Before the Easter break, Year 12 students took part in the Futures Programme - two days of activities and talks which encouraged them to look into the world beyond Shiplake College.
The event kicked off with an evening talk to pupils and parents which introduced the Futures Programme and provided information about the university application process.
The first day of the programme involved a series of workshops delivered by Learning to Work, an organisation which helps to prepare young people for the world of work. These workshops included how to work with others, finding out what type of worker our pupils were and what management styles they employed to get projects completed.
The Learning to Work programme culminated in an enterprise activity which brought together all the various skills they had learnt earlier.
The second morning of the Futures Programme was mostly dedicated to pupils' personal interests. Pupils were asked to attend a selection of seminars from a multitude of various career paths including: careers in sport; working in counter-terrorism; going to university in America; taking up an apprenticeship; and doing a gap year. This was quickly followed up by a Q&A session with pupils who left last year and a keynote speech about what global factors will affect future career prospects.
The whole event culminated in a speed-networking session where pupils asked questions of career professionals from all walks of life, including scientists, lawyers, entrepreneurs and engineers.
The programme was organised by Head of Sixth Form, Mr Richard Curtis and Head of Careers, Mrs Louise Rapple Moore.
Mr Curtis said: “It really was a packed few days, with a wealth of information and options for Year 12 to consider for life after Shiplake.
“My thanks go to Mrs Louise Rapple Moore for her input into creating such a fantastic career showcase and also to the pupils for engaging fully in the two-day event.”
