On Friday Ella Taylor from Liverpool Hope University delivered two engaging sessions tailored to different year groups.

Year 8 were introduced to the concept of university, exploring what university life is like, the range of subjects available to study, and how higher education can open doors to different careers.

Meanwhile, Year 10 took part in a session focused on planning their next steps after GCSEs. They explored the different pathways available, including A Levels, college courses and vocational routes, and learned how these choices can lead to university and a wide range of future careers.

On Friday we welcomed Tracey Collins who delivered an informative and motivating presentation about women in the construction industry.

As well as exploring different routes into the industry, she highlighted the wide range of roles available across the sector, from engineering and project management to design and skilled trades, while challenging stereotypes and encouraging students to consider careers in an industry that is growing and evolving.

On Friday we kicked off British Science Week as some of our Year 10 students were delighted to welcome back a former student Dr Horner who is now a marine biologist.

Dr Horner spoke about her journey from school to university and into her career, sharing her passion for marine life and conservation.

Students learned about the different areas of marine biology, the type of research involved in protecting ocean ecosystems, and the variety of careers available within the field. Her return to school provided an inspiring example of how curiosity and dedication can lead to exciting career opportunities.

On Wednesday Reverend Kim Mannings spoke to two groups of RE students about her own career journey, reflecting on how her values and interests have shaped her professional choices over time.

Reverend Mannings talked about her calling at 16, her experiences as a teacher, and how varied her day to day job is.

Students also learned about the qualifications required for her role and were keen to engage in discussion about the different aspects of her work.

Music students were treated to an insightful careers talk from Stephen Mannings, who spoke about the diverse opportunities within the music industry  - from performance and production to composition and teaching  - and the importance of resilience, adaptability and networking in creative careers. 

Stephen then stayed to lead a fun workshop with a class of our Year 7 students drawing on his experiences working with choirs.

Our Year 13 A Level Politics students benefited from a lively and engaging visit by Councillor Harry Doyle, who spoke about his role in local politics and his career journey to date.

He then stayed to host a special Q&A session with our Junior 1804 Society, where students shared the positive changes they have helped bring about in school and discussed their leadership roles.

This led to a thoughtful conversation about Councillor Doyle’s wider responsibilities, his recent experiences, the growth sectors of the local economy and the varied path his career has taken. Students were able to question Harry about the challenges of his role alongside the more rewarding aspects, linking their work as a school council to his early experiences and why having a voice is important.

In Year 9 Citizenship on Wednesday, students were joined by Abbey from TTE, who delivered an engaging presentation on careers in construction and engineering.

Abbey reinforced the important message that there is a growing and exciting place for women in STEM, encouraging all students to challenge stereotypes and consider the wide range of opportunities available to them.

Year 9 had lots of interesting questions for Abbey and we’d like to thank her for coming in to share her valuable insights, LMI and STEM opportunities with them.

On day 3 of National Careers Week, Year 7 welcomed Jeff from Construction Resources into their ICT lesson, where they took part in a mini group-work challenge linked to the construction industry.

The session focused on developing transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving  -skills they can apply across their subjects and well beyond the classroom.

We were delighted to welcome back former broadcaster and journalist Tim Abraham from LJMU on Tuesday.

Year 12 Combined English students were treated to a career and HE presentation, in addition to learning about Tim's career. With over 30 years as a broadcast journalist, 23 at Sky Sports, Tim now teaches journalism and sports journalism at LJMU, keen to pass on his experience to a new generation.

Students were keen to engage and asked advice in relation to potential career pathways, the different types of journalism, how to select courses at HE and what he felt were the best parts of the job.

To learn more about the journalism course at LJMU, click here.

Year 7 and Year 10 students were treated to a lively and engaging presentation by Graeme from LJMU on Tuesday as part of our NCW activities.

Students learned about Graeme's career pathway and his current role. They also learned what Environmental Health means and how it covers every aspect of our daily lives.

Following this, Graeme informed students of the courses available at LJMU in relation to Environmental Health culminating with some aspirational facts and figures about how to become an EHP.

We'd like to thank Graeme to returning to us again this year and look forward to seeing him at St Julie's again soon! For more information about the course Graeme discussed, click here.

Andrew from MSB solicitors worked with a group of Year 9 students on Monday afternoon to introduce them to careers in law.

Students role played legal career roles such as prosecution and defence solicitors and acted as judges to determine whether the case they were presented with contained enough evidence to secure a conviction.

