Over 100 Year 8 students from Duke’s Aldridge Academy attended a special taster day at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London yesterday (Thursday 1 February 2018). Students had the chance to take part in specially designed sessions in carpentry and joinery, engineering, hairdressing, health, social care and early years, media and music technology.
Opening with a presentation from Chantelle Constantinides, who organised the event, students were told about the different options available to them after Year 11, including vocational courses and apprenticeships. Students then went off to one of their two taster sessions.
Students in our hairdressing salons used industry-standard blocks to create hairstyles, using hair straighteners, pins and clips, whilst over in the music technology computer studio, students used Logic Pro to create their own drum beat and bass tracks. Students also used Macs in our media studios to create their own videos and animations.
In the carpentry and joinery workshop, students used constructed a stationery holder using wood, nails and glue, which they were able to take home. Students who chose engineering built electronic circuit boards to control LED lights, whilst the health, social care and early years session gave students some basic babysitting and childcare skills, including reading children’s books with props.
“I had walked past the College, but didn’t know what went on inside,” said Zilan. “I have had a really fun time at the taster sessions and am really interested in coming to College when I finish my GCSEs.”
Eser, Emirdzhan and Aleksi all want to study hairdressing at college to pursue careers in hairdressing and barbering, so chose to take part in the hairdressing taster session. “I had a fantastic time, my cousins came here to go to college so I knew of it and some of the amazing things you could do, but doing it yourself is even better!” said Emirdhzhan. Aleski, whose brother studied at CONEL, added, “College allows you to have fun and be practical and hands-on. I definitely want to come here after I have finished my GCSEs!” Unlike his two friends, Eser had not previously heard about the college, but is now convinced it is the right choice for him and his future.
Deputy Principal, Kurt Hintz said: “The College welcomes requests from schools for taster workshops. The taster workshops are a great way for secondary school students to try the courses CONEL offers. Our staff offer specific practical skills-based sessions in a range of vocational specialisms.”
For more information on our Taster Workshops please click here