Every year, Shiplake College offers its Sixth Form pupils the Futures Programme, which is an opportunity for pupils to gain a wider understanding of what is waiting for them in the big, wide world beyond the School gates. This involves Old Vikings returning to Shiplake to share their experiences of working, travelling, continued learning, and far more.
In a break from the ordinary, we had A Conversation With Assistant Head of Sixth Form Mr Curtis, about what he does to welcome back our Old Vikings, and what they bring back with them.
Do you engage former students to come back and engage with the current cohort?
Absolutely!
What does such a relationship bring to both parties?
Our Sixth Form Society draws Old Boys and Old Girls to come back and talk about their experiences having left Shiplake. The current cohort gain an insight into the various opportunities/routes available to them beyond school.
Do they provide vital role models?
We generally find that the young leavers are excellent role models. I suppose they have more in common and talk a similar language. The older leavers have often been university educated and have been in industry for a certain period of time and hence they invariably make use of career specific language which our pupils do not necessarily appreciate.
How does it enrich current students?
It gives them a flavour of the variety of routes open to them. No two journeys are ever the same. University to career for life is no longer the norm. In addition, the varied and obscure journeys of certain returners are often very stimulating (on occasions, even makes me think about ploughing another furrow!).
How does it enrich former students who return?
The returning students take great pride in discussing their achievements. Equally, they are more comfortable talking about the poor decisions they made along the way. In many ways, it is a cathartic experience for them and makes the journey all the more worthwhile.
