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Posted on October 14th 2015
Year 11 'Most Able' Students Raise University Aspirations
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
This is the question on the mind of every Year 11 student during their final academic year before further education.
Are 6th form studies for me? What grades do I need at college to work as a plumber? Which university is best for engineering? Which A Levels do I need to become a doctor? Could I be successful through doing an apprenticeship? How long does it take to become a teacher?
These are all questions we're been asked by our students recently and this event on Tuesday 13 October was designed to answer them.
The Year 11 Most Able group attended the Dutch Rooms in central London for the Raising University Aspirations event, run by Making the Leap.
They entered with thoughts of uncertainty and anxiety, hoping to alter these through inquisitive questioning and examining into their options. The event was attended by a huge variety of students and staff from Russell Group universities who provided an intellectual and informative environment for our students. The list of universities included:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University College London
- University of Southampton
- University of Exeter
- University of Sheffield
- University of York
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Durham
- SOAS
Southwark Apprenticeship Scheme were also present for students to gather information on alternatives to university. It would be safe to say that the initial thoughts of the students who attended the event were altered. The students departed with a new perspective on their futures, enlightened and without significant doubt. Reservations had been discarded and replaced with an emotional state of motivation. Initial, seemingly unrealistic aspirations were now inspired goals.
Here are some of the quotes from the event.
“A truly inspirational experience that I will take forward with me into further education." Theodore, Year 11
“Thank you, your students have been impeccable and have asked some really genuine and fantastic questions.”Ms Campbell, Programme Manager, Making the Leap
“Thank you for this experience. I now feel confident about making choices about further education and university.”Joshua, Year 11
The students represented the Academy in a professional and proud manner, and this reflected in the comments received by the events company and their staff. We are looking forward to the next event and the bright future for all of our year 11 students, moving into further education.
Mr Butler
Most Able Co-ordinator/ Teacher of PE
Jack Petchey Co-ordinator