Students analysed fictitious statements and worked in groups to arrive at their conclusions before taking their arguments to the judge.

We'd like to thank all the students who participated and Andrew for coming in to lead the session.

Year 10  Maths students enjoyed a presentation from Anita at the Department of Work and Pensions today as part of our National Careers Week activities.

Students learned about the different roles in DWP and relevant LMI to support the roles discussed. They considered jobs of the past and jobs of the future to encourage them to think about potential career pathways. Following this, they explored the concept of soft skills, their value and ways they can develop their soft skills through a variety of ideas ranging from cadets to volunteering.

A Year 7 Maths group took part in an employer-led activity which encouraged them to think about businesses and the  paying tax. They were given a fictitious pizza company to investigate, facilitating discussion and group work to learn more about the role of HMRC in businesses.

We'd like to thank Anita for coming in  to speak to the students today and for getting National Careers Week off to a great start.

As part of our work for National Careers Week we were delighted to welcome former student Amy, a Cabin Manager from Easyjet and  Stephanie, cabin crew and trainee pilot from Tui into school to speak about their experiences as members of the airline industry. 

Students studying our Travel and Tourism course were able to enjoy a comprehensive presentation exploring the world of flying and allied professions, as well as the broader travel industry and the personal qualities needed to succeed.

The presentation offered valuable insights and practical guidance which out students found very valuable. We'd like to thank Amy and Stephanie for giving their time and talents so generously.

On Wednesday 11th March, we will be recognising Young Carers Action Day, an annual national event organised by Carers Trust to raise awareness of the vital role young carers play and to call for action so they have the same opportunities as their peers to learn, grow and thrive.

A Young Carer is a student who helps to look after a family member or friend who is disabled, ill, has a long-term condition or mental health need, often juggling these responsibilities alongside school, homework and everyday life. Young Carers Action Day highlights both their contribution and the challenges they may face.

At St Julie’s High School, we value and support all young carers. If your child is a young carer, or you think they might be, we encourage you to get in touch. Support can include pastoral care in school, links to local services, and, with parent / carer consent, referral to specialist support such as Barnardo's, where trained workers can work confidentially with students and their families to provide tailored help.

If you would like to talk about support for your child or someone you know, please contact Mrs Jones (Sixth Form). Working alongside Miss Machin at school they're here to listen and help every step of the way.

Let’s recognise and celebrate the strength, compassion and resilience of our young carers this Young Carers Action Day!

Performing Arts students enjoying some spine tingling thrills at a performance of Susan Hill’s gothic horror ‘The Woman in Black’ at the Liverpool Playhouse this week.

The students marvelled at the atmospheric staging and drew great inspiration studying techniques of illusion and horror at their most effective.

On Tuesday this week we were pleased to welcome representatives from the Anthony Walker Foundation to deliver assemblies about hate crime.

Anthony Walker was an 18 year old student who was murdered in a racially motivated attack in Huyton in 2005. In 2006 the Anthony Walker Foundation was established to acknowledge and challenge prejudice, discrimination and inequality and promote peace, harmony and integrity.

We were joined by Mel Williams and Catherina Quinn from the Foundation who led all students from Years 7 to 13 in extended assemblies delivering their successful ‘Speak Out! Stop Hate’ learning module which promotes hate crime awareness and the vital importance of speaking out and reporting hate when witnessed.

The assemblies delivered a powerful message and proved very thought provoking for students. We’d like to thank the Foundation for sharing their time with our students.

Year 12 and 13 English students were invited to take part in a series of prestigious workshops today, run by The Royal Literacy Fund.

The workshops focused on essay writing and core literacy skills that prepare students for the demands of academic A-levels and also for higher education. 

We are very grateful to The Royal Literacy Fund and their established Fellows, Lizzie Nunnery and Zoe Howe, both of whom are renowned writers themselves, and who delivered insightful sessions for our sixth form students.

Today is Galentine's day, an opportunity to celebrate friendship! And of course, what better way than to send a card or a lollipop to show your appreciation for another student or staff member?

Led by Year 9 students, Cupid's team has spent the day delivering tokens of love to students and staff around the school. Happy Galentine's Day! 

On Friday we were delighted to welcome knife safety campaigner Laura Hughes back into school for a presentation of this week’s fundraising.

Our SVP fundraising event raised £290 to help fund the work of the kNOw Knife Crime Foundation which is campaigning to raise the availability of bleed control kits, and we were very happy to receive ours today!

