Next Steps Preparation
To kick off Futures Fortnight, our Year 12 students spent the week immersing themselves in their future aspirations and ensuring they are well equipped to tackle upcoming university applications and next steps.
It was a week dedicated to exploring subjects in a real world context and individual learning, combining cultural exploration and career paths tailored to their individual interests with focused academic enrichment and university preparation.
Wednesday – Culture Day
On Wednesday 10th, students took part in Culture Day, where they independently visited a range of museums, exhibitions, and galleries linked to their individual academic interests and future career aspirations. This provided an opportunity for students to engage with learning beyond the classroom and explore subjects in a real-world context.
Visits included well-known institutions such as the National Gallery, the Freud Museum and the Ragged School Museum, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Bank of England Museum. Some students chose more specialised experiences, including visits to horse stables, while others attended live case hearings at the Old Bailey and the Royal Courts of Justice. These experiences enabled students to deepen their subject knowledge while developing independence and cultural awareness.
Thursday – Academic Exploration Day
Thursday focused on academic enrichment and independent learning. Students participated in a wide range of activities designed to stretch their skills and expose them to university-level study.
Throughout the day, students engaged in essay competitions, video competitions, and team-based challenges. They also watched academic lectures, explored TEDx talks, and undertook online university courses. Opportunities included the Massolit Video Essay Competition, The Poetry Society – Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, and the Wells Festival of Literature Young Poets Competition.
In addition, students completed various online courses such as the Canva Design School (Graphic Design Essentials), a Diploma in Understanding Medical Terminology, “From Crime Scene to Court” (a MOOC in sociology), and a Public Health university course. Some students also explored essay competitions from institutions such as St Hugh’s College and Classics-related programmes.
In the afternoon, all Year 12 students successfully created and logged into their UCAS accounts, ensuring they are fully prepared to begin their university application process.
Friday – Personal Statement Frenzy Day
Friday was dedicated to “Personal Statement Frenzy Day,” focusing on preparing students for the university application process. The day began with a comprehensive briefing on how to write an effective personal statement, including guidance on structure, content, and how to communicate individual strengths and aspirations.
During the morning, students engaged in mind mapping and brainstorming exercises to generate ideas, reflect on their experiences, and identify key themes relevant to their chosen courses. This structured preparation enabled the vast majority of students to complete a full first draft of their personal statement.
These drafts can now be shared with staff for detailed feedback well in advance of the Autumn term, placing our girls in a particularly strong position to refine their applications and submit them early in September.
Following a week of exams and intensive university and higher education preparation, students were able to unwind in the afternoon with a well-earned visit to Crystal Palace Park. The group enjoyed playing rounders and a variety of outdoor games, with the addition of ice creams making for a relaxed and enjoyable end to a productive week.