Year 11 summer term careers activities success
While many schools simply waved goodbye to their Year 11 students at the end of their recent examinations at half-term, St Mary’s Year 11s spent their last few weeks at school engaged in a whole range of challenging and developmental activities. All students took full advantage of the range of opportunities available in a carefully crafted programme of events with a variety of on and off-site activities, all possible despite the ongoing COVID restrictions.
Year 11 Summer 2021
All students visited St Mary’s University, Twickenham for various sessions on student life and taster sessions in film & communications. These sessions were led by the university’s excellent team of student ambassadors took students on a campus tour, sharing their enthusiasm for Higher Education. Our school already has established a strong relationship over several years with St Mary’s University with student activities and staff training.
Christ the King Sixth Form College also offered invaluable advice sessions for students regarding progression from St Mary’s to A Level and BTEC courses. These sessions took advantage of online communication between college tutors and groups of students.
Organised through Croydon Commitment, Mott McDonald, engineering consultants based in Croydon, gave generously of their time with staff running online mock-interview sessions with our students who were thrilled with the experience, and confirmed in feedback they had learnt so much.
On one of the hottest days of the year, a careers fair was organised with local organisations and employers setting up their stands in the school’s courtyard. This was particularly useful for students considering apprenticeship and Post-16 employment opportunities. Special thanks to all the organisations that gave so generously of their time, explaining their occupations and patiently answering student questions.
Particular thanks to the National Citizenship Service whose school teams attended St Mary’s over several days, running a whole range of team-building activities and project management sessions with our students. The ‘Bin Bag Challenge’ was a particular favourite, with students learning a whole range of skills, including how to make the most out of what they’re given.
Many thanks to the school staff who organised the programmes of events, the visitors from various organisations who gave so generously of their time, whether online or in person, and to St Mary’s University. We must also give praise to our Year 11 students who engaged so positively with the entire programme. We are confident that each student gained much from the experience which will be of great benefit as they move to the next stage of their lives.