QE Connect Reaches New Heights Across Harrogate and York Schools
This year, QE Connect has welcomed three new Harrogate and York schools as well as 320 students to our vibrant community. Over seven exciting events, students have had the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in diverse and engaging ways.
Our events have included the Futures Fair, where students could envisage their career paths and connect with professionals; a delightful Pantomime that brought joy and laughter performed by QE Students; a creative Bathbomb Workshop that sparked imagination; a Maths Challenge that tested problem-solving skills; an inspiring STEAM Day that combined science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics; and the energetic Bugsy Malone Musical that showcased students' talents in performing arts.
In addition to these events, we have also focused on the wellbeing of students. Our Wellbeing Ambassadors, alongside pastoral staff, have hosted wellbeing workshops at local primary schools, promoting mental health and emotional resilience. These workshops are testament to our commitment to the holistic development of all students, whether they are participating in activities or volunteering to run them.
Recent Event Highlight: Innovation Showcase at York School
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Students from Terrington Hall were greeted with an Innovation Showcase, highlighting what we offer to students interested in STEAM at QE. Year 9 ambassadors represented the Global Underwater Hub challenge team, Raytheon Quadcopter team, and STEM Club, programming dancing Lego Spike robots. Year 13 students demonstrated a robotic arm, showcasing their advanced engineering/computational skills. |
Before the welcome speech, students debated the question "Who is more intelligent - Humans or AI?" which divided the room and sparked and encouraged critical thinking. The students then visited three engaging workshops:
- Workshop 1: Held in our Esports facility using Minecraft in Education, this treasure hunt focused on communication, strategic planning, and motivation.
- Workshop 2: Conducted in our specialist 3D art and design workshops by a Year 13 A-level student, this session explored the idea of play and creativity.
- Workshop 3: In our Science lab, students collaborated in teams to build the tallest tower to hold six Creme Eggs using 30 sheets of A4 paper and Cellotape. The tallest tower reached 94cm, with a special mention to a slightly shorter but mighty strong tower holding up 15 eggs.
Most importantly, the students from each school were seen laughing and talking while learning and collaborating, forming friendships along the way.
Looking Ahead at Events for Local Harrogate and York Schools
QE Connect is dedicated to providing free activities for students from Year 1 to Year 13, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from our diverse programme. The programme is divided into five categories: Community, Pastoral Care & Wellbeing, Health, Exercise & Sport, Creative Arts, and Curriculum. Each category is designed to cater to different aspects of student development, fostering a well-rounded and enriching experience.
A key aspect of QE Connect is fostering community connections and creating leadership opportunities for our students. Through various activities and events, students are encouraged to engage with their peers, mentors, and local community members. This interaction not only builds a sense of belonging but also empowers students to take on leadership roles, demonstrate courage, aspire to succeed, develop their skills, and make a positive impact. By participating in and leading initiatives, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for future challenges and helps them grow into confident, capable and aspiring leaders.
Visit QE's Outreach page to discover upcoming QE Connect events available to local schools in the York, Harrogate and Leeds area.