Year 11 students welcomed Mariama from Liverpool John Moores University this afternoon for an informative and engaging session focused on "What’s Next?" and exploring higher education options. With key decisions approaching, the presentation provided valuable guidance to help students begin thinking about their future pathways beyond GCSEs and sixth form.

Students gained insight into entry requirements, student life, finance and student support, as well as the long-term advantages that higher education can offer in terms of career prospects and earning potential. Importantly, the talk also highlighted that university is just one of several pathways available post-18, encouraging students to consider their interests, strengths, and aspirations when planning their next steps.

By introducing information about higher education at this stage, students are better equipped to understand how their choices at post-16 can keep different routes open to them in the future. Raising awareness early helps to build aspiration, confidence, and informed decision-making. St Julie's students move on to an impressive and diverse range of destinations following their A levels, and we look forward to welcoming our current Year 11 cohort back in September to share their Post 16 studies with us.

We would like to thank LJMU for delivering such a helpful and inspiring session, supporting our students as they begin to consider their options and plan for life beyond GCSEs.

Today we hosted our first whole school Careers Fair, welcoming students from all year groups to explore the wide range of opportunities available to them in the future. The event brought together an impressive selection of exhibitors, including further education colleges, higher education institutions, training providers, apprenticeship providers, and representatives from a variety of career sectors such as nursing and health, sport, engineering, local government, hair and beauty, and many more.

The Careers Fair provided students with invaluable access to up-to-date Labour Market Information, helping them to understand local growth sectors, in-demand skills, and emerging career opportunities within our region. By speaking directly with employers, universities, and training organisations, students were able to gain insight into different pathways available to them post-16 and post-18, including A Levels, vocational qualifications, T Levels, apprenticeships, and university routes.

Events like this are vital in supporting students to make informed, confident decisions about their futures. They help to raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes, and broaden horizons by showcasing the many routes to success beyond the classroom. Importantly, the fair also encouraged students to think about the skills, qualities, and qualifications they will need to achieve their ambitions.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our exhibitors for giving their time and expertise to support our students; and for providing such engaging and informative discussions throughout the day. The event was delivered in conjunction with Career Connect, whose partnership and guidance continue to play a key role in strengthening our careers programme.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we were delighted to welcome Neil from Realise Training to speak to our Year 8 students about the exciting opportunities available through apprenticeships and vocational pathways.

His presentation highlighted the wide range of career routes on offer, the benefits of earning while learning, and how apprenticeships can provide a valuable alternative to traditional academic pathways.

Introducing our students to these opportunities at an early stage is vital in helping them make informed decisions about their future, broadening their aspirations, and understanding the many different routes to success. The session was an inspiring and informative way to mark National Apprenticeship Week and encourage our students to start thinking about their next steps.

Congratulations to our four talented footballers who represented our city in the quarter final win of the ESFA U12 Girls District National Cup competition!

Anya, Sophie, Honey and Blossom all lined up for Liverpool. Selection for the team is held in the summer through hugely competitive trials, meaning that to even wear the shirt is an impressive achievement.

The quarter final fixture was something of a local derby as Liverpool faced Sefton for an evening kick off at Jericho Lane. Liverpool finished the first half with a 2-0 lead but an impressive fightback from Sefton saw the scores level at 2-2 for the final whistle.

This took the game into some nailbiting extra time but nerves were quickly allayed as Liverpool couldn't stop scoring, finishing the match with a formidable 6-2 victory.

The team will now progress to face Bolton in the semi final which will be played before 7th March. Anya and Sophie will be hoping for back to back wins after securing the National Cup at Stoke's stadium last season. We wish them lots of luck!

KS5 students had the opportunity to take part in an empowering careers event on Wednesday, featuring a panel of female scientists from S L Sequirus. Organised in partnership with Laura from Elevate BP, the session invited students to explore a central question: Is there a place for women in science ?

The panel shared their experiences from across the company, giving students a glimpse into a wide range of scientific roles - from laboratory research to quality assurance and vaccine development. Each speaker offered honest reflections on their career journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the progress still being made to ensure women are represented and valued in STEM fields.

Students then took part in a lively Q and A, asking thoughtful questions about workplace culture, career pathways, and how to overcome stereotypes that still persist in the industry. The discussion encouraged students to think critically about equality in science and highlighted the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of healthcare and innovation.

The event left students inspired, informed, and more aware of the opportunities open to them - proof that the next generation of scientists is already thinking boldly about the world they want to build. 

