Students across North and West Yorkshire experienced the vast opportunities Further Education can offer, following a number of successful taster events held by the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.
Pupils got to encounter first-hand the Group’s wide range of A Levels, T Levels and Vocational courses, giving them the opportunity to explore the academic opportunities available to them once they’ve finished school.
The Group’s Year 10 Taster Days came to a close on Wednesday 12th July, with students from Brayton Academy, De Lacy Academy and Selby High School, enjoying a range of different taster sessions at Selby College.
From Criminology to Art and Design, Sport to Engineering, pupils from Goole Academy, The Market Weighton School and The Snaith School, also took part in a range of subject-specific workshops earlier in the week.
Pupils from Brigshaw High School, Carleton High School, Castleford Academy, Crofton Academy, Manor Croft Academy, Outwood Academy City Fields, Outwood Academy Freeston and Trinity Academy Cathedral, also took part in Year 10 Taster Days at Castleford College and Wakefield College.
Acknowledging those who demonstrated enthusiasm and hard work to their chosen taster sessions, the Group awarded a number of pupils with an Amazon voucher at the end of the Taster Days.
Andy Brooke, Trinity Academy Cathedral school, said: “Our students thoroughly enjoyed the Taster Day and being able to explore a variety of different subjects which sparked their interest. This gave them the opportunity to understand these subjects on a deeper level and whether they want to pursue them after finishing school or as a potential career, as well as experience what life is like as a college student. Overall, it was a great day and our pupils left feeling enthusiastic and inspired about their futures.”
Prospective students were also invited to their chosen College to enjoy a New Student Day, allowing them to meet their tutors, fellow classmates and understand their chosen subject areas in greater depth, ahead of starting in September.
Organised in partnership with NYPEB, Selby College held Discovery Days for Year 5 and 6 pupils from Barwic Parade CP School, Selby Abbey C of E Primary School and Selby CP School in June, where they got to try subject tasters in Art & Design, Computing, Construction, Hair & Beauty, Hospitality & Catering and Sport.
James Pennington, Head of School Partnerships & Admissions at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “We’ve really enjoyed welcoming pupils of all ages from across Yorkshire to come and experience first-hand the breadth of courses we offer and the opportunities and support they’d receive as a Heart of Yorkshire Education Group student. We hope that these taster events have inspired and informed pupils about the benefits of Further Education and how it can shape their future and career aspirations – helping them to take that important next stage of their life.”
This comes after Wakefield College held its annual Children University’s graduation at the Theatre Royal in Wakefield in June. The Group is an active member of the Children’s University scheme, which offers primary school pupils an opportunity to take part in learning activities outside their normal school hours.