Beyond the classroom

Weekly dedicated enrichment sessions provide valuable support, and external speakers, including representatives from Higher Education, Apprenticeship Schemes and key professions deliver a series of talks on a variety of subjects including:

  • Life as an undergraduate (former Year 13 students)
  • How to choose a degree course (Edge Hill University)
  • The benefits of Higher Education – (Bangor University)
  • Applying for a Student Loan – (Student Finance England)
  • A career in Law – (School Governor)
  • Degree Apprenticeships (MMU)

Through extra-curricular and enrichment activities, you will be able to pursue new interests and enjoy collective experiences which, in many cases, often develop into lifelong interests. All Sixth Form students are given the opportunity to challenge themselves and experience different cultures and environments through international trips and expeditions.

Extra-curricular activities provide opportunities for initiative and leadership and are an invaluable part of life in the Sixth Form.  Activities may include  the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Scheme, leading assemblies, organising charitable fundraising events and helping in the Prep School.

In addition to following their three or four main academic subjects, students will also be encouraged to develop their key skills through taking part in:

• MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) to extend your knowledge of your chosen academic subjects.

• Life Skills (a series of presentations in form time, delivered by outside speakers, tutors or group debates.)  Life Skills will include topics such as Study Skills, Safe Driving, Personal Finance, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Environmental issues, Social Issues, Sexual Health and Communication Skills.

• Independent Learning Project – All students will be required to complete an Independent Learning project in the Spring term of Year 12. The students will need to think and work independently and to use a range of resources in order to complete their research. They will then present their findings (via a PowerPoint presentation) to an audience of their peers and adults from the local community).

Some students may decide to continue their research on a more formal basis and be entered for the AQA ‘Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in Year 13. This is offered as a stand-alone qualification and is worth the equivalent of an AS qualification and is held in high regard by universities.

• Current Affairs – All students will be encouraged to take an active interest in current affairs and to develop an awareness of the world around them. This may take the form of a Sixth Form debate, a visit from the local MP or simply sitting down to read the daily newspapers in form time.

• Work Experience – Students are encouraged to secure at least one placement during the summer holidays, particularly if it relates to their chosen career and might therefore help with their UCAS application.

 

 

The school community is characterised by mutual respect and an inherent understanding that everyone is treated as a unique individual.


ISI Inspection Report 2025

Transforming lives through charity drive

We are so proud of our Bridgewater School community who have truly demonstrated the power of togetherness and compassion this spring. Pupils across the school came together to support the

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Senior School awards recognise excellence

Yesterday’s Senior School annual awards assembly was a wonderful celebration of student achievement across a wide range of disciplines, including Art, Modern Foreign Languages, Drama, Sport, Music and Debating, with

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Preparing for the future in Sixth Form

Independent Learning Projects Year 12 students recently completed their Independent Learning Projects (ILPs), a cornerstone of the Sixth Form enrichment programme and a key stepping stone towards the Extended Project

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Firefighters bring learning to life

Our Prep children recently enjoyed an exciting and memorable visit from Eccles Fire Station, organised with the support of Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service. This hands-on experience brought their

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