Our (new) Year 11s have been looking forward and investigating next steps in their education and employment journeys. Whilst our younger pupils in (new) Years 8-10 were taking part in Enrichment Week activities, the (new) Year 11s embraced the challenge and opportunity of their Work Experience Week 2023 with anticipation and excitement. 

During week commencing Monday 3 July 2023, pupils donned the appropriate wear of their chosen professions to rise to the challenges ahead of them. From a variety of early years’ settings, car garages, hairdressers, ICT and marketing companies, garden centres, photography studios, watersports centres, cafes and shops (to name but a few), our oldest year group were ‘let loose’ on Cirencester, the surrounding area, Cornwall, Hampshire, London and even some European countries. Whilst some pupils were challenged, they all adapted to their new environments, thought on their feet and improvised to synthesise the new information and overcome the challenges facing them.

"This week remains one of the highlights of my school year.  It is always a privilege to go out and visit our young people at their placements and hear about all they are getting up to. Every year, without fail, I am proud of our pupils and the impressions and contributions that they make. It was also lovely to find so many of our former pupils on our visits and catch up with them." Miss Brace, Assistant Head

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the employers and businesses that helped us by facilitating our pupils, many of whom continue to help us year after year. This Work Experience week simply could not happen without their generosity and support. Hosting a young person adds work to each business’s time and we are grateful to all the employers for their commitment to this vital programme.

On Tuesday 11 July 2023 the year group went to Cirencester College for their Choices at 16 Day. This was an opportunity to experience taster lessons in subjects that they are interested in studying post 16 when they leave us in twelve months' time. It was also a chance to 'try a day' at a post 16 provider.  It was lovely to receive feedback from Cirencester College staff about how well behaved our pupils had been and how their staff had enjoyed teaching our young people.