This week, our Year 10 students took a major step toward their futures by participating in a series of highly successful college taster trips. These visits gave students a first-hand look at college life, helping them explore potential career pathways and subject options ahead of their upcoming college applications this Autumn term.

From academic classrooms to hands-on workshops and animal enclosures, our students threw themselves into every opportunity and represented our school with absolute distinction.

Exploring Campus Life at Cardinal Newman College

The week kicked off with a fantastic visit to Cardinal Newman College, where students had the opportunity to test-drive the subjects they already love at school, alongside exciting new courses they haven’t experienced before.

The college environment can feel vast, but our Students adapted instantly. Armed with campus maps and their individual timetables, they showed excellent independence and were absolute pros at navigating their way around the buildings and finding their classrooms.

Looking Ahead: For families planning next steps, Cardinal Newman College’s next Open Day is Saturday 10th October. Please check their official website for full details and registration.

Hands-on Trades and Academics at Preston College

Next, the students headed to Preston College for an incredibly varied day that bridged the gap between practical trades and academic studies. Our students split into different sectors to try out an impressive range of disciplines including:

  • Creative, Digital & Media: Musical Theatre, Hair, Beauty, Barbering, Games & Graphics, Film & Photography 
  • Trade, Tech & Sport: Construction, Engineering, Sport, and Esports
  • Health, Education & Academic Sessions: Childcare, Science, Business, and Accounting 

On the journey back to school the bus was buzzing with excitement as pupils enthusiastically discussed their favourite activities and shared their ideas for future careers.

Simulators and Workshop Challenges at Myerscough College

To round off an incredible week, a group of students spent a brilliant, hands-on morning at Myerscough College, exploring specialised courses in land-based industries, sports, and engineering.

The interactive sessions offered some unforgettable highlights:

  • Equine & Animal Studies: Students tried their hand at horse grooming, observed a high-tech horse simulator used to hone professional equine skills, and handled a variety of animals.
  • Sport: Pupils toured the campus's exceptional sports facilities, leaving particularly impressed by the dedicated golf and basketball setups.
  • Engineering: Students rolled up their sleeves in the workshops, learning how to change tyres and conduct fault-finding diagnostics in both agricultural engineering and motorsport.

Looking Ahead: If your child is interested in exploring Myerscough further, they are hosting a Course Advice Open Morning on Saturday 3rd October. Check the college website to book a slot.

Exemplary Behaviour and Clarified Futures

Across all three colleges, the single most consistent feedback we received was just how outstanding, focused, and exceptionally well-behaved our pupils were. College staff and tutors at every single campus went out of their way to praise their maturity and fantastic manners. They were a true credit to themselves and our school community.

The impact of these trips cannot be understated:

  • Opening New Eyes: For many students, the hands-on sessions opened up completely new and unexpected career pathways they had never considered before.
  • Reinforcing Dreams: For others, experiencing the college environment first-hand perfectly reinforced their existing goals, locking in exactly what they want to do after Year 11.

A Huge Thank You!

Finally, we want to extend a massive thank you to all the host colleges, Cardinal Newman College, Preston College, and Myerscough College. We truly appreciate the immense time, effort, and energy your teams put into organising these days for us. Providing our students with such engaging, high quality, and welcoming experiences makes a world of difference as they begin to plan their next steps.

We hope this week has inspired all of our students as they prepare to make their formal college choices next term. Well done, Year 10, you have set a brilliant standard!