Sennockian 2018-2019 | Page 77

“We currently have the VR headsets outreach box and the children are blown away by the experience. They have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity given to them by Sevenoaks School to explore these wonderful resources and experience something new.” East Peckham Primary School “Hats off to Sevenoaks School. Seeing the children at Science Day using soldering irons to create circuit boards that worked was amazing. This is the way forward as we (especially small schools) do not have science labs and the equipment to do such practical science.” Headteacher, Sundridge & Brasted Primary “The children and staff have been very impressed with the Micro:bits we received and they cannot wait to learn more! We are very thankful for the support from Sevenoaks School, and look forward to enhancing provision for the children over the year.” Otford Primary School KAN The Kent Academies Network University Access programme involves a number of academies and independent schools. It offers residential courses at Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Cambridge for students who would be the first in their family to go to university, and is funded by a Sevenoaks donor. This year’s new cohort is the largest to date, with 21 students from five partner academy schools joining the programme. The scheme encourages pupils to develop their knowledge and skills, explore new subjects, and to find out more about university life. The programme is supported by three mornings, in Years 10, 11 and 12, on applying to university, which are open to other non-selective other schools. This year’s Easter residential (pictured on p119) took a multidisciplinary approach to the theme of Zombies, with Old Sennockian author and actor Charlie Higson giving a fascinating keynote lecture on the literary and cultural history of zombies and vampires. Responses were varied and thought-provoking, making links to how we deal with homeless people, and exploring attitudes to migrants. “I am currently in my second year at Canterbury Christ Church University studying for a BA (Hons) Primary Education. KAN helped me to achieve this lifelong dream by preparing me for university life. The advice and guidance provided by the mentors was helpful in explaining what to expect when studying at university, making this big step much less intimidating. Also, the sessions around essay writing during the residential sessions were extremely beneficial, as when I came to write university assignments, I had a good understanding of how to write in the required academic style. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities it presented me with, and still benefit from these today.” SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2018-2019 Sophie Ashdown, KAN graduate 71