Year 7 Journalism Day - Year 7 had the opportunity to develop their journalistic skills by working as busy news teams. The day featured drama and journalism workshops followed by a group journalism challenge. Students were able to work independently, taking on the roles of writers, directors, journalists, actors, camera-operators, and editors while creating their own news programs inspired by the events in the play Our Day Out by Willy Russell (our current English text). It was a lively, productive, and highly creative day! 

Year 8 Verulamium Museum, St Albans - Students spent the day exploring life in the Roman town of Verulamium, visiting the remains of a theatre and a smart town house (complete with central heating!). In the Verulamium Museum, students explored the artefacts, reconstructions, and interactive displays and then attended a workshop where they could handle many everyday Roman objects. 

Year 9 WW1 Trenches, Maidstone - The History Department was delighted to organise a trip for Year 9 students to explore recently restored First World War trenches at the Centre for Experimental Military Archaeology (CEMA) in Maidstone. Escorted by experienced guides, some in WW uniform, students could undertake an immersive experience of trench life, which included a look inside a dugout, a walk through the trench itself, a demonstration of kit and equipment (including genuine artefacts) as well as an explanation of rations, how soldiers managed to cook and how they survived trench conditions. There were a number of detailed presentations to supplement their immersive experience. 

Year 10 Study Skills – We welcomed an Elevate Education speaker into school to teach Year 10 about a variety of study skills that will be essential in the coming years. Elevate Education has revolutionised the way study skills are taught around the world and their programmes have already resulted in tangible improvements in student performance at over 850 UK schools. In the afternoon pupils learnt about maximising a balanced lifestyle and participated in some mindfulness and team building activities to unwind. 

Year 11 The Crime Lab Escape Rooms - Year 11 had a great workshop in which they explored how we are all different and how to recognise their own personality dominant through colours, with a look at how useful this can be in the world of work. They also took part in team building activities, encouraging group collaboration and communication. Everyone worked in small teams, but also as part of a bigger team, similar to a workplace environment. Groups were encouraged to approach the task differently so the outcome was unique to their team. 

Year 12 First Aid Qualification – Our Year 12s had the opportunity to learn essential skills life support and First Aid skills. The session included what to do in an emergency and how to respond to an unconscious casualty. Students received a hands-on experience, with CPR training and a certification for their training. 

Year 13 Student Finance and bowling - The GDST CareerStart workshop on Student Finance looks at how much things cost and how to budget effectively with the aim of avoiding ‘going broke’ when you live independently for the first time. Our students were able to review sources of money available, including how the student finance system actually works. They had some insightful guidance from Ms Beecham on how to apply for and manage student finance, accommodation, budgets and location. As a treat for all their hard work students got to enjoy some bowling in the afternoon!