Alongside the bespoke programmes, students also get the opportunity to take part in workshops in school and attend trips locally and further afield. So far this year (2021-22) students across Years 7-11 have participated in multiple activities including the following highlights:

BRILLIANT CLUB (KS3 and KS4)

Students in Year 7 and 9 have been working with PhD tutors from the Brilliant Club Scholars Programme. They have had weekly tutorials on either code breaking (Y7) or E.M. Forster (Y9) and have completed a final essay assignment. We’re excited to visit a university campus for the graduation event in the summer term.

YEAR 7

Design a University: Students had an introduction to university and worked in groups with staff from the University of Surrey to design a new university, considering what subjects they would offer, the facilities available, what support services there might be and some societies/clubs the students might like to attend.

Christmas Careers: Students had the opportunity to be Careers Advisors and recommend different careers to Sparkles the Elf who was looking to change career! They learnt about careers in Business, Nutrition, Computer Science and Law.

Houseplants with RHS Wisley: Students learnt about the importance of having plants around the home for wellbeing. They learnt about different habitats and plant species before designing their own houseplant with craft materials.

YEAR 8

Exploring Higher Education: Students are given the opportunity to spend a few days at university learning about Higher Education. They get to learn what Higher Education is, what universities are and how it works, try different subjects that are studied at university, explore what student life would be like, consider future pathways and graduate in a formal ceremony.

Design, Build, Reuse: Staff and Student Ambassadors from the University of Surrey brought the interesting field of Engineering to life with students designing and constructing different structures to a tight budget for maximum profit.

Herbs with RHS Wisley: In this hands-on workshop, students learnt about different herbs and got to plant their own seeds. We’re looking forward to seeing how well they grow!

YEAR 9

Spoken Word: Students attended a spoken word workshop for Holocaust Memorial Day focusing on discrimination. They learnt more about this form of poetry, created their own pieces about discrimination and performed them.

Hospitality and Tourism Talks: Academics from the University of Surrey came to talk to students about their exciting and varied careers in the Hospitality and Tourism Management industries.

Family Futures: Some students and their parents/carers took part in a 3-month sustained engagement programme exploring pathways and options, thinking about the future and trying new activities. The programme concluded with an on-campus celebration.

YEAR 10

Interview and Networking Skills : In preparation for college applications next year, students had the opportunity to develop their communication skills and work with staff from the University of Surrey.

Wreath Making with RHS Wisley: Students enjoyed learning about the skill of wreath making and got to take away their very own wreath to hang over the winter season.

SATRO Careers Networking: We were lucky enough to be joined by over 10 business volunteers who spoke to our students about their different careers and industries.

Realise Your Potential: Some students took part in a 3-month Saturday programme at the University of Surrey where they took part in subject tasters and had GCSE revision masterclasses. It was great to see students present their research projects at the Graduation event on campus.

YEAR 11

Macbeth Theatre Trip: Students were invited to take part interactive drama workshops at the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) and watch a live production of Macbeth to help embed the learning taking place in school whilst learning about careers in theatre.

Academic Skills: Year 11 have had several workshops over the year including goal mapping, being your own ambassador, interview and networking skills and support with exam stress. These sessions are to support with college/sixth form applications and GCSE revision during this important year.

Pets As Therapy: We were excited to be visited by a number of therapy dogs on site to support with wellbeing around mock exams.