they put into the Bachem project. It was an incredibly tough project brief and our visitors were hugely impressed with the level of work they produced and the way they communicated it.
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The Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS) Conference
On Tuesday, Ignite, Year 10 and Year 12 students visited Manchester to present their work at the IRIS Conference. Four groups presented posters on the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) which we had the privilege of using through a loan scheme with IRIS, Hitachi and The Royal Microscopical Society. Topics covered dentistry, analysis of historic paint samples, “wettability” and biomimicry, and food spoilage.
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The students were excellent, speaking confidently about their work to other delegates, and impressing IRIS staff with their work. They also enjoyed presentations from other student delegates, a career in science panel and a very interesting keynote address on computing and logic. It was exciting for them to see what other people are doing and to feel part of the wider scientific community.
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Our students have gained a huge amount from participating in these projects, culminating in a day of mixing and learning with students from other schools all engaged in research supported by IRIS. Real research which changes how pupils feel about science and their place in the scientific world.
Thank you to IRIS for your support of our students, and to Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, The Royal Microscopical Society, Hitachi, and The Society For The Protection of Ancient Buildings for your help with these projects.
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Abertay University Inspires Next-Gen Tech and Games Designers
On Monday, Abertay University spoke with our Year 12 Art, Computing, Maths, and Physics students about their courses in Game Design and Development, Cyber Security, Computing, Ethical Hacking, and Games Art.
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Abertay, is ranked number one in Europe and seventh in the world for games-related degrees. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see how their current subjects bridge the gap into cutting-edge tech industries.
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There are over 40 undergraduate courses available at Abertay University. Learn more about how the university further prepares you for the world of work here.
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In our Sixth Form, we currently offer Further Maths.
The Forensic Accountant careers resource can be found here. To find out more about MyPath careers, click here.
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Sickness Procedure
From a safeguarding perspective, students who indicate they are feeling unwell will not be sent out of class as an unwell/injured student unaided may faint on the stairs or corridor. Staff will call first aid and first aid will go to the student. Students should not contact home themselves when they are unwell; staff will call parents/guardians if needed.
Personal Electronic Devices Policy Reminder
All personal electronic devices, including mobile phones, are not permitted to be used during the school day. We expect all devices to be switched off and kept out of sight during lessons unless the pupil is using the device as part of a lesson with the permission of their class teacher.
Mobile phones will be confiscated if they are seen, heard or used during the school day unless a pupil has been given permission. The headteacher will determine the length of time they deem proportionate for confiscation.
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Opportunities Outside of School
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St John's College University of Cambridge Workshops: For Year 12 Students
Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) Workshop
This new residential programme focuses on the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) assessment, which applicants to Computer Science, Economics, and Mathematics courses at Cambridge and several other universities are required to sit.
Over two days, participants will attend Q&A sessions, workshops, and taster lectures delivered by Cambridge academics and guest speakers. Meals and accommodation will be provided by St John’s College.
When?
Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th September
Applications are open for Year 12 students who are on track to meet or exceed the entry requirements for the Cambridge course they are considering applying to Computer Science, Economics, or Mathematics. Applications close 8AM Friday 26th June.
You can find more details and eligibility criteria on the TMUA Workshop page.
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St John's College University of Cambridge Medicine Taster Day: For Year 12 Students
This taster day is aimed at students who are considering applying to Cambridge’s Medical Sciences course, and are on track to meet or exceed the course’s entry requirements.
When?
On Saturday 12th September, students will attend Q&A sessions, mock ‘supervisions’, and taster lectures delivered by Cambridge academics.
You can find more details and eligibility criteria on their Medicine Taster Day page. Applications close at 8AM Friday 26th June.
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Work Experience Opportunities: Sixth Form Students Only
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Futures For All Work Experience Finder
Helping young people access real-world experiences and hear from inspirational speakers.
You can browse by industry to find opportunities listed here.
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Uptree Work Experience Events
Uptree partner with schools to provide engaging employer sessions, industry insight events and work experience opportunities that support students in developing essential skills, confidence and career readiness. To search for opportunities, click here.
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Virtual Work Experience Springpod
Their free online work experience programme gives students a structured introduction to civil engineering and the different career paths within it. It’s flexible and self-paced, meaning students can complete it around their timetable, and it finishes with a certificate they can use for UCAS, CVs or apprenticeship applications.
Students explore:
- Real civil engineering projects and case studies.
- The roles involved in design, construction and sustainability.
- Core skills used in the industry.
- Pathways into engineering (university, apprenticeship and technician routes).
Find out more here.
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Apprenticeship Opportunities
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The Essential Guide to Degree Apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships offer an alternative route to university, combining study with paid, real-world experience. The Sixth Formers’ Guide to Degree Apprenticeships is an online resource showcasing opportunities with leading UK employers.
How can I stay up to date? Follow on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest employer opportunities, application advice and degree apprenticeship updates.
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Unlocking Talent and Upskilling the Workforce with Speedy Hire
Learn what apprenticeships are and how they work in practice. Hear how apprenticeships can support long-term career progression and upskilling and get an insight into apprenticeship opportunities within Speedy Hire.
When?
2nd July 6–6.30PM
All student attendees will receive a certificate of participation as evidence of employer engagement. Register here.
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Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Vacancies
The Liverpool City Region has hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities for you to choose from, across many sectors and types of roles. Explore all vacancies here.
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Access Industry
A leading apprenticeship provider is currently recruiting for a range of apprenticeship opportunities across growing sectors, including:
- Creative & Digital.
- Business & Leadership.
- Sport, teaching assistant & Active Leisure.
- Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner.
These programmes help students gain industry experience, develop future-ready skills, and progress into long-term careers.
Current apprenticeship vacancies can be viewed here.
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Parents/Guardians Guide to University
Released this month by UniTasterDays, the 2026 edition is the biggest yet, featuring 115 pages of practical advice from more than 80 university and education experts. Parents/Guardians will be able to:
- Find open day travel scholarships
- Learn how to access student finance, funding and free money
- Understand the latest changes to the UCAS personal statement
- Pick up application tips from current university students
Read more here.
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University Open Days
Great way to explore the facilities and decide whether studying there is a good fit. Explore all open days here.
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Zero Tolerance of Abuse
Northern Schools Trust has a zero-tolerance approach to abusive language, violence, aggression or harassment towards employees, governors and volunteers.
Vaping
We would like to remind you that we do not allow students to bring items such as cigarettes, lighters, matches or e-cigarettes/ vapes into school.
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