On Friday 19th April, our Sixth Form student Rowan took the opportunity to share some positivity around our Academy by delivering gifts to Rev McKearney, Mrs Hogg, Mrs Lem, Mrs Whitmarsh and Miss Synowiec.

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant. – Robert Louis Stevenson

On the 7th of April, a group of  Year 12 students were given the incredible opportunity to gain insight into what pharmacy is all about at the University of Wolverhampton. It was a day packed with an array of different experiences: from gaining a taste of the university’s unique approach to teaching, to conducting chemical experiments using their excellent laboratory facilities. It was a day of valuable insight and excitement.

We were introduced to pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences as well as pharmacy and learned to differentiate between each type of course and the vital roles they play within the pharmaceutical industry. Using our newly acquired knowledge, we used their learning system- which focuses primarily on independence and team work- to test our retainment and recall abilities. This allowed us to develop our communication, teamwork and decision making skills and also obtain a flavour for the working environment at university.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to visit the laboratories to use their specialised equipment to carry out a range of experiments. The objective was to uncover which mystery drug we were given a sample of. This allowed us to gain first hand insight into working within this atmosphere. The activity helped to improve our organisational skills and abilities to work with complex machinery, but also our ability to come to sensible conclusions.

This was a truly fantastic experience! We would collectively like to give a warm thank you to Dr Mark Hewitt, Dr Stephen Anderson, Dr Waseem Kaialy and Dr Matthew Palframan for leading this fantastic discovery day! 

Ashpriya Basi and Merciya Selvamahan (Year 12)

Photo left to right: Arabella Caligdong, Wadha Shahid, Sophia Roldan, Martina Szpojankowska, Brientony Jeyarajan, Shadi Hamadamin, Ashpriya Basi, Merciya Selvamahan

Donna from Work Pays came to our Academy this week to give impartial advice on Apprenticeships that are available to our students.

She particularly focussed on Advanced/Level 3 apprenticeships and also degree apprenticeships. Donna explored opportunities at large firms that offer fantastic opportunities and also shared information on more local business. The students were shown how to access and apply for apprenticeships. 

We were particularly proud of the engaging questions that were asked by our students which demonstrated they are invested in their futures, aspiring not to have more, but to be more.

Photo: Donna giving advice to Sylvia (Year 12)

In2MedSchool is a beneficial programme which aids passionate and determined students to achieve their dreams of being a successful medical student. 

Joining In2MedSchool has positively impacted my current journey of being a successful medical student. The monthly one-to-one mentoring has ensured that I am focused and on track; the support provided by the mentors is reassuring as well as encouraging. These sessions are tailored specifically for each individual to help focus on weaknesses and help achieve their full potential. Their aim is to help students, like me, to recognise their talents and potential to achieve their goals of receiving a place at medical school. From UCAS application advice to personal statement sessions, I personally have benefited from In2Medschool enormously. Communicating and learning from a medical student who was in the same position as me in the past is truly inspiring.

My journey so far with In2Medschool has been eye opening as I’ve been provided with so much encouraging advice and useful resources which have enhanced my understanding and determination to become a doctor. This programme has helped me to recognise my talents and it has widened my understanding on the competitive nature of medical school and how I can stand out.  

The application process was simple and quick and the support provided is completely FREE. 

In order to be accepted onto this programme you have to fulfill at least one criteria. When applying to this programme you are given the choice to choose which university you would like the menor to be from. This gives you the opportunity to ask the mentor questions about the university, as well as get an insight into medical school.

Amrinder Bahia – current year 12 student

This virtual event was hosted by Andrew Cooper from Liverpool John Moores University and gave our year 13 students important information about Student Finance. 

The presentation covered all aspects from applying, tuition fees, maintenance loans, when to apply, family financial situations especially during the pandemic, along with accommodation costs and quick tips on managing your money.

Andrew directed students to the Martin lewis Money Saving website and addressed any concerns students may have about managing their finances. 

Some of our students will be taking NHS degrees which come with bursaries, others will be moving away from home, so this was a great opportunity for them to get advice on their future and any entitlement to scholarships and maintenance loans.

Photograph: Andrew Cooper –  Liverpool John Moores University