Today marked the end of a fantastic first week of term. All pupils took part in various activities tailored to their year group.
For our new year 7’s, today was all about teamwork, building relationships and celebrating the start of their journey at TIFS. Alongside year 8, they embarked on the traditional hike, which saw them dropped off at different locations across the island before navigating their way back to school. Despite a drizzly and foggy start they remained in high spirits and embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. Each year 7 pupil has now earnt their Pre-DofE bronze badge for participation and we are very proud of the effort both year the 7 and 8 pupils put in today.
Years 9, 10 and 11 took part in a Careers & Life Skills day, where they enjoyed various activities all based around employment, coping with challenges, and life beyond TIFS.
Year 9 completed a CPR workshop with the IW Ambulance Service, which equipped every pupil with valuable, lifelong skills. Mr Marriott and Mr Cole also organised a brilliant team-building exercise, encouraging the year group to work together in a sports-based session. Other activities included a careers-based exploration task, and an interactive session where pupils discovered fun and interesting ways to revise.
Year 10 completed a range of activities focusing on their careers and pathways. We welcomed Emilie from Portsmouth University, along with a current university student, to talk about the costs of higher education and budgeting in adult life. We also welcomed Emma on behalf of Amazing Apprenticeships, to deliver an insightful assembly and workshop on apprenticeships and “Finding your Strengths”. Finally, Year 10 explored different careers, and learnt about setting goals for their ideal future.
Year 11 did exceptionally well trying their hand at a mock interview with a local employer. Although many were unsure about the prospect of a job interview, they each came out of it with a new perspective, some useful feedback, and ultimately felt far more relaxed about interviews. Above all, the employers were full of praise for the whole year group, who conducted themselves positively, and with great maturity. For the remainder of the day, pupils completed a CV writing session and an activity on wages and finance. They also had a guest speaker from the NHS, discussing work experience and the broad range of roles in healthcare, and teachers talked about their own career and education pathways.
To top off a really fabulous day, we had the pleasure of welcoming Sam and Paul from Student Breakthrough, who delivered inspirational assemblies and workshops to Years 10 & 11, on resilience, coping with exam stress and anxiety, building motivation and achieving their goals.
Once again, we have had an amazing start to the academic year and it has been wonderful to be able to come together again so that pupils can experience more of what makes TIFS such a special place to be.
