Tiverton High School Learning Partnership

Following on from the success of our Primary School Partnership Days for Year 4 to 6, we have developed the programme into Years 7 to 11 by working with our local High School. Primary Schools visits focus on giving the opportunity to whole year groups, but numbers can prevent that at secondary age. Tiverton High Schools have identified a group of their most able and talented they feel would benefit most from partnering with us.

The programme focuses on our scholarship entry areas to give a breadth of subjects and for them to see that Blundell’s is an option for them post-16. The structure of the day is similar to the tried and tested primary visits with a series of academic sessions either side of lunch and then a look at life at Blundell’s, scholarship and bursary opportunities over lunch whilst visiting a boarding house.

Aims

To give progression to the Primary School Partnership Days from Year 7 through to Year 11. Develop a greater understanding of our schools and a stronger community. To inspire and encourage a love of learning and an understanding of the various scholarships and bursaries available and therefore the opportunity to join Blundell’s sixth form.

Background

The Primary School Partnership Days have been very successful and so it made sense to develop a programme into the High School. Our partnership has grown and strengthened with Tiverton High School in recent years and so developing an academic programme that would support pupils interested in joining Blundell’s post-16 was developed. In doing so, the option of studying A-levels at Blundell’s is better understood, more realistic and seen as a genuine opportunity. As with the primary school visits, pupils head home with a positive understanding and stories to share with parents and friends.

Resources

Each of our 16+ Scholarship areas of music, art, drama, sport, academic and STEM are offered throughout the programme along with Outdoor Pursuits and a general Challenge Day. The various departments are involved, and supply the various lesson-based resources and equipment. Staff from those departments also oversee the delivery which is usually led or supported by our own pupils. 

These are often A-level pupils or scholars in the particular subject of focus. Cover is often required and put in place to allowing staffing and room changes to be made where appropriate. Funding for the days comes from a community partnerships budget, which is supported by an annual fundraising Ball.

Impact

The first successful day based in Science was followed by a STEM day based in physics, DT and IT. The High School were keen to ask for next terms dates and the pupils keen to return. Following the STEM Day we received two parental emails from Tiverton High School parents thanking us for the day and requesting information about scholarships and bursaries available.

Pupil Involvement

Two groups of 15 from Year 7 and 8 so far with the programming rolling into Years 8, 10 and 11 over the coming terms.

Frequency

We offer ten THS Learning Partnership Days annually, usually four in the autumn and spring term and two in the summer. The programme for each day starts at 09.30 and ends in time for the end of their school day so visitors leave at 15.00.