This week saw the first Future Pathways Programme (FPP) Day of the academic year at SBUA. The Future Pathways Programme is a key part of our commitment to ensuring every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, experiences and aspirations needed to succeed in education, employment and beyond. Through a carefully planned programme of activities, workshops and employer and university engagement, students are supported to make informed decisions about their future pathways.
Year 11 and Year 12: Launching Unifrog
Students in Years 11 and 12 began the day with the launch of Unifrog, an innovative online platform that helps young people explore future opportunities, research careers, and make informed choices about their next steps.
Year 11 students then took part in a carousel of workshops designed to develop key life and study skills. Sessions included:
- Exploring the Unifrog platform and how it can support future planning.
- Study skills and the effective use of AI to enhance learning.
- Personal finance and money management skills.
- Understanding the power of reading and its impact on academic success and future opportunities.
Meanwhile, Year 12 students visited London South Bank University (LSBU) to deepen their understanding of higher education opportunities and the benefits of being part of the South Bank group. During the visit, students:
- Explored a range of university pathways and courses.
- Saw the university in action through campus tours and activities.
- Spoke directly with university staff and current students.
- Took part in a workshop exploring university life.
- Worked collaboratively to design their own “dream university”.
The visit provided valuable insight into university study and helped students begin thinking about their future aspirations and progression routes.
Year 13: Preparing for the Future
Year 13 students focused on preparing for life beyond sixth form. The day began with a presentation from members of the LSBU Admissions Team, who shared expert advice on creating a strong UCAS application and what makes an outstanding personal statement that helps applicants stand out from the crowd.
Students then participated in a Study Foundations and AI for Learning workshop delivered by Elevate Education UK, providing practical strategies to maximise academic success during this crucial year.
The remainder of the morning was dedicated to refining UCAS applications and updating CVs, ensuring students are well prepared for the next stage of their journey.
Gardening, Biodiversity and Wellbeing
Our well-established Gardening Club also had a productive day, leading work on the new planters around the school. This follows our successful funding bid to increase biodiversity across the site. Students put into practice knowledge gained from specialist workshops delivered last year by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and the Royal Horticultural Society, helping to create a greener and more vibrant environment for everyone in our school community.
Ending the Day with Sport
The day concluded with a range of sporting activities, giving students the opportunity to develop teamwork, resilience and wellbeing. Activities included:
- Basketball tournament
- Football tournament
- Yoga
- Badminton
The energy, enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed throughout the afternoon were fantastic to see.
Student Voice
“The LSBU visit helped me understand what university is really like. Speaking to students and staff gave me confidence about my future and helped me start thinking seriously about my options.”
Year 12 Student
“I learned so much throughout the day, especially about using AI effectively for studying and managing my personal finances. It felt really useful because everything linked directly to our future goals.”
Year 11 Student
Looking Ahead
The first Future Pathways Programme Day was a fantastic success, providing students with meaningful experiences, practical skills and valuable opportunities to plan for their futures.
We are already looking forward to our next Future Pathways Programme Day on Tuesday 2nd December, where students will continue developing the knowledge, confidence and aspirations needed for success beyond SBUA.