As part of their enrichment programme, Year 12 and 13 students took part in a three-week carousel of online workshops, delivered by external speakers. Each week focused on a different theme, giving students the opportunity to develop practical life skills, deepen their understanding of others, and build resilience to support their wellbeing and personal development.

First Aid
In this interactive youth workshop, students learned essential first aid skills and how to respond confidently in an emergency. Using everyday objects, learners explored practical ways to help others, while also gaining a clear understanding of where and how to seek support for their own injury or illness. The session focused on building confidence, awareness and a willingness to act when it matters most.

Empathy and Migration
This workshop explored the experiences of migration and the reasons why people may be forced to leave their homes. Through stories and reflective activities, students were encouraged to put themselves in the shoes of others, helping them to develop empathy and understanding. The session supported learners in challenging common assumptions about migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, promoting thoughtful discussion and greater social awareness.

Coping with Challenges and Building Resilience
This resilience-building workshop used experiential learning to help students develop skills to better manage the challenges they face. Learners explored the four pillars of resilience, examined the link between strong connections and wellbeing, and built confidence in applying these strategies to real-life situations. The session aimed to equip students with practical tools to support their mental and emotional resilience beyond the classroom.

I will get some pictures this week for this that can go alongside the write up 

On Monday 8th and 15th January we had the privilege of hosting informative and engaging road safety talks for our Year 12 and Year 13 students. These sessions were designed to raise awareness of the risks associated with driving, with a particular focus on the impact of drugs, alcohol, fatigue, and other factors that can significantly affect reaction speed, judgement, and overall safety on the road.

Students were encouraged to take part in discussions and interactive activities, making the sessions both educational and thought-provoking. Pupils found the talks rewarding and highly relevant, particularly as many are preparing to drive independently. We are delighted with the positive feedback and look forward to welcoming the team back again for future sessions

On 21^st November, Year 12 English Literature pupils visited Derby University for a masterclass exploring ‘Frankenstein in Context’. 

The group is studying Mary Shelley’s iconic novel ‘Frankenstein’ alongside Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ as part of the prose element of their A Level.  The focus of this unit is ‘Science and Society’, and, with Frankenstein, the historical and social context is central.  Pupils have already explored the clashes between Enlightenment and Romanic ideals during their lessons, and this Masterclass reinforced and developed their understanding even further. 

Through an exploration of Shelley’s family background, influences of the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution they were able to understand more about influences in Shelley’s writing.  Through the ‘dynamic lecture’, favoured by tutors at the University of Derby they were engrossed in discussion of these influences connecting them to pertinent excerpts from the novel.

Following the lecture, they were taken for a tour of the University, seeing a wide range of the resources available to students who choose to study at Derby; marine biology labs, forensic labs, a 3-floor library with fantastic loanable laptops and resources, not to mention the open-plan atrium housing both Starbucks and Subway as well as a delicious looking brownie pop up stall and plenty of seating to catch up with friends between lectures.

All were impressed by the facilities on offer and the welcome received from staff at the University.  No surprise that it is ranked 31 out of 104 universities in the UK and has won awards in 2025 for top student well-being, top student accommodation and was shortlisted for best customer service.  

Year 12 had a great day at Clare College, Cambridge University today. They attended key sessions focused on making a competitive application, the Oxbridge structure, and an introduction to ‘supervisions’ alongside a tour. It was fantastic to see students connecting with university life and raising their aspirations.  

On Friday, 7th November 2025, all schools across our Trust came together to mark Remembrance Day — a time to honour and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served, and continue to serve, in our armed forces.

The event was led by the Cadet Forces from each school, who played a central role in the commemorations, including readings, the laying of wreaths, and leading the Trust-wide act of remembrance. Their pride, discipline, and respect set the tone for a moving and meaningful occasion.

At 11:00am, pupils, staff, and guests across the Trust joined together in the Two Minutes' Silence, uniting as one community to remember those who gave their lives in service of others.

We are incredibly proud of the way our schools came together — standing side by side to honour the past, reflect on the present, and look with hope towards the future. A huge thank you to Etone College for hosting the event and to Elmwood School for joining us for their first trust wide event.

"We will remember them."

This week Year 12 biology students were inspired by a lively and thought-provoking careers talk exploring the many paths a career in Science can take. Titled “Not All Heroes Wear Lab Coats… But Some Do,” the session highlighted the exciting opportunities available in Biology, from research and healthcare to environmental and technological roles. Students heard about a variety of careers, learned about the skills needed to succeed, and left with a renewed sense of excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead in the scientific world.

Last night we invited Year 12 and 13 parents into college for a session on Understanding Student Finance and how your child can afford to go University. This was delivered by Ahmar Ehsan. Ahmar has been working at the Student Loans Company since December 2016 as part of the wider Funding Information Services Team as the Regional Account Manager for the Midlands & supporting wider regions in England. 

The session enabled parents to gain a better understanding into student finance and the variety of loans available to students to support them in pursuing higher education. Parent feedback was positive with one parent stating the session was 'really interesting and highly informative' and another stating that they 'knew nothing about student finance before but now do as it was very clear and detailed'.