Our Year 10 "Inspiring Choices" visits to York St John University provided a hands-on look at higher education, demystifying the transition from GCSEs to degree-level study.
On Friday 6th and Friday 13th March, our Year 10 pupils visited York St John University as part of the school’s Careers, Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme. These visits are delivered in partnership with Inspiring Choices, a Uni Connect outreach initiative, providing pupils with a practical introduction to Higher Education.
The two sessions featured campus tours and interactive workshops, giving pupils a clearer understanding of university life and the various academic pathways available to them after Risedale.
A particular highlight of the trip was the visit to the university’s Midwifery Suite, where pupils were able to see professional-grade medical training facilities firsthand. Additionally, a dedicated Q&A session with York St John Student Ambassadors allowed our Year 10s to ask candid questions about everything from managing a student budget to the transition from GCSEs to degree-level study.
Careers Leader, Helen Porritt, was impressed by the conduct of the year group:
"The pupils were excellent ambassadors for Risedale. They engaged well with the sessions and asked some very practical, insightful questions during the student Q&A. These visits are a vital tool in demystifying the university experience and helping our pupils feel more confident about their future post-16 decisions."
A huge thank you to the staff and student ambassadors at York St John University for hosting us so brilliantly, and to our own staff—Mrs Bowness, Mrs Brown, Dr Ellis, and Mr Metcalfe—for accompanying the trips!
Knowledge for Success
These visits remain a core part of the Risedale curriculum, focusing on ‘Cultural Capital and Knowledge for Success’. By providing first-hand experience of a university environment—from lecture halls to specialised clinical suites—we aim to ensure our pupils are well-equipped to make informed choices about their next steps.
For more information about CEIAG at Risedale School, please visit our dedicated website page: Careers.
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