A TRIP to the seaside certainly did not mean a leisurely afternoon off for a group of pupils from Saddleworth School…
For the year 11 students had travelled to Bridlington and Flamborough Head to study coastal recession as part of their coursework for their Geography GCSE.
After researching erosion, the threat to properties and possible ways to protect against it, around 140 pupils visited the North Sea coast over three days to see it first-hand.
They even got hands on to measure the drift of the sea by throwing in oranges, stretching a tape measure across the beach and checking after ten minutes to see how far the oranges had travelled.
Pupil Lucy Brewster commented: “It wasn’t the most accurate way of measuring it but it was good to be able to do something ourselves.
“It was nice to be able to actually see the coast and erosion after learning about in the classroom.”
Harrison Durr added: “It helps you to remember it better if you’ve actually seen it. We did some sketches of coastal features as well.
“Afterwards we had to write up a report on a better way of measuring the drift, such as with a stone that would be heavier.”
Headmaster Matthew Milburn added: “Geography results were some of the best in the school last year and I think part of that is down to the way we let children see the application as well as the theory.”
Meanwhile, year 11 pupils were also being put through their paces back at school as they put together personal statements and CVs and took on mock interviews.
Around 40 employers from across the borough visited the school over four days to test the pupils on their interview skills and provide feedback and advice.
Student Bradley Kay, who hopes to be a professional footballer or physiotherapist, said he found the experience useful and encouraging.
“I definitely feel more confident now and I got good feedback from the employer and help on where I could have been better,” he explained.
“I wasn’t too nervous about the mock interview. The employer asked me a lot of questions from my personal statement and about jobs and my back-up plan.”
Ethan Prior, who hopes to study architecture at university, added: “It prepared me so I know what to expect and what might be asked at an interview for a job or college.”
Kelly Baxendale, from Positive Steps who organises the scheme, explained: “We are trying to prepare pupils for the world of work by helping them with interview skills and personal statements or CVs for applying for college, university and jobs.
“It is such a competitive environment and pupils need to show what gives them the edge.
“Some of us will have 30 jobs in our lifetime so they are not just developing these skills for now but for the future too.
“It’s great for the employers to come into the school but even better when we good feedback, which we have had.”
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