During the week before half term, the whole Lower V year group participated in Futures Week, which consisted of a wide range of activities and events that were designed to introduce the students to new experiences and people, with the aim of providing an interesting, informative and fun way of thinking about their future plans – be it in Sixth Form or beyond, at university or in the world of work.

But don’t take my word for it – here is what the students had to say:

Current affairs day

“It was very fun and interesting to work in teams, discuss options and explain our decisions to others.”

“It was very interesting to learn about the drug trade and also learn how to successfully portray your views and mimic how proposals are presented in the government.”

Work experience day

“This was really interesting for me as I have seen my dad’s work plenty of times but never experienced my mum’s work which is really interesting, such as the environment of finance and new employees and how they can adapt to new working environments.”

“I found it quite interesting to understand aspects of how a business can run. It helped me understand how each role/dept in the company helps contribute to one product and bring the entire team together.”

“It was a brilliant experience because we improved many skills such as teamwork and problem solving whilst having a lot of fun too. We gained a whole new appreciation for the dedicated Estates Team and the work they do every day to keep our school running.”

Sixth Form Options

“I loved trying out the new Sixth Form taster lessons because it helped me see what these different subjects entailed. It has definitely helped me think more deeply about what subjects I should choose for my A Levels. It was also very fun to spend time in the sixth form center and learn what it would be like to be a sixth former.”

“Very useful to give us a taste of what each subject is like, got us more familiar with what a Sixth Former learns and the environment they learn in.”

Speed dating morning

“I really liked learning about all the different types of jobs that people had and what they studied to join those fields of work. It has definitely helped me start thinking more about what profession I would like to be in when I am older and what qualifications I would need.”

“It was really fun to see the range of jobs that you can achieve after school, but also enlightening that Sixth Form and Uni subjects do not directly limit my future and career. It was helpful hearing advice about what subjects at A-levels and Uni they thought helped the most.”

Volunteering afternoon

“I thought the litter picking was very rewarding as it made me feel good that I was helping the environment. I also had so much fun doing this with all my friends.”

“I really liked going with the music GCSE students to perform at care homes because it was really good practice for our performance and concerts generally but it also felt like we were doing good for the community, as the people watching seemed to really enjoy and appreciate it.”

DoE introductory day

“I enjoyed this day as it gave me a better insight into map reading and I can now identify common map signs on the map to help me in the real DofE.”

“Gave me a taste of how DofE is going to be, and I enjoyed learning the different skills needed for this expedition and for the future ones.”

Overall thoughts about Futures Week

“This week was very engaging and fun – a great careers week over all!”

“I thought this week was so fun and it really helped me think more about what profession I want to be in when I am older and what qualifications I would need. It also helped me venture further into the more specific job titles people had and learn about what they do.”

“I enjoyed the week and it definitely made me think about subjects and careers.”

Hopefully, the students now have a better understanding of what might be possible. Coming soon, the school will be holding individual Next Steps meetings with each student and their parents to discuss what they are thinking of doing at Sixth Form and beyond, so that we can tailor a programme of guidance and support to help them achieve their dreams.

In the meantime, we hope that you can see the value that was both added and gained through these activities.

Mr Charles Lovibond
Head of Careers & Futures