Enrichment

The Westholme Oxbridge Programme is more than an application support system. It is a well-rounded initiative that develops students while preparing them for every stage of the application. We know that gaining an offer from Oxford or Cambridge requires outstanding academic achievement as well as intellectual curiosity, independent thought and the ability to express complex ideas clearly. Our programme is designed to build these qualities so students are ready not just for the application but also for the demanding academic environment that follows.

We demystify the Oxbridge process by providing clear step by step guidance and breaking it into manageable stages. This structured approach combined with personalised support reduces stress and helps students focus on showing their true potential. Beyond the mechanics of applying we develop academic skills that admissions tutors value including intellectual independence critical thinking and engagement with complex material at university level. Students also gain access to our network and resources including alumni at Oxford and Cambridge and subject specific support from expert staff.

Westholme Sixth Form Medical Society allows students applying for degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and other allied health professions to come together and develop their experiences in their fields, whilst preparing for their forthcoming applications.

Activities vary throughout the year to deliver relevant advice and guidance at the appropriate time to best support our students during the application process. Delivered in a variety of ways from online courses, professional speakers, medical journals to podcasts, students are provided with opportunities to develop interview skills, seek work experience and prepare for the key UCAT assessments. Key speakers are regularly invited into school to offer an insight into their roles and experience, and to impart their knowledge and inspire to our students.

Law Society offers the chance to debate, engage in critical thinking, and explore real-world issues. We will explore the foundations of law and its role within society. We will discuss justice, rights and the British legal system and engage in debates surrounding topical and potentially controversial topics.

Law Society also offers the opportunity to take part in a mock trial based on fictional legal scenarios! Whether you want to enter the legal profession or simply wish to broaden your understanding of the British legal system, Law Society provides the environment to do so.

As part of the Model United Nations, students will have an opportunity to explore the workings of one of the most significant global organisations of the 20th Century. The enrichment has two main elements.

The first is to teach students about the United Nations; the history of the organisation, its structure and working practices and the different bodies that operate under its umbrella. Students will explore real life examples where the United Nations is working on issues such as defence and security, inequality and girls’ education.

The second part is to experience and practice diplomacy. Students will ‘represent’ different nations and will have to work together to solve global issues. They will develop skills in negotiation, presentation and teamwork, whilst exploring the work of the United Nations around the world today.

The Charity and Human Rights Team at Westholme provides a fantastic opportunity for Sixth Form Leaders to make a real impact. Students in this group organise, plan, market and deliver events that raise awareness about important charitable causes and human rights issues within the school community. It’s a great way for leaders to develop crucial skills like planning, organisation, event delivery, collaboration and problem-solving, while also contributing to meaningful causes and fostering compassion within the school. Joining the group allows students to learn, take action and make a positive difference in the world.

Charity is at the heart of Westholme and our Sixth Form leaders provide countless opportunities for the Westholme family to make a difference to so many incredible causes.

An EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is, to put it simply, a BIG independent project for which you’ll earn a qualification. It involves writing an essay of about 5000 words or creating an artefact, either way you will complete a project about research you have conducted, including a project journal, logging the journey from start to finish about how you approached it, and finally, give a presentation where you’ll talk through the project essay and paperwork.

If you choose an artefact, this can be a piece of artwork, or something else you’ve physically made – and an accompanying shorter essay is included alongside your logbook. You will be given taught lessons about how to go about completing the project, learning key skills that are highly valued by universities.

Skills such as how to reference, how to complete academic research and track that process, analysing data and information, and how to write and present an argument from start to finish. The project can be on any topic or interest, with many students choosing to opt for something that is linked to their future career pathway.

Westholme Sixth Form students are provided with a unique opportunity to work alongside professionals at Deafway, Preston. Deafway, along with providing residential care for deaf people with additional needs, provide activities and projects to support the deaf community and training in BSL and Deaf Awareness for hearing individuals and organisations.

Over the termly course, students learn some useful BSL such as finger spelling, numbers and questioning. With patience and perseverance, students learn to sign descriptions of photographs to include family relationships, seasons, months and colours. Sessions are also given on developing knowledge and understanding of deafness and considerations when interacting with deaf people.

All students agreed that this has been a valuable experience and opportunity to develop awareness and skills that can be applied in general life but also for those considering perusing careers in healthcare.

Inspired by the famous classical Roman orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, we provide students with the opportunity to stand in the spotlight and deliver a highly academic lecture to their peers, following a guided taught programme. Students will learn the difference between a simple internet search and standing up with a basic script in an assembly, working hard to do extensive research on a topic close to their heart.

They will learn how to speak in public with energy, enthusiasm and expertise, going through their research and sharing their conclusions with a supportive audience. As part of the programme, students also benefit from seeing some outstanding examples of public speaking, as we welcome back successful members of our alumni network, giving their own lectures on medicine, law, science, archaeology, design, business, you name it!

Following each lecture, the group spend time with our Old Westholmian to discuss how to develop their skills and put into practice what they have witnessed from these industry professionals. The programme is a wonderful opportunity for students, setting them up with a unique set of skills which certainly prepare them for university and beyond as confident, articulate public speakers.

Westholme Sixth Form students are provided with an opportunity to develop their communication skills and gain a qualification.

Students will be required to write a speech, debate a controversial topic and make a literary recommendation.

Over the termly course, students learn to craft a compelling speech on a topic of their choice. Guidance is given on developing the art of rhetoric and how to debate ideas with confidence.

