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Our student Enrichment Afternoon took place 23rd February, which takes students out of normal timetables to experience a variety of activities designed to help develop new skills in line with our Abbey Pledge.
For our Year 7 and 8 students, the day was filled with interactive activities aimed at various abilities while promoting teamwork and friendly competition. From riveting debates to the challenge of a mock Dragon's Den, students engaged in activities that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication. The sports arena saw fierce yet friendly competition in four-corner football, while students made freshly baked treats in a bake-off, showcasing culinary talents, teamwork and time management.
Meanwhile, our Year 9 cohort welcomed representatives from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who ran problem-solving activities. This session provided invaluable insights into the skills necessary to thrive in a professional environment, emphasising teamwork and effective communication. Students tackled real-world scenarios, applying their problem-solving skills and discovering the importance of collaboration and clear communication in achieving common goals.
Years 10 & 12 attended a presentation from a representative of the University of Leeds, followed by university and progression related activities. One of these activities was a mechanical engineering workshop, which introduced students to the basics of aerodynamics, the history of flight, flight stability and wing design. The session covered examples of similar undergraduate engineering group design projects and the design processes involved. They gained an understanding of how different engineering methods are used for wing design. As part of this, students worked in groups to design, build and assemble a glider using balsa wood, and then test their models using computational software in competition with other groups.
The Enrichment Afternoon encapsulated the essence of our Abbey Pledge, providing students with opportunities to develop essential skills beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. Through engaging activities and real-world challenges, our students not only expanded their knowledge but also cultivated qualities such as resilience, creativity, and teamwork – attributes essential for success in both academic and professional spheres.
We extend our gratitude to all staff, students and speakers who contributed to making this event a resounding success.
