Academy school's eventful year

WARRINGTON’S Birchwood High School has become an Academy school – little more than a year after governors first decided it would be in the school’s best interests to convert.
The school, one of the first business and enterprise colleges in the country, is celebrating an eventful year in which its young people extended their learning in a variety of ways.
A spokesperson said: “An important part of our ethos in the school and college is to encourage learners and students to support their learning by getting involved in activities beyond the classroom.
“This year has been no exception, with our young people extending their learning in all sorts of ways!”
In science, pupils from Years 9 and 10 took part in the Discovery Scholarship programme, designed to build links with local organisations whose expertise is in different aspects of science.
Four high achieving Year 8 pupils took part in the Salter’s Chemistry Festival at Manchester University and three Year 10 pupils were selected by Cambridge University to take part in residential Salter’s Chemistry Camps.
Year 10 pupils Sophia Pagonis, Gemma Kersey and Oliver Thomas, took part in a national debating competition, Youth Speaks.
Taking as their subject Peer Pressure, they proved to be a formidable team, winning the Club Stage Shield. They then won the second round at Bury Magistrates’ Court where they overcame teams formed entirely from sixth form students.
Oliver Thomas also won the Chairperson’s Award.
They finally knocked out at the District Final but were commended, however, for showing maturity, determination and importantly, respect for the other competitors, as well as being one of the youngest teams in the event.
More than 90 pupils from Years 10 and 11 completed the expedition part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
A group of 21 Year 9 pupilss undertook the Learning Initiative for Enterprise programme, where learners are invited to work one day a week with local companies, setting up their own enterprises and learning valuable skills such as communication, problem solving and presenting. In addition, six Year 9 pupils reached the final of the National Enterprise Competition in London, competing for a chance to present to Lord Alan Sugar.
Birchwood College students also extended their learning through opportunities including A Level and BTEC Level 3 Sport expeditions, attending UCAS and university conferences and an A Level Law visit to the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
The school has an open evening on Thursday, September 19.
More details of the school can be found at www.birchwoodhigh.org