Uni Connect activity in June

University visits to St Mary’s University, Twickenham and City, University of London

Throughout the month of June our Uni Connect learners took part in a number of University visits. The first visit of the month took place on Friday 8^th June when Year 10 and 12 students from The Sydney Russell School, Bower Park Academy and All Saints Catholic School spent the day at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. During the day students toured the university campus, learning about all the different courses that the university has to offer and speaking to current students about their university experiences. The rest of the day was led by Karim Al-Abbas from Enlighten Education. Karim’s delivery focused on team building, memory, motivation, revision skills and creative thinking, showcasing easy and fun ways for students to learn and engage in class.

The second visit of the month took place on Thursday 14^th June when Year 10 students from Emerson Park Academy, Marshalls Park Academy and Drapers’ Academy spent the day at City, University of London. The day started off with an icebreaker activity in which students had to answer UCAS-related research questions in order to unlock a number of padlocks with a hidden treasure. Throughout the day students also had a chance to tour the university campus and engage with a number of student ambassadors who shared their experiences of higher education and helped learners research career and job ideas. The day finished off with students being divided into random groups and playing the ‘Game of Life’. In this game learners had to collectively decide on how to manage a set amount of money, each decision impacting their wellbeing, sociability, energy, skills and money.  The aim of this game was to highlight all the different factors which affect a student’s life at university and how to best manage one’s time and finances.

Final mentoring sessions take place

With the academic year coming to an end, our Uni Connect learners from Marshalls Park Academy and Emerson Park Academy took part in their final mentoring sessions. Learners and their mentors celebrated the final session with a few snacks, drinks and games. During the session learners played a number of educational games, took part in a university quiz and looked back on everything they have learned throughout the mentoring scheme. The session ended with both mentors and mentees receiving a certificate acknowledging their participation in the scheme alongside all the hard work they have dedicated to it.

“As a result of the mentoring scheme I now know what university to go to and how it can help me.”

“I have discovered many different routes for my future.”

“I learned about myself.”

          Marshalls Park Year 10 students