Our guest speaker on Tuesday was Jonathan Evans, a returning favourite, who spoke insightfully on foreign policy and national security, particularly pertinent in the current climate. The evening concluded with feedback and goalsetting meetings between our mentors and their students, and it is fair to say many of them are aiming high, one of the key stated aims of the scheme! The ability to reflect on progress and the maturity to recognise areas to make a focus for development are crucial for any individual and, as a result, this is an attitude we seek to instil in the young people we work with at an early stage.
Several mentors enjoyed the opportunity to teach lessons on Wednesday morning, further developing their own range of skills in addition to stretching their students, and it is always great to see the students on the programme benefit from the expertise and subject specific knowledge of their mentors in this way. The final activity was the much anticipated Apprentice task, with five groups of students taking their turn to present the product, the unique selling point of their business and the web presence they had created relating to a new coffee brand. The standard was extremely high, reflective of the energy and commitment with which the students approached both the task and the whole week, with ‘Float Your Boat’ and ‘Pen and Paper’ coming out as winners. The presentation skills were excellent, and it was a really positive way in which to draw the week to a close.
Overall, the residential has been an overwhelming success and we continue to love working with our students in this way. The progress they are making is clear for all to see, with the students as individuals taking most of the credit for this. They really are a talented, engaged and ambitious bunch! Thanks to all those who have helped over the course of the week, Sevenoaks School, the teachers, the guest speakers, and, in particularly, our wonderful mentors. Bring on the summer…