Successful Sixth Form
Encouraging students to contribute positively to their community, as well as supporting their individual academic ambitions, is what underpins this award-winning sixth form, writes Kate Ford
The role of any sixth form is to prepare youngsters for adult life and all that it entails. That means nurturing academic ability, of course, but also developing an understanding of communities, the world of work and the wider, global picture.
Head of sixth form at AKS Lytham, Phil Hayden, strongly believes in a well-rounded education. “Success takes many forms,” he says. “For some, it’s winning a place at an excellent university; for others, it’s an apprenticeship or entry into the job market. We aim to ensure each individual goal is achieved.”
The school’s ability to deliver excellence is reflected not only in its impressive exam results but also its membership of Round Square, a global network of schools committed to values like internationalism, environmentalism and democracy.
Molly Turpie attended a Round Square International Conference in 2016 and returned inspired to do something positive for the local community. “For every two teenagers in this area, there are seven over-60s, many of whom are lonely or isolated,” says Molly. “I wanted to build bridges between the two.”
Molly’s inter-generational project, joyfully entitled ‘Bring Me Sunshine’, is a two-way exchange. “We aim to combat the loneliness, but pupils also benefit hugely from the older people’s knowledge and experiences,” she explains.
The project is now well established and, with A levels looming, Molly has handed the baton to new head boy, Jeremy Lo Ying Ping. “We’ll continue encouraging all pupils to get involved in projects with older people’s groups, or to just visit to talk and hear their stories,” he says.
‘Bring Me Sunshine’ won the Greatest Whole School Involvement Award at the Round Square Conference held in South Africa in October 2017. Year 12 students Curtis Fletcher and Jason Gallagher were there to collect the award and, for Jason, this was his second trip to the region.
On the AKS rugby tour to Swaziland, Jason admits to being taken out of his comfort zone. “The youngsters from the local communities were so delighted to play and train with us, though, it was incredibly humbling and uplifting at the same time.”
The sixth form also works hard to promote business excellence, winning several awards in the Tycoon in Schools national enterprise competition. “Put simply,” says head girl, Antonia Pilkington, “we’re encouraged to pursue whatever we’re passionate about.”
AKS is now the only place in Lytham St Annes offering A Levels. Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available, but Phil Hayden believes the school’s real value is its focus on individual students: “Our class sizes optimise learning potential, and students benefit from lots of individual attention.”
“I know every single one of these sixth formers and believe they’ll go on to do amazing things,” says Phil. Thanks to the award-winning environment of their sixth form, they probably will.
AKS School
Clifton Drive South
Lytham St.Annes FY8 1DT
01253 784100
www.akslytham.com
