What is Beyond the Classroom?

Beyond the Classroom is how TRS makes sure pupils get involved in events and activities outside of normal lessons that support them growing as an individual and learning about career options and opportunities.  It does include work experience but it covers much more as we recognise that there are many pathways pupils might want to take in the future. 

A large part of the Beyond the Classroom programme is designed to build self-confidence and resilience that the next steps after TRS are achievable and can be what they want them to be.  To discover this it is important that pupils experience as much as possible about further education and the world of work.  TRS has therefore designed a programme to provide encounters across all the different options and which incorporates emotional and mental health support.

What does Beyond the Classroom include?

  • Internal work experience placement in our Bulunga Café for all Leybourne pupils.
  • External work experience placement at Communigrow Farm for Year 10 Leybourne
  • External work experience placement with an employer for Year 10 either one day a week for 5 weeks or as a full week, depending on the placement type.
  • Workplace visits one day per term for Years 7 to 9.
  • Visits to College to experience and understand College life.
  • Visits to Universities to understand higher education.
  • Visits to local careers fairs.
  • Visits to events in support of the curriculum which may also include careers information.
  • Participation in timetable activities with external providers such as employers, charities, FE colleges, universities, training & apprenticeship organisations, Department of Employment and business federations.
  • Applications to college and sixth form via Kent Choices for Years 10 & 11
  • Mock interviews in preparation for college/sixth form/apprenticeship interviews for Year 11.
  • Timetabled sessions within PSHE where Year 11 explore the topic of ‘transitions’ to help them identify any potential differences they may face from the school environment and provide them with guidance on how to navigate them.
  • During Terms 1, 2, 3 & 4 local employers come in to school one day a week during period 5 and offer sessions around their businesses which all pupils take part in.
    Many of the employers have their own business that they have started from scratch and they will take pupils on their journey; how they started, what worked and what didn’t, what they learnt and useful tips.
    Alongside this they will teach pupils how to create or develop a marketable product so as to put theory into practice.

 

Beyond the Classroom is managed by our Work Experience Co-Ordinator Nikki Wilson and we welcome any contact from business who would like to take part.  Nikki’s email address is n.wilson@trs.kent.sch.uk and her direct contact number 08907 717100.

 

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