Ffynone House School News

Year 12 pupils in Ffynone House School in Swansea may be a whole year away from finishing their A Levels but they are already being prepared for life as university students. The pupils are undertaking a series of challenges, lectures and tasks designed to help them prepare their university applications, practice their interview techniques, develop as leaders and enjoy student life safely. The events are designed as a supplement to the academic focus of the school to provide pupils with the skills needed to make the most of their university life and develop life skills for the future.

The pupils joined the Army Insight Course, a 3-day course designed to develop leadership abilities and teamwork skills and which gives participants an experience of Army Basic Training. The pupils have faced paintballing challenges, assault courses, leadership and command tasks and night exercises.

Pupils will also attend sessions on Health, Hygeine and First Aid with school nurses and a dental hygienist. They will learn about drug and alcohol abuse and about fire safety in the home or dormitory and they will be given an introduction to car safety and rudimentary car maintenance. Pupils will also be taught elements of Self Defence.

Representatives from Nat West Moneysense will visit Ffynone to provide an insight into student finance, course fees, maintenance costs and most importantly, budgeting skills. They will examine the cost of borrowing money, explore interest, discuss the cost of living and look at savings options.

Pupils will have the opportunity to learn about the UCAS application process and discuss their registration and choices. At the end of the two week programme they will undertake mock interviews which will be filmed and then analysed.

The AS Level students will also undertake lessons in cookery and food hygiene before being faced with their biggest challenge of all – taking over the school kitchen and cooking a meal for a hall full of hungry pupils and staff!  This is also the induction day for next year’s Year 7 pupils who really will be getting a taste of Ffynone School life!

Head of Ffynone House School Nicola Walker commented, “At Ffynone House School we are focussed not just on preparing our pupils for academic success but also on ensuring that they are fully prepared for life beyond school and that they possess the tools and skills they need to help them make a success of their university lives and beyond. There are some very important lessons behind the fun and games on offer in this event and I know that each of the pupils will gain skills and knowledge that will help them over the next couple of years”.