Year 10 Activities Week 

On Monday 26th June our Year 10 became Sixth Formers for the day with a trial experience of life in Year 12! The prospective Lower Sixth explored subject options that they do not always learn at GCSE in preparation for future decision making. The Sixth Form offers both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme so there were differences to explain between the programmes. Amongst some of the new subjects on offer were Psychology, Economics, Business Studies, Music Technology, Politics, Further Maths and Film & Media Production. The group also had an introduction to the new Oakleaf Diploma, a qualification which will teach plenty of life skills alongside their academic studies. The current Year 10 will be the first cohort to enjoy their Sixth Form years in the newly refurbished Grove House Sixth Form Centre from the very start. 

On Tuesday Education Business Partnership delivered the first of a two-day Careers Insights Workshop providing students with some of the life skills they will need to secure employment in the future. Sam Brautigan, Developing Skills Team (DST) Project Officer for Education Business Partnership (EBP) commented “It is important to offer these opportunities to young people to get them ready for the world of work.” The topics under investigation on a carousel were: 

• ‘All About Me’ offering the opportunity to think about individual strength and weaknesses and answering skills-based questions 
• ‘Financial Awareness’ gearing students up for the world of work, including what their outgoings and incomings might be 
• ‘Interview Preparation’ with a chance to increase awareness of body language and interview technique, plus the vital skill of using common sense, allowing enough time for travel, contingency etc 
• ‘Life Skills Development’ working on communication, trust and team building through activities that also promote self-esteem, learning skills through drama and on your feet games. 

The final session of the day was delivered to all students in Peckover Hall and was devoted to a workshop by Newbury’s theatre company, The Corn Exchange, entitled  ‘Presenting with Impact’. 

The following day, Wednesday 28th June, the emphasis of the Careers Insights moved from a focus on the individual students to businesses from different sectors. Each of six businesses including Splunk, Microsoft and Barclays gave a 15-minute overview followed by an activity and then Q&As.   

After their three days in the classroom learning about options for their immediate future in Sixth Form and for employment beyond school, the cohort were delighted to be set free at Chessington World of Adventures on Thursday 29th June. They loved riding the roller coasters, visiting the aquarium and the zoo plus the brand new World of Jumanji area which opened in May. Friday was similarly adventurous with the group going to Caversham Lakes for paddle boarding and a scramble on the aquatic inflatables; a fun way to end the week with friends!