Year 7 and 8 College Trip

On Monday 15th July, Year 7 and 8 students enjoyed a trip to see a local college, Leeds City College Printworks Campus. They learnt about the differences between school and college and what can be studied there. We explored the plane simulator which is used by the air cabin crew students, the kitchens used by hospitality students and the car mechanic area. We also had a tour of the hair and beauty department and learnt that students practise on each other, so they can have a free haircut! Our students came away with inspiration for their future course and college choices.

Year 8 Art Trip

On 18^th June, 14 Year 8 students enjoyed a tour around the new Leeds Art University building. The University offers further and higher education and has lots of studios. The group spoke to current students, saw the state-of-the-art facilities and listened to Miss Ahmed talking about her studies whilst at the University. We had a preview of the Undergraduate end of year show, which included contemporary art, animation, illustration, graphic design, film, fashion, textiles, creative advertising and photography from students across 15 courses. Our students were inspired by the different specialisms within art and design and look forward to using mixed media skills in their upcoming projects.

Students spoke highly of the work and Alissia said:

Boys into Health

On Friday 26 January we took a group of 15 students to Leeds Beckett University, for a trip relating to “Boys into Health.” This was an opportunity for our male students to see the different careers available in the health sector. They found out there were over 350 different types of jobs available in the NHS.

The students took part in 3 different sessions, one was on biochemical science where students had the opportunity to work with high powered microscopes and observe bacteria in yoghurts. They discussed the advantages of different types of ‘good’ bacteria in yoghurts and how this can help with digestion. They also had a session in the clinical suite, where students could take their blood pressure and use a special human robot to practise CPR and take his pulse!

The students represented themselves perfectly and enthusiastically asked questions throughout the sessions. We were really proud of the fantastic manners and positive attitude the boys showed during the whole day.

Years 8-11 Jet2 Careers Talk

We were lucky enough to have a representative come to school to talk to our students about career opportunities at Jet2.

Jet2 are a fantastic company to work for and offer apprenticeships from post-16 up to degree level in a wide range of areas.

Here is what our students said:

Super ‘Smart Cities’ Challenge
Netcompany

Mount St Mary’s High School was selected as one of only four schools in Leeds to participate in the Super ‘Smart Cities’ Challenge!

For this innovative new challenge, 40 Year 8 students were immersed in a fictional scenario in which they had been recruited to work on a top-secret project to design a new “Smart City” for elite superheroes. It began with a half-day launch on Thursday 19th October 2023.

The students were split into small groups and, joined by their Netcompany mentor, learnt the basics of smart technology as they received “confidential briefings” (hands-on mini workshops) on everything from the Internet of Things to Automation and AI.

The winning team will now compete against the other school teams for the overall prize of the ‘Smart City Challenge’ in December, at a secret location!

Year 8 Curtins Engineering

This term, a collection of the brightest mathematicians in Year 8 embarked on a real-world adventure at Curtins Engineering in Leeds, exploring the practical uses of mathematics. Engaging with structural engineering, city planning and interacting with an exhibit in place, students were hands on in designing and implementing ideas to solve problems and compete to produce the best wind resistant structures, channel water away whilst avoiding floods and gain insight into the impact different materials have on the foundation of a building.

Exploring the exhibit, students were able to bring their own ideas to bear and show off their talents with a photography tutorial, focussing on capturing the emotions of each other and lighting different objects. Giving a camera to students allowed them to put their own personality into their ideas and produce a creative piece of work that they were proud to be a part of.

Employees of Curtins were very impressed with the tenacity of the students and the resilience with which they applied themselves to each task.

Year 8 students delivered high levels of resilience throughout and were able to see how classroom learning can be taken out into possible future careers. They developed not only their creative thinking but their teamwork and social skills.

Thanks to all that attended and supported this event.

Year 8 DLP Visit

15 students in Year 8 are part of a three year project with a Leeds based law company called DLP.

The company is developing a new office within Leeds City Centre. Our students have been given the opportunity to be part of the ongoing design and project management. At the last visit, they took part in workshops such as the importance of wellbeing in the workplace, materials and design and outdoor and indoor space innovation.

The Year 8 students wowed the company directors by asking mature questions and really getting involved in the projects on offer. Next time, the students will be able to visit the new office and see some of their designs in action!

Year 8 ‘Go Higher’

The Year 8 team and students involved would like to say a massive thank you to the team from ‘Go Higher – West Yorkshire’ who came in to deliver an assembly followed by individual workshops which explored the different opportunities available in life beyond Mount St Mary’s.

Students were encouraged to consider the different pathways available to them following their GCSE studies, including BTEC courses, apprenticeships and A-levels, as well as how their own skills and ambitions might link to a range of next steps.

During the workshop, students participated in a project which helped them to better understand themselves as individuals. Each student produced a ‘Zine’, a magazine about their own interests, strengths, dream jobs, life goals and the challenges that they have set for themselves to achieve next year. Students were encouraged to look into themselves and explore their inner aspirations in a calm environment which allowed them to be creative. Students worked collaboratively and offered regular peer support; a clear demonstration of a key aspect of our year group vision, ‘Togetherness’.

Regular reflection about who they are as individuals and their importance in the world was fundamental to each workshop which aimed to help students to make the best choices when they leave school.

Girl Tech Event – Year 8

On Thursday 4th May, Mr Hawkins and Miss Mulcahy took a cohort of 15 wonderful Year 8 girls to an event at the ASDA Merchandising Centre of Excellence, which was attended by schools from across the city of Leeds.

The purpose behind this event was to encourage students to explore the careers available in the tech sector and to expose them to the wide-ranging variety of projects that different organisations are responsible for and how this has impacted on the technology available to us today.

The day began with a conference style opening with guest speakers from the tech sector who provided students with further insight into their roles, based on their own personal experiences. Students then went on to participate in several individual sessions, each with a different focus, that required them to use their thinking skills and work collaboratively. They were further empowered by the female role models who they were able to speak with during a careers carousel and the tech workshops that followed.

Students were provided with refreshments at the beginning of the day, a free lunch and took home with them a range of souvenirs given to them by the different companies represented at the event.

As we regularly find ourselves saying as members of the Year 8 team, we could not be prouder of the intelligence, maturity and enthusiasm demonstrated by the girls who were selected. They seized every opportunity presented to them throughout the day and approached the tasks and challenges set with resilience.

Undoubtedly, this experience will further contribute to fulfilling our goal of preparing our students for life beyond Mount St Mary’s.

They truly are a credit to themselves, the school and their families!

Leeds Language Ambassadors talk

University of Leeds

We recently welcomed two students from the University of Leeds who came into to MSM to talk to our Year 8 students about future aspirations.

The aim was to give a presentation which informed our students about future study & career options using languages – the Ambassadors did exactly that!

They also explained a bit about University life and answered lots of questions which our students were eager to ask them.