On Thursday, 4 November, Year 7 students were provided with an enriching day and the opportunity to delve into subject areas not yet explored. The carousel of subjects and topics ranged from writing a letter to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, explaining how they would reduce the budget deficit to fight the Covid pandemic. Selected letters have been posted to 11 Downing Street and we hope for a response.

Technology plays a vital role and ‘Design an App’ required students to brainstorm world problems and how an app can help solve the problem. Closer to home, apps ranged from ‘Make & Bake’, teaching you how to cook, ‘Helping you find care’, an app to find a babysitter near you and ‘Make my Day’, selecting activities to help with your well-being. Presentations were of a high standard with excellent and creative ideas.

During Childcare, students identified different reflexes found in newborn babies and investigated and drew brain cells of infants.

‘The Face of Crime’ was about what a criminal looks like and contrary to belief, it might not be what you think.

‘Alien Adventures’ was the topic for discussion in Philosophy considering questions such as ‘What do aliens look like?’ or ‘What do spaceships look like?’. This deeper level of critical thinking is important in today’s world to further enhance student’s 21st century skills.

COP26 dominated discussions and the impact world leaders have in embedding strategies to reduce climate change in addition to learning the role of parliament, the importance of general elections and who your local MP is. Further questions addressed included Where and when can you vote? How often? Can anyone become an MP? How do you vote? Who can vote in the UK? How does the winner get chosen? All important questions to enable our students to be responsible citizens.

What is psychology? What is memory? What is attention? These are some of the questions addressed during this session.

What is sociology? This was understood as sociologists trying to understand normal behaviour in society. Students were aptly able to apply their own examples.

Overall, all Year 7 students were able to enjoy the variety of subjects on offer which they will be able to choose from either at GCSE or A Level.