Year 5 students from Abbotsbury, Benedict, Liberty and Malmesbury primary schools attended Bishopsford to take part in the day centred around their future aspirations and transition to secondary school. 

 

17 volunteer guest speakers took part in the event, including singer Rozalla Miller, 2 Football Development Officers from Chelsea FC, a doctor from St Helier Hospital and a magistrate, to name but a few.

 

The Worshipful the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender, attended the event and joined the children in some of the activities, including practising her “Scratching” with DJ Mark Colwill. 

 

The students took part in workshops led by Bishopsford student leaders in which they reflected on their own education and what they needed to do to achieve their dreams. This was compiled into a presentation that recorded the students’ views and was shared with teachers and parents at the end of the day. 

 

The young people also had the chance to use our school facilities with afternoon sessions in animation, “Garage Band” on the Apple Macs, dance, and sport.

 

The event was organised by John Humber, Assistant Vice Principal, who said: “It was really inspiring to see the young people interacting with guests from so many walks of life, and really thinking about their futures in the context of their education. We are indebted to so many individuals and organisations whose contribution made the day such a success.”

 

Marc Rowland, Business and Development Manager for the National Education Trust said: “The National Education Trust was very pleased to be involved in the event – Bishopsford Arts College staff and students have proved to be forward thinking, generous and innovative in encouraging children and young people to think about long term aspirations and how they achieve them early on. The community engagement with the conference was most impressive and an example of partnership working at its very best.”