Year 9 Taster Sessions

This week (Week 7 - 23rd February to 27th February), the year 9s had the unique opportunity to experience the numerous subject options available when we choose our subjects in a few weeks. We had a mix of both IGCSE subjects, as well as BTEC subjects where the teachers explained the difference between the two like the grading systems, exams vs coursework, and how to decide which is best suited for ourselves.

In BTEC Sport, we learned about different ways to stay active (Fitness, Intensity, Training, Time). In Economics we understood wants and needs, as well as supply and demand using everyday examples. In Sociology, everyone was asked questions about society and we explored The Truman Show, and The Matrix (both social commentaries). In BTEC Travel And Tourism, our class was divided into groups where we had to make a tour plan for different families, groups, etc in different circumstances and budgets. In Psychology, we were taught about the science of forgetting and conditioning, where we looked at Clive Wearing, a man with a severe case of amnesia. In BTEC business, our creativity was put to work when class was also divided into groups where we came up with different Business ideas based on prompts and presented them. In IGCSE Business, we grasped the concept of adding value to products. And finally, in Global Perspectives, we expanded our horizons internationally and learned about the issues with troubled teen forest therapy.

In general, I found the taster lessons a fun and refreshing time throughout the week and was a nice and welcome experience for the year 9s. Almost every period, my class was asking “Do we have a taster lesson now?”, I genuinely found it amazing how new ideas were brought up, fierce classroom discussions commenced, and everyone enjoyed getting to know new teachers and subjects, as well as strengthening their choices for year 9.5.

But our subject choices go far beyond just our high school life - they go on to define our careers. This is why after the taster lessons, we had careers afternoon! Filled with interactive questions, a beautiful setup, eager year high schoolers (and lots of rain!)students and parents were able to speak to real life professionals in various different fields of expertise and ask them about not only their jobs, but whether they would be something that we as students would be interested in doing! In the High School lunch hall as well as outside in tents, we had the opportunity to scale down the daunting task of choosing a career path to make it A LOT more manageable. It was great talking to not only the professionals, but my fellow classmates who were adamant to share who they talked to and what they would like to do.

Overall, I think week 7 will be a week to remember.

Prajeet Ghose (9N)