New student leadership team named for 2018-19

The College’s Student Leadership Team has been announced for the academic year 2018-19, with five first year students taking up new roles.

In a shake-up to previous years where only two head students were named, one head student will now be supported by four assistant head student, each with their own areas of responsibility.

Adam Probbing takes up the mantle of head student, after impressing the interviewers with his commitment to both academic and extracurricular endeavours. A member of a Wirral youth panel and a keen footballer, Adam’s interest in politics has led to him to win a place on a scheme run with the US Embassy to travel to America during the summer and exchange ideas on social cohesion (click here to read the full story). He joined the College from Ridgeway High School last September and studies Politics, Geography and Sport & PE.

Adam said: "I’m ecstatic to be head student and I’m really looking forward to being part of a team designed to help the youth voice in College."

Assisting Adam will be the quartet of Natalie Barlow, Hannah Bendrey, Jack Fitzpatrick and Hamza Jouma.

Natalie will lead on student wellbeing, while Hannah is in charge of student engagement and enrichment. Hamza will be working on student mentoring both in College and with partner high schools and Jack is representing students with additional learning needs.

Former Neston High School student Natalie, who studies English Language, English Literature and Media Studies, said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen as an assistant head student and lead of student wellbeing. For me, it’s extremely important that students stay happy whilst studying and that’s something I want to promote further next year at the College. I’ve got a lot of ideas to put into place that I think will benefit student wellbeing and I’m excited to get going!”

Hannah added: “I feel honoured to be given this key role where I can work with the Student Ambassadors to help make each student's experience at the College an even more positive one, encouraging engagement so every student can benefit from all the College has to offer.”

Hannah came to the College from Woodchurch High School and is taking A Levels in Drama & Theatre Studies, Law and Psychology.

Future medic Hamza previously went to The Birkenhead Park School. He said: “I’m happy and proud to be part of the Student Leadership Team. It does come with a lot of responsibility and commitment, but I’m fully prepared to help others, especially the new students who are coming to College in September, by giving them the chance to meet others in events and helping them settle in.”

Jack Fitzpatrick studies Politics, History and Media Studies and was formerly a student at Kingsmead School.

He said: “I'm delighted to be the LAB Representative, encouraging other students with special educational needs to thrive here at Birkenhead Sixth Form College.  I hope that I can bring to the role some insight, having additional needs myself. I also think it will help me to understand some of the difficulties that are associated with disabilities as well as coming up with solutions to help support students at the College.”