Freshly returned from work experience, our Year 12 students had much to reflect upon as they began considering their post-18 pathways. Destinations Day was designed to support them in exploring a wide range of options, including university, apprenticeships, school-leaver programmes and gap years.
In the lead-up to the day, students prepared presentations showcasing the skills and experiences they had gained and how these could support future applications. They delivered these to their Housemasters and Housemistresses, an undoubtedly daunting but invaluable skill to develop. The standard was exceptionally high, with one Housemistress commenting:
“It was so interesting to hear the variety of domains into which the girls are hoping to venture. Their preparation for university applications is impressive, and it is intriguing to see what additional courses, reading, podcasts and work experience they are undertaking to secure places at their chosen universities. I listened with admiration and a tiny bit of envy!” – Mrs James, Housemistress of Weymouth House
During the morning, we welcomed Jo from Fiscorum, who delivered an engaging and insightful session on student finance and budgeting. Much to the students’ interest, she also shared ways to maximise income—including opportunities as varied as participating in clinical trials or even getting paid to test mattresses. We were also joined by Libby, a representative from the University of Nottingham, who provided expert guidance on choosing courses and highlighted what Nottingham has to offer. Both sessions were highly informative and very well received in student feedback.
In the afternoon, several Old Wellingburians returned to share their first-hand experiences of applying to university and apprenticeships. Their contributions ensured the day remained relevant and closely aligned with the needs of the current cohort.
The final session focused on interview preparation, covering both traditional face-to-face interviews and the increasingly common recorded online formats. Students particularly enjoyed watching example interviews, kindly provided by one of our OWs, and demonstrated impressive confidence and adaptability when responding to interview-style questions themselves. Through this, they gained a valuable appreciation of the challenges of thinking on their feet and the importance of thorough preparation.
Destinations Day provided a valuable opportunity for students to feel informed, supported and challenged as they consider their future pathways. Key messages included keeping options open and making the most of every opportunity, advice that will undoubtedly guide them in the months ahead.
“The year 12 Destinations day was incredibly insightful into what university life may consist of and the experiences involved. Additionally, I found the finance talk interesting as well as reassuring, as it showed me how to prepare financially at and before university and what I can do in university to make a bit of money on the side.” – Year 12 pupil, Euan B
