School_Matters_Issue_35

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SIXTH FORM SPEAKER PROGRAMME

We were delighted to be able to welcome our speakers back onto campus as well as using Zoom to deliver talks on a wide range of topics. We heard from: Fiona Spargo Mabbs , who gave a moving drugs awareness talk to the LVI. Sadly, Fiona's son Daniel died having taken Ecstasy with friends and Fiona delivered an informative talk to pupils to help them to protect themselves. Florence Instone (OI, 2016) , who spoke to pupils about her experiences working in the tech sector. Florence studied HSP at the University of Cambridge and, after a short stint working at a legal tech start up, moved to a technology consultancy company. Florence talked about pivoting from a Humanities degree to a role in the technology sector and outlined some of the advantages and disadvantages of working at a start-up versus a more established company. Florence spoke about her Sixth Form and university experience and passed many valuable tips to our pupils. Rhona Gorden , from the University of Glasgow Admissions Department also delivered an interesting Zoom talk to our LVI. A growing number of our pupils apply to this Russell Group institution and Rhona outlined how undergraduate degrees work in Scotland, explaining the similarities and differences between the Scottish and English systems. Rhona gave us a virtual tour of the beautiful Glasgow campus and highlighted some of the areas in which the University excels. Cecilia Wilkins-Dulanto (OI, 2019) joined Ms Palmer for a fireside chat in the Theatre. Cecilia is currently studying Music at the University of Oxford and discussed issues relating to gendered violence in schools and on university campuses. Cecilia also spoke to pupils about her own Sixth Form experiences, as well as her experience of being diagnosed as having ADHD. Cecilia also outlined her experiences of the Oxford admissions process and spoke with real enthusiasm about her own university experience. Cecilia spoke superbly and the talk was very well received. We are most grateful to Cecilia for her honesty and openness.

Nathaniel Peat from the Safety Box works with teenagers at risk of joining gangs as well as those at risk of becoming victims of crime. He delivered a thought-provoking session in which he encouraged pupils to think about the risks that they may face both online and in person. Nathaniel gave pupils a whole host of useful personal safety tips. We hope Nathaniel can return soon to run a practical, self-defence workshop. Jo Peat is Head of Educational Development at Roehampton University. She gave a thoroughly engaging talk in which she discussed the operation of ‘blended learning’ at university, with lectures streamed but seminars and tutorials taking place in person. Jo explained that there is a greater focus on quality teaching in universities these days, with all universities offering teacher training to lecturers. She outlined how modules and credits worked and reassured pupils that plenty of support was available. Jo closed her talk by encouraging pupils to involve themselves fully at university and enjoy a balanced social life too! Ms Rachel Palmer, Head of Sixth Form