With end of year exams and formal academic teaching for the Year 13s finishing before half term, we took the opportunity to engage our leaving pupils in an exciting programme of activities last week.
Called 'ShipShape' the programme was designed to ensure a seamless transition into the career or university course of their choosing, provide an opportunity to gain further CV-enhancing qualifications, give them an insight into the home skills required for independent living and ensure that all our Year 13s had the chance to catch up socially in a variety of games based on practical living.
It was an action packed week with sessions on car maintenance, yoga, male grooming and make-up as well as CV writing sessions, digital skills qualifications, interview practice and money matters including, savings, loans and budgeting.
In the afternoons, Year 13s were invited to take part in a series of fun competitive team building sessions including a timed sew-a-thon, a race to make and strip a bed five times, an escape room, a salad bar challenge. Unfortunately the yesteryear sports day was cancelled due to poor weather but indoor games were played followed by a BBQ.
Mr Richard Curtis, Head of Sixth Form, said: "May I take this opportunity to thank the very many staff and outside agencies who produced an amazing array of worthwhile lessons and activities for our next cohort of Old Vikings.
"Some of the academic offerings touched upon the content seen in the first year at university whilst some of the enrichment sessions drew both smiles and a little competitive edge at times.
"Having a love of food, I especially enjoyed the Salad Bar Challenge set up by Catering Manager Lizanne Marais and the Thomas Franks team.
"Likewise, may I extend my thanks to all those boys and girls who threw themselves into the ShipShape programme despite the inclement weather towards the back end of the week.
"The Shiplake 'can do' attitude really came to the fore and our Year 13, consequently, leave in really great shape to take on the challenges of the exciting years that lay ahead."
