It's safe to say that the sayings "last but not least" and "third times a charm" were in full effect today.

All the students were engaged and excited. Their tangible progress in personal confidence, understanding and resilience was clear. We witness an amazing demonstration of each young person embracing their uniqueness, courage and skills.

In my lifetime, I haven't worked with a set of students in a school who are this supportive to one another and engaging... like, they are really cheering for each other... There is something special about that, and there is something special that you are all doing here!

- Workshop leader

It was great to hear this, and even greater to hear when he challenged the students to be accountable for their behaviour and life choices - relentlessly holding them to a high standard of respect for themselves and other.

Their speeches ranged from sensitive topics around depression and loss to thought-provoking topics such as challenging racial stereotypes, impostor syndrome, gender inequality and the importance of an equal power dynamic in a student and teacher relationship. It was incredible to hear students speak about their goals to be investors, footballers, coders, entrepreneurs and some speaking of their passion to grow closer to God.

That said, students were challenged to act and move with confidence through their body language and persona and introduced to the importance of professionalism and the power of self-belief through words and a clearly defined call to action.

We are confident that this programme will help the Y10 students in their Spoken Language Endorsement next term in English, whilst strategically crafting out unique opportunities for them outside of school.

Do take time to celebrate these students when you see them - they really showed up!