Co-curricular Clubs: Beyond the Classroom
Our school offers an exciting and diverse co-curricular programme of clubs and societies, from Year 7 all the way through to Sixth Form. We believe these activities are a vital part of a Gateacre education.
Research has consistently shown that students who participate in co-curricular activities not only achieve higher academic results but also develop stronger relationships at school. They are more likely to lead healthy, active lifestyles and learn invaluable life skills such as commitment, teamwork, discipline, and open-mindedness.
In the Senior School, we believe that learning extends well beyond the classroom walls. Our co-curricular programme is designed to fuel young imaginations and build skills and confidence. With something for every student, these activities are where lifelong passions and enthusiasms begin. Students can choose clubs purely for fun and relaxation or work towards representing the school through our sports teams, music, drama, and other selective teams. These activities develop teamwork, public speaking abilities, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
In the Sixth Form, our students take their leadership to the next level by running their own societies. This gives them the opportunity to pursue and develop their personal interests while sharing their passions with younger students.
Super-Curricular and Enrichment Programme
At Gateacre Sixth Form, all students actively participate in a structured super-curricular enrichment programme delivered on Wednesday afternoons. This programme provides students with opportunities to engage in a wide range of activities that promote social interaction, personal development, and the acquisition of transferable skills beyond the formal curriculum.
The programme operates throughout the academic year, although activities are not limited to this time. While many sessions are delivered on a weekly basis, others are offered in structured blocks.
Participation in enrichment activities encourages students to build positive relationships beyond the classroom and to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. These activities are designed to complement academic study by promoting wellbeing, relaxation, and enjoyment, thereby supporting students’ overall educational experience.
The enrichment provision is continuously reviewed and developed to ensure that students have access to innovative and high-quality opportunities. Its primary aim is to offer both extracurricular and super-curricular experiences that enable students to participate in meaningful activities which support personal growth, enhance academic progression, and strengthen applications for higher education and future employment.
Enrichment
Please note: The list below highlights a sample of popular activities delivered recently to illustrate the types of opportunities available at Gateacre Sixth Form.
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Creative Works: Through a partnership with the Liverpool FC Foundation, students participate in a Creative Works programme delivered across six structured workshops. This initiative supports students in exploring their creative potential, developing an understanding of creative career pathways, and engaging with professionals from the industry. Participants also strengthen key transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: Students have the opportunity to complete the Bronze, Silver, or Gold level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award during their time in Sixth Form. To achieve the award, participants must successfully complete all required sections, including volunteering, physical activity, skills development, and an expedition, as well as a residential experience at Gold level. A small participation fee applies.
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Podcasting: Students develop comprehensive skills in podcast production, including scriptwriting, research, recording, and publishing content on recognised digital platforms. Through this programme, students enhance their confidence, critical thinking, analytical abilities, and research competencies.
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CV Building Workshops: Students receive targeted guidance in producing high-quality CVs to support progression into employment, apprenticeships, or part-time work. Additional support is available for job and apprenticeship applications, including guidance on personal statements and interview preparation.
Super-Curricular Opportunities
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): A Level 3 qualification that students may choose to undertake alongside their main programme of study. It contributes to academic development and provides valuable evidence for UCAS applications. The EPQ typically builds upon one or more subjects within a student’s study programme or arises from a related personal interest. Students select their own research topic and are supported throughout the process by dedicated tutors. The qualification includes structured taught sessions delivered in school, in addition to a total of 120 guided learning hours.
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The Brilliant Club: We are proud to be an official Brilliant Club school. Through this programme, students work with a PhD researcher from a local university to participate in a series of structured tutorials based on the researcher’s area of expertise. These tutorials support the development of advanced study skills, including research, analysis, critical thinking, academic writing, and referencing. Upon successful completion of the programme, students have the opportunity to visit a Russell Group university and formally graduate from the course.
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Educational Visits & Enrichment Trips: In addition to the core enrichment programme, students are offered a wide range of educational visits and trips throughout the academic year. These activities are designed to enhance subject knowledge, support personal development, and broaden students’ understanding of higher education and professional pathways. Opportunities include visits to local employers and universities across the country, enabling students to gain first-hand insight into future academic and career options.
Sutton Trust – Pathways Programmes
Aspire Liverpool – Oxbridge Programme
Thanks to our partnership with ASPIRE Liverpool, our Year 12 students have access to this prestigious academic enrichment programme, which is specifically designed to support progression to highly selective universities, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Participants benefit from specialist academic workshops, mentoring, and tailored guidance on competitive applications, including support with personal statements and interview preparation. As part of the programme, students attend a residential visit to the University of Oxford, where they take part in academic lectures and experience undergraduate study first-hand. This immersive experience is designed to raise aspirations, develop academic confidence, and prepare students for successful progression to the most prestigious higher education establishments.
Sutton Trust Pathways to Medicine
The programme provides high-achieving students with a structured and supportive introduction to a career in medicine. Through hospital work experience, university visits, academic enrichment sessions, and mentoring from medical professionals and students, participants gain first-hand insight into medical education and clinical practice. The programme also offers comprehensive guidance on university applications, admissions tests, and interviews, helping students to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills required to succeed in medical school and beyond.
University of Liverpool Scholars Programme
Delivered in partnership with our professional partners at the University of Liverpool. This programme supports high-achieving students from under-represented backgrounds in preparing for successful progression to higher education. Through academic enrichment activities, subject-specific workshops, mentoring, and campus-based experiences, participants develop a strong understanding of university study and academic expectations. Students also receive tailored guidance on UCAS applications, personal statements, and the transition to university life, enabling them to build confidence, aspiration, and the skills required to thrive in higher education and future professional careers.
Sutton Trust Pathways to Dentistry
The programme offers students a comprehensive introduction to a career in dentistry. Through university visits, hands-on clinical workshops, work experience placements, and mentoring from dental professionals, participants gain valuable insight into both academic study and professional practice. The programme also provides tailored support with university applications and interview preparation, helping students to build confidence, develop essential skills, and make informed decisions about pursuing a degree in dentistry and related healthcare.
Sutton Trust Pathways to Engineering
The programme provides talented students with an in-depth introduction to careers in engineering and related industries. Through hands-on workshops, work placements, university visits, and expert mentoring, participants gain practical experience and insight into a wide range of engineering disciplines. The programme also supports students with university applications and career planning, helping them to develop technical skills, academic confidence, and professional networks, and preparing them for successful progression into engineering degrees and careers.
Sutton Trust Pathways to Banking and Finance
The programme offers high-achieving students a unique opportunity to explore careers in the financial sector. Through immersive work placements, professional mentoring, skills workshops, and university support, students gain first-hand insight into investment banking, asset management, and related fields. The programme is designed to develop academic confidence, commercial awareness, and professional networks, empowering participants to make informed decisions about their future and to compete successfully for leading university courses and competitive financial careers.
University of Liverpool Levelling Up Programme in Chemistry & Maths
Students collaborate with university lecturers to extend and challenge their abilities in A Level Mathematics and Chemistry, while gaining insight into undergraduate study within these disciplines. This programme provides a valuable opportunity for students to engage in small-group learning with academic staff and to experience university visits and lectures.
