25 students from Medina College attended their first University visit on the Learn with Us programme. The University of Southampton were super excited to have us!

We had a great day learning about University life, touring the campus and looking at the different courses available. Students created a poster and presented it to the rest of the group, followed by a game of ‘The Chase’ which was an interactive game, answering questions on what they had learnt throughout their visit.

The students had a fantastic day, making memories and starting to think about what their futures could look like.

Last week, we had the Speakers Trust in to complete a workshop with a group of Year 9 students. The workshop was an opportunity for students to learn and build on skills that they require to speak out in front of their peers. The aim of the workshop was to build confidence and give students the awareness of the skills required to speak out as well as preparing for future speaking and listening exams that they will complete.

I was immensely proud of how the students conducted themselves, pushed themselves out of their comfort zone but were always willing to attempt the challenges, even if they were unsure!

We learnt so much about each other and I witnessed those who may not have chosen to work together, build relationships, rapport and respect for one another.

Mrs Smy – Careers Leader

From September 2022, Medina College will be one of just three schools in the country to offer the Cambridge iGCSE in Agriculture. This presents our students with the most wonderful opportunity to study something a little different and get a head start on a future career within the agricultural industries. To launch the course and celebrate the opportunities within agriculture, a careers event was held at the school on Tuesday 8 February. 

The event introduced year 9 students to the many different pathways within the sector of agriculture and ensured that they all had the opportunity to ask questions and explore all of the opportunities available, particularly here on the Isle of Wight. 

Students were able to see how the new qualification that is available to them could lead to many different jobs and experiences and really brought to life how exciting this opportunity is. 

We are very grateful to the local businesses and exhibitors who kindly gave up their time to attend. Thank you to: 

• Hannah Kenway from Farm Vets
• Duxmore Farm
• Duxmore Botanics
• Briddlesford Farm
• Farmers Union
• NFU
• APS Produce
• Cheverton Farm 
• Skinners Farm 
• Idlecombe and Skinners Farm 
• Isle of Wight Agricultural Society 
• Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust 

Agriculture course leader, Victoria Lloyd said “Students had a great time finding out about all of the different careers they could choose from and asked lots of fabulous questions. We had so many fantastic people willing to give up their time to come in and meet our students. It was very informative for everyone involved.” 

Careers leader, Naomi Smy, said “It was great to promote the careers and associated further and higher educational opportunities within the agriculture sector. It planted a seed for many students who are now considering some of the options that were presented to them. Thank you to the exhibitors, who kindly gave up their valuable time to support our event. Many of whom regarded the morning as a way of investing in their future workforce.”