Extended Learning Day 3
On Friday 6 February, all pupils in school participated in our third ‘Extended Learning Day’ of the academic year.
Year 7‘s Extended Learning Day focused on the five British Values, led by staff from humanities departments alongside guests from the Exchange Chambers in Manchester. Pupils looked at Mutual Respect through the parable of the Sheep and the Goats and the Corporal works of mercy. This led into discussions about preparing for Lent by serving others in our community and recognising the dignity of every person as made in the image of God.
Pupils had a chance to look at democracy and individual liberty, considering themes of choice, compromise and the virtue of Justice. They also developed their debating skills, learning how to express their viewpoints clearly and construct well‑reasoned arguments.
While in the drama studio, pupils explored Tolerance of Other Faiths and Beliefs. They listened to a powerful talk about growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, before using freeze‑frames to reflect on reconciliation, understanding and community.
All Year 7 pupils also had the opportunity to hear from two visiting barristers from Exchange Chambers. They spoke about the Rule of Law, explaining how courts operate and what is involved in becoming a barrister. Pupils were then challenged to discuss ethical scenarios and decide on the most appropriate course of action in a court of law.
Pupils in Year 8 worked with the English, computing and art departments to create a Fighting Fantasy style game book. Over the course of the day, they were responsible for designing an investigator who they could use to unravel the mysteries of the gothic mansion they would be creating with the English staff. Once they had mapped out their rooms they had to populate them with life; giving detailed descriptions of the rooms they passed through, their treasures and the fiendish traps and monsters which guarded them. The gothic mansions they ended up designing were filled with more horrors and challenges than those of Eel Marsh House, the gothic novel they studied earlier in the year, and their intrepid investigator, more capable than poor Arthur Kipps.
In computing, the pupils created a computer program in Python that created a game following the same theme. The pupils first introduced their characters and eventually came to three doors. Then they typed out the sub-programs that would eventually run the game. The pupils were then informed that, using the booklet they took home, that they can complete the game by downloading Python to their laptop or PC and completing the code saved to their OneDrive.
Pupils in Year 9 took part in a day where the activities were based around careers and provided them with information and resources to help inform their GCSE option choices. Pupils took part in workshops from external providers including Preston College and our Careers advisor Mrs Gul, who gave guidance on possible career pathways and helped to support pupils in trying to discern what their road ahead might be, with further education providers from Preston, Newman and Myerscough Colleges on hand to answer any questions. They also visited an ‘Options Carousel’ in the sports hall, where Year 9 pupils had the opportunity to speak to Year 10 pupils already studying the various option subjects. The day ended with an address in the hall from Mr Warham, who advised pupils to think carefully and consider what they are good at, what they think they will enjoy and their career opportunities when choosing their options, as well as reminding pupils of the options process. They then all selected their ‘draft’ option choices, using the same platform as they will use for their final choices in a few weeks time.
Year 10 pupils took part in a Vocations-focussed Extended Learning Day. Visitors from each vocation state came to share with pupils about their lives, and how God has called them to a specific purpose. To represent religious life, Srs Stella and Audrey came from Hyning Monastery, and Br Joseph and Fr Franciszek came from the Franciscan Friary in Bradford. A local priest, Fr Stuart Chapple, visited from St John XXIII Parish, Preston. Ruth and Joe White from Metanoia Project delivered a session about marriage, where pupils learned what the Catholic Church teaches about the sacrament of marriage. And two young adults, Ben O’Flynn (a lay chaplain from Lancaster) and Lorley Shelton led a session about listening to God’s voice as a young person, and discerning where He is calling us in the every day moments. Pupils had the opportunity to ask insightful questions and learn a great deal about Vocation. We concluded the day with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, inviting Jesus into our decision making and listening to God’s voice calling each of us to a life with definite purpose.
Finally, Year 11 pupils spent the day focused entirely on mathematics. During the morning, pupils completed three revision sessions: two classroom-based lessons revising key topics as a whole class, and one session in a computer room where pupils worked independently on their personal areas of weakness. The revision throughout the morning prepared pupils well for the afternoon, where they went on to sit their third mathematics mock examination.
Thank you to all staff and visitors for their hard work and support in ensuring our pupils enjoy these broader experiences, and to all pupils for their commitment and enthusiasm.
