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Posted on November 28th 2018
Latest Renaissance Day - Full Report
This term’s Renaissance Day in November saw boys in years 7 to 11 take part in a huge range of activities including personal safety sessions, drama workshops, a university visit, interview skills training and a sports tournament that highlighted how physical activity can improve mental well-being.
Renaissance Days allow the usual timetable to be suspended so that boys can take part in activities that complement the curriculum and enable them to build their ‘cultural capital’, wellbeing and develop their personal aspirations.
Year 7, for example, explored in detail the difference between gangs and friendship groups as part of ‘personal safety and wellbeing’ sessions.
Year 8 learned about the importance of physical exercise to mental wellbeing through four mini tournaments of football, tag-rugby and nerfball.
Year 9 met actors from a local theatre group who talked about Renaissance theatre and gave boys a sneak preview of the play they are currently performing – Robin Hood: The Arrow of Destiny. The actors encouraged students to ‘follow their passions’ – a great message – and also gave our Performing Arts students a fantastic two-hour drama workshop.
Other Year 9 students created short films investigating multiculturalism in the UK and encouraging understanding of our shared British values. You can watch one of their films below!
Year 10 took part in a series of workshops about aspiration and how to plan for their futures. They practised CV writing and interview skills, for example, and discussed university courses too, with 40 pupils visiting City University to get a taste of what life is really like for an undergraduate. Boys learned about university courses and how to apply for them through an innovative escape task which encouraged them to solve clues in order to unlock a bag, with clues relating to different universities and courses in the UK. Students were then taken in small groups on a tour of the university during which they saw lectures in session, libraries, study areas and other university amenities. They had an opportunity to meet students and ask questions and in the afternoon took part in a topical business analysis challenge. “The day was an absolute triumph and our boys should be very proud of both their conduct and effort throughout the day,” said Mr Bray.
Year 11 had an opportunity to get ahead of the game in their final year with us. BTEC Business Studies pupils had a very productive day focussing on completing vital modules. There were targeted Maths and English sessions designed to help pupils achieve top marks in the Summer exams and a Design Technology workshop where pupils could put the finishing touches on their final projects.
It was a day characterised by excellence throughout. We can’t wait for next term’s Renaissance Day!
