17 December
Highlights from Aurora Poppyfield School
It’s been a memorable few months at Aurora Poppyfield School in Effingham, Surrey. Our students have thrown themselves into a range of activities and experiences, both in and out of the classroom, and we’re excited to share just a few of the things they’ve been up to.
Immersive learning with The Education Group
Our pupils recently took part in a hands-on visit from The Education Group, who ran interactive VR workshops exploring the human body and crime scene investigation. Using the headsets, students were able to look closely at how different systems in the body work and then piece together clues in a mock crime scene. The sessions sparked plenty of curiosity and encouraged students to work together and think on their feet.
Student-led film for Anti-Bullying Week
As part of Anti-Bullying Week, our KS4 students created their own short film from start to finish. They wrote it, directed it and performed in it - and the final piece was a thoughtful reminder about showing kindness, respecting others and speaking up when something isn’t right.
Anti-Bullying Week is a national campaign that shines a light on bullying and promotes positive, supportive relationships in schools. Our students really took the message to heart and used the project as a way to help strengthen our school community.
Road safety week
Our KS3 learners also took part in a road safety awareness competition for Road Safety Week. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 planned and produced their own short iMovie videos promoting safe behaviour when crossing the road. They came up with their own ideas, scripts and visuals - a great way to combine creativity with an important life lesson.
Hands-on learning in a professional kitchen
During the summer, our Food Technology students had the chance to visit Gordon Ramsay’s Academy as part of their BTEC course. They spent the day cooking alongside a professional chef, trying out new techniques and picking up tips they can bring back into their lessons. It was a brilliant experience and one the students are still talking about.
Adventure on the Duke of Edinburgh residential
Also over the summer, students from Aurora Caterham and Aurora Poppyfield completed their Duke of Edinburgh residential - a huge achievement in itself. Across the week, they built and tested their own rafts, tackled a tough 12-mile walk and threw themselves into canoeing, kayaking and plenty of other outdoor challenges. Their teamwork, resilience and good humour shone through from start to finish.
A massive thank you as well to the staff team who supported the trip - even with very little sleep!
Exploring the coast in Brighton
Our Year 7 and 8 students also enjoyed a brilliant day trip to Brighton, where they spent time at the beach and the Sea Life Centre. It was a great opportunity to explore the coast, learn something new and enjoy some time together in one of the UK’s most famous seaside towns.
London adventures for years 9 to 11
Our Year 9 students recently travelled to the Natural History Museum, spending the day exploring the exhibits and taking part in activities linked to their curriculum. Meanwhile, our Year 10 and 11 students headed into central London for a careers fair as part of National Apprenticeship Week. It was a valuable opportunity for them to speak with employers, learn about different pathways and start thinking about their next steps.
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