Our November Trips Day 2 as usual involved a whole range of activities, from money management skills, politics workshops and a deep dive into Shakespeare; to offsite trips to the theatre and the Tate Britain. Here’s the lowdown on what each of our year groups got up to.   

Year 7: Science Museum  

On our second Trips Day of this academic year, Year 7 visited the Science Museum in South Kensington. Students visited a variety of exhibitions designed to stimulate their curiosity about the impact of scientific endeavour in today’s world. Exploring the museum at their leisure, there were lots of great, probing questions!   

Year 8: School of Sex Education Workshop  

Year 8 took part in two important PSHE workshops on consent, relationships, sexuality, body image and more. The workshops were facilitated and delivered by the School of Sex Education and provided age-appropriate, inclusive, trauma-informed relationships and sex education programmes. These great, interactive workshops are designed to create open discussion and put students at ease talking about PSHE.   

Year 9: Migration Museum Workshop & Politics Morning + Body Respect Project  

The Migration Museum ran a series of brilliant workshops for Year 9, framing migration within history and exploring themes such as female entrepreneurship and personal connections to migration.  

The morning saw students immersing themselves in British and international politics, learning about the workings of Parliament, the work of MPs, ‘become an MP for the day’ and learn to balance priorities, as well as understanding political ideology and trying out Model United Nations Society.   

In the afternoon Year 9 took part in The Body Image workshop, which promotes intersectional body acceptance and positive self-image among students. The workshop placed focus on fostering self-acceptance and inclusivity and the importance of creating a community where everybody feels not only safe but can thrive being exactly who they are, inclusive of their race, gender and disabilities. 

Year 10: Money Management Workshop + Theatre Trip 

Year 10 engaged in a highly practical Finance Education Workshop, designed by accountants, to tackle topics such as pay slips, student loans, mortgages, pensions and other relevant areas of finance. The workshop provided students with a real insight into money management in preparation for their next chapter of their lives. 

Wellbeing was the flavour of the afternoon, as students then headed off to experience some of London’s finest theatrical entertainment. ‘Crazy For You’ at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, is a romantic comedy musical which has been hailed as “the biggest and most joyful musical comedy that is lighting up the West End, ‘banishing the cares of the world with sublime songs and dynamic tap routines’” (Evening Standard).   

Year 11: Shakespeare Introduction + Study Skills 

For Year 11, Trips Day morning involved engaging in practical approaches to 'Othello' to develop their knowledge and understanding of this important and challenging set text – followed by a cinematic treat, watching the excellent Globe 2007 production of the play in the school Theatre.  

In the afternoon, we welcomed Elevate Education to explore best revision practice and help students prepare for the upcoming mocks. Elevate Education has revolutionised the way study skills are taught around the world, resulting in tangible improvements in student performance at over 850 UK schools. Focus of the session was on the art of crafting mnemonics to bolster students' learning processes, and providing valuable insights on excelling in their examinations.  

Year 12 and 13: Study Skills 

Sixth Form students benefitted from the opportunity to learn essential learning skills using the Study Skills programme delivered by Positively U, whose study skills workshops and seminars are designed to spark behavioural change among students. It is not enough that students simply understand what they need to do in their study: the challenge is getting them to use and apply the skills they learn. Students experienced interactive workshops that will help them with their motivation and learn how to bridge the gap between where they are and where they need to be along their A-level journey.