Once again, our Y12 students embarked on a weeklong visit to some of the universities in the North West, an annual visit that students really look forward to.
We began our journey with a meet in the Sea Terminal whereby we had some big (very big) and heavy (very heavy) suitcases. The journey across the Irish Sea was a lovely smooth crossing and as some put it, “the best crossing I’ve ever had!” - what a fabulous start.
The week started with a visit to Lancaster University and a Subway lunch (and Greggs the Bakers) before travelling down to Edge Hill where we had our evening meal and got settled into our accommodation. A game of Ultimate Frisbee was quickly organised and we soon had 25+ students all competing against one another with Laura Griffiths taking the lead as top goal scorer.
Tuesday, an early breakfast followed by a coach journey to the University of Manchester and a short walk to Manchester Metropolitan University had our students filled with ideas and thoughts about Y13. A short journey to Salford University reaffirmed some thoughts and we retreated to the Trafford Centre for a much deserved jaunt around the shops. On our return to the campus, a rematch of Ultimate Frisbee ensued – Laura Griffiths remained top goal scorer!
Wednesday, another early breakfast followed by a visit to Huddersfield University and onto Leeds. It was the week that was ‘scorchio’ so everyone felt extremely tired on the way home and after the evening meal – retreated to rooms for a well deserved rest.
Thursday, you guessed, was another early breakfast and we were soon on the road to Sheffield. A couple of visits to Sheffield Hallam and the University of Sheffield, allowed for some shopping therapy in Meadow Hall. A motorway accident caused us to be an hour behind schedule and some students took advantage of getting some ‘resting of eyes’.
Friday, well there was no early breakfast but rather an early start to vacate the accommodation and get on the road to Liverpool. A quick stop at ‘the golden arches’ for a breakfast and we were soon at Liverpool Hope University for a talk on HE. Our final stop was Liverpool John Moores University and we finished the afternoon off with our last retail therapy at Liverpool One.
All in all, a wonderfully informative and focused week that gave all students a good indication of where they could see themselves in the future.
Credit to all students involved who were dynamic and proactive every day and special thanks to all staff that assisted; Mr Dyson, Mr Smith, Mr Clague, Ms Craufaud & Ms McIntosh.
Mr Schofield