Thursday 24th November saw our first Immersion Day of the year. Throughout the day, our students were engaged in a wide range of activities designed to inspire them and open their eyes to life beyond the ‘normal’ classroom.
Our Year 7 students were focused on career paths and aspirations. Half of the year group spent the day at Derby University, where they got to learn all about life as a student. The other half of the year remained in school for a talk from Loughborough University about all of the exciting things that higher education can offer. They then spent the rest of the day experiencing different careers in some of our faculties, including learning how to be journalists, code breakers and forensic scientists.
Year 8 had an immersive history day, learning all about war and its impact. Two ‘Living Historians’ from Tommy Through Time came to visit, giving students a hands-on experience of how weapons, uniform and warfare have changed over the last two centuries.
Students in Year 9 were treated to a ‘Pop Art’ themed day in the DTVA faculty. They designed cakes, clocks, phone cases and much more. There was some wonderfully bright work on display!
In Year 10, our students spent half of their day in RSE workshops, exploring different moral themes and how these apply in a religious context. They were then invited to a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ cinema experience, watching a screening of the play (with popcorn of course!) to consolidate their learning in English this term.
For Years 11, 12 and 13, the day was all about focussing on careers and aspirations. They began the day with Year 13 students ‘interviewing’ Year 11 students, helping them to refine their interview skills ready for further education and employment. The students then experienced a careers carousel encompassing presentations and workshops linked to employability skills, careers, university and apprenticeships, all delivered by outside providers, everything from doughnuts to The Department of Work and Pensions! Not only did we have international companies such as Rolls Royce and Lubrizol in to speak with students, over 20 former HGSA students came in to share their experiences in careers such as teaching, medicine and law. It was amazing to see such an exhibit of community cohesion and desire on display.
The day really was a reflection of our #TeamHeanor Values and we can’t wait for our next Immersion Day on 8 February 2023!