Congratulations to students in Years 9 and 10 who recently participated in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. Students had an hour to work through some extremely tough problem solving questions and all those who participated gave tremendous effort! 

Across the two year groups we had a number of students who achieved Bronze and Silver Level awards, which is an outstanding achievement.

Well done to the following students who will all be receiving certificates for their success:

Year 9 Bronze Winners: Lorna, Elizabeth, Imogen, Imogen, Hannah, Ella, Emily and Layla

Year 9 Silver Winners: Jasmine, May and Isla (Best in the Year group)

Year 10 Bronze Winners: Isabelle, Abigail, Brooke, Anno, Olivia, Megan, Lydia and Anna

Year 10 Silver Winners: Ellie, Isla and Annabelle (Best in the Year group)

KS3 students were thrown into the heart of a fictional zombie apocalypse this week, thanks to an action-packed STEM workshop delivered by Graeme from Liverpool John Moores University. The session used an imaginative outbreak scenario to help students explore how real scientists and public-health teams respond when a dangerous virus begins to spread.

Working in groups, students analysed how the "infection" was moving through the population and debated the best strategies to contain it. Each team had to think like scientists, medics, and emergency planners - balancing the need to protect the public with the responsibility to care for those already affected.

The fast-paced challenge encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication, with students weighing up everything from quarantine zones to treatment options. By the end, students  had not only survived the zombie scenario but also gained a deeper understanding of how STEM skills play a vital role in managing real-world outbreaks.

It was a brilliant blend of science, strategy, and imagination - one that left students buzzing with ideas and a new appreciation for the people who keep communities.

KS3 students took part in an inspiring STEM experience delivered by staff from Liverpool John Moores University on Tuesday which was designed to open their eyes to the wide range of science careers within the healthcare sector. The session gave students the chance to step into the shoes of medical professionals and get hands-on with practical skills that save lives.

Throughout the workshop, students learned how CPR is performed and why quick, confident action can make all the difference in an emergency. They explored the importance of proper wound cleaning, discovering how infection prevention plays a crucial role in patient care. They also gained insight into how blood is safely extracted, helping them understand the science and precision behind everyday medical procedures.

One of the most memorable moments came when students experimented with medical tubes to see how healthcare workers support patients who cannot swallow - an eye-opening demonstration that sparked plenty of curiosity and conversation.

The experience left students buzzing with enthusiasm and gave them a real sense of how science shapes the world of healthcare. It was a brilliant opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-life impact, and it may well have inspired some future scientists and clinicians along the way. We’d like to thank LJMU for organising the event and for helping us to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and International Women and Girls in Science Day.

St Julie's Performers were crowned overall winners of the NOW Festival, the city-wide annual celebration of mental health, after delivering a breathtaking performance of Behind Closed Doors. 

The powerful and thought-provoking piece explored the lives of young carers, offering hope to those who hide their struggles, and left the audience in tears before earning a standing ovation. 

St Julie's also received the coveted WOW Recognition Award for their standout performance.

We're very proud of the power of the piece as we recently celebrated achieving the 'Young Carers in Schools Award' and believe this performance offers a far reaching voice to articulate the often hidden challenges faced by young carers within our school community and beyond.  

Well done to all the schools and performance groups who shared such inspiring stories, it truly was a celebration of the city’s talent and creativity.

We are excited to share that our Whole School Careers Fair will take place on Thursday 12th February in the Sports Hall, in partnership with Career Connect. This event is a fantastic opportunity for students across all year groups to meet and engage with a wide range of employers, FE colleges, apprenticeship providers, universities and traineeship organisations, all here on site.

A diverse mix of employment sectors will be represented, offering something for every interest and ambition. Exhibitors range from fashion to football, the RAF to construction, and hairdressing to the NHS, giving students a real insight into the breadth of pathways available to them in the future.

The Careers Fair will also help students deepen their understanding of Labour Market Information (LMI), including local growth sectors, emerging industries and the skills most in demand in our region. Crucially, it will give students the chance to make meaningful links between what they learn in the classroom and the careers those subjects can lead to. By speaking directly with professionals, students can explore future career trends, ask questions, and begin to make informed decisions about their next steps.

We look forward to welcoming all our exhibitors on site next week and to seeing our students take full advantage of this valuable and inspiring opportunity.

Congratulations to our Year 7 and 8 students who competed at the LSSP Dodgeball tournament hosted at Belvedere this week, earning some medals!

