Transition Summer
School 2024

During the last week of July, 42 of our new Year 7 students continued their transition into Mount St Mary’s.

They participated in a number of activities and experiences to boost their confidence and build friendships that will last longer than the five years they spend with us.

On Tuesday 11^th January students from Year 10 gathered in the hall to once again work with IntoUniversity. The session was fantastic with students able to articulate different pathways and options for Post 16 education when the session had finished.

Students have been working hard on the scheme since Year 7 and we can’t wait to see its impact as our fantastic students prepare themselves fully for Year 11 and beyond. A special mention must go to Ketsia and Jonathan who were singled out for praise after making excellent contributions throughout the session.

On 11th January, Year 9 were visited again by Into University as part of an innovative programme that supports young people to attain either a university place or another chosen aspiration.

This particular session was aimed at the different types of courses that our students can access, and some of the Universities that are available.

The session lasted 100 minutes, and all students gained valuable information with regard to their “future selves”.

Kwadwo Sarpong in 9EMB said “the sessions are great as they give me lots of information about courses that I didn’t even known existed. I want do Law at University and have lots of choices about where to go!”

We look forward to welcoming Into University back to MSM in a few weeks’ time for a further session.

On the last day of term, 30 of our Year 7 cohort took part in an INTO University workshop which focused on supporting the development of fundamental professional attributes and inspiring students to achieve their full potential. During the workshop, the students involved were encouraged to discuss important subjects such as desirable skills that different employers look for in a candidate and the qualities that are essential to specific careers. In addition to this, our students took part in multiple activities that revolved around confidence building, improving communication skills and applying leadership skills. Although students seized all the opportunities awarded to them throughout the morning, the most popular activity focused on the importance of clear communication. Students had to work in pairs, whilst one individual was blindfolded and was expected to listen carefully, the other took on a leadership role that required them to provide direction and give clear instructions. In addition to this, also using teamwork, each group had to complete a jigsaw puzzle that formed an image of the face of different inspirational figures such as Malala Yousafzai and Barack Obama. This activity was followed by group discussion around the reasons why these people are considered significant. Undoubtedly the students involved really enjoyed taking part in the INTO University workshop and found it extremely stimulating and informative. Many are already asking when the next workshop will be!

As part of Year 10s work experience this year staff organised a practical, in-depth two week programme aimed at providing students with the opportunity to gain experience in their career of interest. The first week saw students partaking in sessions based around experience in the workplace, practical experience in a career sector of their choice, cv writing, confidence and teamwork building and A level taster sessions. In the second week students focused on further and higher education and took part in sessions based around student well-being, student finance, personal statement writing and student ambassador Q and A.

The aim of this programme was to prepare students for the world of work and also for their post 16 options. Students had the opportunity to gain hands on experience in an industry they are interested in working in, whilst at the same time getting to find out more about their college and university options. Students were supported throughout by school staff, college and university staff and employers to ensure progression and to inform decision making. This was a true collaborative event with support from Leeds Trinity University, Leeds United Foundation, Temple Moor High School, IntoUniversity, NHS, West Yorkshire Police, and the iCan Academy.

For more photo’s of the event please click here to go to our photo gallery