It was Futures Week last week for our Year 12 students who spent three days taking part in a range of talks and activities to find out about and plan for life after Shiplake.
On Monday there were talks on Oxbridge, American universities, networking, personal finance, apprenticeships and gap years. In the afternoon there was a mock interview session and team building activities with the army.
On Tuesday we welcomed professionals from various careers and industries to talk to students about what they do and why they do it as part of our careers carousel. In the afternoon there was a talk on work experience and a workshop on personal statement writing.
On the final day, speed networking took place in the Sports Hall. Students had five minutes to talk to professionals from a range of industries including banking, the police, publishing, marketing and engineering to get a flavour of the array of careers options available. We would like to extend a big thank you to all those who gave up their time to come and talk to the students.
In the afternoon we had a visit from Old Viking Rada Pandeva (21B) who gave in an insight into her first year so far at Exeter University where she is studying Marine Science. Some current Year 13s also gave advice on revision and planning your time in the final year at Shiplake.
The week ended with a drinks reception and presentation to parents. Thank you to Head of Careers, Mrs Louise Rapple Moore and Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Emma Farrell for coordinating an interesting and insightful week for the Year 12s.
Mrs Farrell, said: "The three day event was an excellent opportunity for the Year 12 students to experience, explore and begin properly thinking about their lives after Shiplake.
"To dedicate a substantial amount of time in the busy school calendar is so important to us, as ultimately we work hard in school to prepare our students to be successful and have the most positive impact possible on the world beyond Shiplake.
"We were so pleased to see all of the students so engaged and learn a lot about a vast range of career options. It was also fantastic to give the year group the opportunity to spend time and work together to further develop their bonds as members of the school community. The team building session with the army was a real highlight and the talks from external speakers have definitely inspired some exploration into a wider range of career options."
