3 minute read
Futures Week
from The Exonian
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The Future is Ours
The Futures programme is designed to help ensure pupils have all the necessary skills and understanding to suceed in life after sixth form.
by MRS BROOKES-FERRARI
LOWER SIXTH
The Lower Sixth enjoyed an exciting week as they returned from their internal assessments before summer half term. The Futures Week is organised for the Lower Sixth every year: it is an opportunity for them to develop skills that will prepare them for the next stage of their journey, with guest speakers and activities that test their communication and teamwork skills and developing employability skills, as well as listening to inspirational speakers with a focus on diversity and inclusion as well as starting their preparation for UCAS applications or research for their future employability.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Inspirational talks from businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as LGBTQ representatives from industry • Financial planning workshops • Developing interpersonal skills and use of LinkedIn • Sustainability and recycling talks as part of the business and enterprise day • Lower Sixth Olympics! UPPER SIXTH
The Upper Sixth enjoyed the opportunity to take part in their Futures Week event that they missed last summer. It was an opportunity to have some fun together as a group and take part in activities and workshops that will help them prepare for their lives beyond Exeter School.
The week started off with a leavers’ photo followed by a series of activities that they have selected during the day.
On Monday 24 May, they attended a variety of sessions: • Managing your finances with thanks to Matt Fowler from
Fowlers Financial Planning – they explored options like credit cards, bank accounts and other finance matters as they prepare for life beyond school. • Wine – the Bursar Mr MacEacharn looked at how to distinguish a great wine from plonk, whilst keeping an eye on a budget. • Basic cooking skills – Dr Bawn and Mrs Dart showed the Upper Sixth how to avoid the pot noodles and make basic meals on a budget.
• Coffee – Thanks to the Off Road Cafe for looking at how to choose and make a great cup of coffee, and even design patterns for the top. • Car and bike maintenance – Mr Smith taught basic skills to help pupils stay safe and to save some money too. • Gap years – some things to consider when planning a big trip – with thanks to Adrian Ferraro from STC Expeditions. • Yoga – Mrs Buckingham ran an introduction to some good exercise techniques.
On Tuesday 25 May the Upper Sixth took part in a business and enterprise day where they worked in teams to prepare a presentation and advert on sustainability.
On Wednesday 26 May, pupils took part in two workshops, one from Rob Hayes looking at leadership and communication styles and another from alumnus Paul Ballman on leadership. Sixth form tutors enjoyed a coffee and cake with the Upper Sixth which has kindly been made by Dr Bawn including photos of the year group on the cake.
Wednesday afternoon – pupils took part in a fun sports afternoon of Olympics games in their houses.
On Thursday 27 May, the Upper Sixth said goodbye to their heads of house and then enjoyed a brunch breakfast in the sixth form centre before attending their leavers’ service in the chapel which was streamed to parents. Thereafter followed a leavers’ BBQ where they had the opportunity to say goodbye to their teachers.
