Beyond the Classroom: Year 12 Futures Day
By Shaaruja S and Katerina G, Careers Reps
We kicked off the day with Mrs Collins, who walked us through UCAS and showed us how to properly navigate the different sections of Unifrog. Alongside that, we had broader talks covering admission tests and a preview of upcoming university lectures, setting the tone for the day ahead.
Things became more hands-on during an interactive session with Karen Kimura from GDST, focused on degree apprenticeships. We were thrown into a Cadbury style challenge, tasked with creating and pitching a brand-new product idea. A few groups volunteered to present, with ideas ranging from fruit shaped chocolate mystery boxes to a dark chocolate and berries bar designed especially for Wimbledon!
Over lunch, the focus split into two specialised optional sessions. One was tailored for students aiming for medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, offering insight into what those demanding routes really involve. The other was designed for aspiring Oxbridge applicants, breaking down how to prepare and approach the process with confidence. Students described the sessions as “genuinely helpful”, saying they clarified uncertainties and “broke down needed questions” surrounding these competitive pathways.
We wrapped up the day with a focused session on personal statements, breaking down how to confidently tackle the three key questions and shape strong, thoughtful answers. We worked through a variety of examples and came away with a clear sense of what we should be writing, and how to approach them when the time comes.
We are also looking forward to hearing more at our UCAS Information Evening for students and parents which takes place on 24th February.