16 December 2020
ASPIRE Day 2 took place on Monday (14th December). These are days where we suspend the normal timetable and focus on careers, aspirations, health and wellbeing. Mrs Sweeney, who is responsible for our PSHE provision, co-ordinated the day for Years 7, 8 and 10 and she writes...
"We had a very busy and very successful ASPIRE Day this week. The aim of our ASPIRE days to provide students with life skills which are beneficial beyond the classroom. Some of the topics this term have been quite sensitive but students have shown great resilience in dealing with some of these areas. There has been some really positive comments from teachers saying how engaged students were despite how challenging the topics were, and how they asked questions and involved themselves in discussions which showed maturity and integrity. The topics covered this term were Mental health and Wellbeing and Relationships & Sex Education all of which are now statutory. The topics covered specifically by the different year groups on Monday were
Yr 7 - Puberty, personal hygiene, growing up, consent, self esteem
Yr 8 - Intro to relationships and sex education, healthy relationships, conflict, sexual orientation and gender identity
Yr 10 - Screen time and safe use of mobile phones, common types of mental health, What is self harm? Promoting emotional wellbeing, What is sexual abuse?"
Miss Royal, our Careers Co-ordinator, was responsible for Years 9 and 11 and she says...
"On the Year 9’s Careers Aspire Day they took part in various workshops to help them prepare for choosing their options and start thinking about their future while exploring the world of work. They started learning about the post 16 pathways and introduced to college life while racing against the clock in an escape room activity to “Escape to your Future” delivered by Accrington and Rossendale College. They were given the opportunity to be responsible for the “Hiring and Firing” while learning about business and management with support from our Enterprise Advisor Jonathan from NCFE. Also they heard about careers in various sectors including input from professionals at Preston’s College. Finally they begun understanding what employers are looking for, interview processes and exploring their skills and qualities.
The Year 11’s experienced a virtual mock interview with an employer including professionals from BAE Systems, the DWP, the NHS and Daisy Communications to name a few. They were given individual feedback on their written applications and interview to help them prepare for the future. Many of the employers were extremely impressed and inspired by the young people they met, so well done to all their effort and preparation for this worthwhile activity. Also they completed their post 16 applications including applying to Colleges, Training providers, Employers and the Armed Forces to progress towards their desired next steps."
These are great days - thank you to all the staff who put so much effort into organising them and to all the people from employers, colleges and other organisations who contribute to them.... It is much appreciated!
