Get Ahead at Hartlepool Sixth Form

Get Ahead

‘Get ahead’ gives everyone who has applied to start in September, access to a range of learning activities and resources, from your home, for all of your favourite subjects, to give you a taste of sixth form life!

Our vision & values

Find out more

To support those looking to progress to higher education while they are at home during the COVID-19 lock down.

Description of the activity

The ‘Get Ahead’ programme, launched in April 2020, gives current Year 11s the opportunity to experience studying at the Sixth Form without leaving their homes.

Pupils are set research or practical-based projects from 30 subject areas, with the Sixth Form’s website offering links to useful resources such as essential reading lists and media files which will help them complete their tasks.

Teaching staff will offer ongoing support through welcome videos, interactive discussions and Q&A sessions with current students sharing their experiences throughout the final term.

Hartlepool Sixth Form recruitment staff worked with schools in the local area, invite students who have already applied to join the’Get Ahead’ programme.

Key stakeholders/collaborations

Curriculum staff
Support staff including Innovation Learning Team and Marketing and Engagement Team.
Invitations sent to engage pupils from Dyke House Academy, St Hilds Manor Academy, The Academy at Shotton Hall, Wellfield School, High Tunstall College of Science, English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College, Dene Community School Easington Academy, Northfield School and Sports College and St Michael’s Catholic Academy

Evidence of impact

Over 250 unique views of the Get Ahead landing page (over 621 views in total across subject areas.
Over 30 applications from social media and email marketing campaigns in period from 20 April to 1 May.
Top five subject areas accessed are: Sociology; History; Geography; Photography; Animation, Computer Games Design and Visual FX (NextGen).

Staff feedback

Mark Hughes, Head of Hartlepool Sixth Form: “In uncertain times it’s good to try and support Year 11 students in accessing quality academic resources and materials to make that transition to sixth form a little easier.

“It’s amazing to see the impact this has had with nearly 300 Year 11s already accessing these resources in the first week since launching. I’m sure that over the next few weeks this will increase further.”