The players worked really hard, giving 100% effort in every game. The players finished second out of a field of ten teams facing players from St. John Bosco, Alsop and Gateacre. 

Well done to our star players of the day: Nancy in Year 7 and Riya in Year 8.

With the exam season looming Year 11 students celebrated Mass on Wednesday to pray for themselves and all those who will have formal exams this year. 

The Mass offered a time of peace, reflection and reassurance that our students are not alone in their struggles and anxieties.

Fr Stephen Pritchard and Fr Peter Murphy preached on the Gospel taken from Matthew of Jesus calming the storm which  was a powerful reminder that we can find peace in God, even when we feel overwhelmed. 

Thank you to everyone who bought a ribbon or cake in Wednesday's fundraising sale which was a sell out in support of the Lord Mayor's Legacy Fund.

The £179 raised in funds will go towards providing training and opportunities for Youth Worker development in the city.

Congratulations to Emmie from 8 Nugent who successfully defended her butterfly stroke titles at the Cheshire Gala at Macclesfield.

Emmie took gold in the 50m and 100m races in the 14 year old category. She then stepped up to the junior category, competing against opponents up to age 16, and earned a phenomenal bronze from an opening field of around 100 swimmers.

We wish Emmie good luck in her next competition, swimming in Burnley.

Over the course of two nights, seventy five of our Performing Arts students have visited the Empire Theatre for a performance of the smash-hit musical, Mary Poppins!

The fantastic choreography, outstanding singing and dazzling costumes blew the students away, not to mention seeing Mary Poppins take flight! 

Today marked the last school based session for our Year 9 cohort.

Guest speakers have included female electricians, plasterers, managers and recruiters. Students  learned about their different roles, how to qualify, labour market information, why it's important to challenge stereotypes and consider a wide range of career opportunities.

Gail from HMS shared her experiences and the growing number of women in the construction industry, We'd like to thank Billie and Hannah for inviting us to take part in The Big Trust Project, and look forward to an off-site trip to consolidate our learning in the coming weeks.

On Thursday a group of Year 9 students attended a County lines awareness event hosted by Merseyside Police and the LFC Foundation.

Students heard talks from the Police, NHS and lived experience from Angela Preston.

Students then took part in 4 workshops.

A VR county lines simulation experience delivered by Everton in the community; a workshop around the dangers of county lines including lived experience by Catch 22; a talk around the dangers of ketamine use by River and a business talk from the owners of Block P, owned by two young men from Liverpool who were once at risk of becoming involved in county lines.

Students then submitted questions for a panel of celebrity guests, including Jamie Webster, Tony Bellew, Phillip McGuinness and Jessica Gagan.
Each school had to choose a stand out student of the day with the winner being awarded a voucher of up to £100 to spend at Block P. Our deserving winner was Sienna!

On Wednesday 4th February we're raising money, for the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Legacy fund.

The Legacy Fund is aiming to create money to fund youth worker training and support for young people across the city.

We are selling gold ribbons and will be having a cake sale at break time to raise funds in support.

On Wednesday 28^th January students from year 9 and 10 took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge from the UK Maths Trust.

This is a challenge that is designed to encourage mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency and is taken by schools internationally.

While the problems are mostly accessible they also provide a good challenge whilst promoting careful thinking and problem-solving. Top scoring participants  are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold certificates.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for when the results come in in a few weeks time. Good luck to all who took part!

The annual residential at Magdalene College is open for Year 12 students attending a state-maintained school in Merseyside.

The Magdalene College Residential is a fantastic opportunity for high-achieving students to find out more about studying at top universities such as the University of Cambridge. During the residential, participants will stay in Magdalene College accommodation; explore their academic interests by attending workshops and seminars led by university lecturers; visit some of Cambridge’s libraries and museums; spend time with current Cambridge students; learn about the university application process; and gain an insight into living and studying in Cambridge.

The Residential is entirely free of charge, including accommodation, food, and all activities. The college are also able to fully fund transport costs for all participants.

Full details, eligibility criteria, and the application form are available on the Magdalene College website. Applications will close on 25th February, and applicants will be asked to nominate a current teacher to provide a short reference. Apply here

Academic staff members at Magdalene College are offering online subject taster sessions in a range of courses.

Each subject has one online session  - the first half in the style of a lecture, and the second is more discussion-based. Upcoming sessions include Medicine, Languages, Law, and Maths. These sessions are aimed at Year 11-12 students.

Students can sign up to the sessions they wish to attend here. Bookings close at 9am on the respective event days.