Pupils get a taste of sixth form college life at transition day

SCHOOLCHILDREN experienced their first taste of college life in an initiative designed to help them start to plan their futures.

More than 240 Year 10 Richmond School students swapped uniforms for casual dress to experience life in the sixth form college.

The transition and taster day allowed them to try out first hand six subjects they might take at A Level.

As well as looking at conventional A Levels in maths, physics, chemistry and biology, they were able to sample 40 minute lessons in the dance studio and consider alternative provision such as apprenticeships and vocational courses.

Richmond School and Sixth Form College staff were joined by experts from Darlington College, A1 Leeming Bar apprenticeships, the Armed Forces and Askham Bryan College.

The hall was transformed into an information market place covering student and professional life. 

Deputy head teacher Charlotte Wardle said: “The day is designed to help students make informed choices. We encourage them to try subjects they are not quite sure about to help them decided whether the particular subjects is right for them.

“Students have just completed their work experience week and the transition session helps them feel more mature. It gets them thinking about their future learning, lives and careers.”