visiting speaker today, save the date & more in school this week

Year 10 started the last day of this week with a fantastic talk delivered by visiting speaker Adam Komorowski, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean with Mines Advisory Group, a Manchester based Non-Governmental Organisation working in more than 30 countries globally, who work on weapons and ammunition management projects.  

This was a fantastic opportunity for Year 10 to learn first-hand about working in the Charity sector, as part of our ongoing Careers programme and provision.

Adam talked the students through the progress and development of his career, from initially teaching English in Japan, then as a VSO volunteer teacher trainer in a college in Laos for 4 years, followed by the 20 years that he has spent in various roles with the MAG.

Adam shared that in his current role he manages weapons destruction programmes in several countries, and that he has previously worked in more than 30 locations across Africa, SE Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The session provided Year 10 with an invaluable insight from a working professional into which technical/academic skills are of value in the charity sector/ non-governmental organisation, and how they can go about acquiring the experience to work in this field, in addition to learning more about the challenges of working in conflict environments.

With huge thanks to Adam for giving his time to inspire and enlighten our students, and to our Careers department for organising this great opportunity.

Also in school this week:

Year 9 Options Day: a full programme of presentations for Year 9 delivered by our subject-specialist staff on the options available to them as they progress towards KS4, and an invaluable opportunity to find out more, and to receive support in decision-making.

Year 9 impressed staff with their level of engagement throughout the day, and there has been very positive feedback from the students on the usefulness of the sessions in helping them to decide on their next steps.

Year 9 Parents and Carers Evening

Year 12 Mock Exams

Save the Date: Guys and Dolls whole school production next week 29th Jan-1st Feb!

And finally, last but by no means least, the spirit of Broadway is almost here at UGS, and rehearsals for our whole school production of Guys and Dolls are ramping up.

You would not want to miss out on what promises to be another epic production, and a showcase of the immense performing arts talent of our students (and staff).

Tickets are still available on Parentpay for all 3 performances, however the closing night is almost sold out! 

Hope to see you there!