All students agreed that this has been a valuable experience and opportunity to develop awareness and skills that can be utilised in a wide range of professions. The qualification is the equivalent of a Grade 8 and is the equivalent of 30 UCAS points.

This is for students who want to develop communication, public speaking, and debate skills in a supportive setting. Those interested in crafting speeches, debating topics, and making literary recommendations will gain confidence, refine their rhetoric and engage audiences effectively.

The Delectable Dishes course is an engaging and practical food-based programme designed for Sixth Form students who are keen to develop essential life skills in the kitchen. This course blends hands-on cooking with foundational food knowledge to empower students to make informed, safe and budget-conscious decisions about the meals they prepare and eat.

Students will work through a range of practical cooking activities while gaining an understanding of food safety, nutrition, budgeting, and meal planning. Alongside this, they will complete the Food Standards Agency Allergen Awareness Course, enhancing their knowledge of allergens, food labelling, and safe food practices – critical skills for anyone working with food in any capacity. A great addition to their CV’s especially when applying for part time jobs in restaurants and cafes.

This course is ideal for students preparing to live independently, considering part time jobs in hospitality and catering or simply wanting to build a solid foundation of life-long culinary skills and healthy eating.

Escape the everyday academic by taking a journey to Artopia. Westholme’s very own Art Collective which will explore a wide range of activities, visits and crafts. Westholme Art Collective is a new enrichment initiative which will debut in September. Escaping your academic studies and pressures of exams, this unique twelve week block will allow you to explore a wide range of creative techniques including Ceramics, Painting, Photography, and Art History. Researching in depth and analysing practitioner’s work, you will strengthen your abilities to study research and underpin key themes within their work to create your own outcomes.

We intend to visit universities such as UCLAN and The University of Salford to explore different departments including Textiles, Fashion Design and Visual Arts to experiment with techniques and media in university settings. At the project’s end, you will have a portfolio of work and we will present it in an exhibition format to showcase our collective outcomes.

At Westies, students take full responsibility for running our school shop. They are able to gain hands-on experience into key roles. A Managing Director oversees the team, while the Marketing Director promotes the products sold in store to increase sales. The Finance Director keeps track of income and expenditure and ensures students are paid at the end of each month by liaising with our school Finance team. The Operations Manager ensures the shop is stocked and running smoothly. They are also supported by shop floor staff who handle sales and serve customers during lunchtimes.

Together, the team manages stock, provides excellent customer service, and learn how different business functions work in practice. Students have said the experience has helped them build confidence, improve teamwork skills, and understand how classroom theory applies to real business situations. Many also enjoy the responsibility of making decisions, dealing with real customers, and seeing the direct results of their efforts in the shop’s success.

At Westholme Sixth Form, the Performing Arts Enrichment program offers students a dynamic platform to explore their creative talents and develop their skills in various performance disciplines. This enrichment initiative typically encompasses a wide range of activities, including drama, music, dance and other forms of artistic expression.

Students engage in practical workshops and collaborative projects that foster teamwork and creativity. These sessions are designed to enhance not only technical skills but also confidence in performing before an audience. Guest artists and professionals may also be invited to provide masterclasses, insights and mentorship, enriching the students’ experience.

Moreover, the program often culminates in performances, exhibitions, or showcases that allow students to present their work to the broader school community. This not only gives them hands-on experience in staging productions but also prepares them for future opportunities in the arts.

The Performing Arts Enrichment program at Westholme encourages students to express themselves creatively, promotes a strong sense of community, and instills essential life skills such as collaboration, communication, and resilience. Through this initiative, students are empowered to explore their passions and potential within the performing arts.

A sports leadership award, such as those from the  Leadership Skills Foundation, is a nationally recognised qualification that teaches practical leadership skills like organisation, communication and teamwork through the medium of sport and physical activity.

These awards, offered at various levels, provide hands-on experience in planning and delivering sessions, leading groups in community or school setting and developing confidence. They are a valuable qualification for young people, enhancing university and job applications by demonstrating leadership experience and transferable life skills.

At Westholme, we offer a dynamic and inclusive sports programme designed to cater to both competitive athletes and those who simply enjoy staying active. Whether you’re striving for excellence on the field or looking for a fun and healthy way to unwind, there is something for everyone.

Students will examine the history of serial killers with an initial focus on Jack the Ripper. They will engage with documentaries and scholarly articles on notorious cases before moving into a critical discussion of potential causal factors. These may include biological influences such as genetics and neurological abnormalities, as well as environmental influences such as exposure to violence or early traumatic experiences.

Students will then undertake independent research on a serial killer of their choice. They will evaluate the possible origins of the individual’s behaviour and present their findings to the class in a structured presentation.

Duke of Edinburgh has been running for over 7 decades and is a life-changing experience and a chance to discover new interests and talents whilst developing essential skills for life and work.

Duke of Edinburgh is a recognised mark of achievement, respected by employers. The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate life.

Whatever your ability, interest or background, DofE offers young people the chance to strive for achievement, overcome obstacles, and set their minds to a personal challenge. Because when you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back.

HRH Prince Philip once said: “There is more in you than you might think.” And, here at the DofE, we help you realise that.

At Westholme, we offer the opportunity to work with our Prep students. Through this experience, students can develop their communication and leadership skills, gain valuable classroom experience and learn how to support young learners as they grow in confidence and curiosity.