By Kate Champion, Assistant Head (Academic)
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you combined a Physics, Design Technology and PE lesson together? We did… so we had a go! It turns out, the overlap is bungee swimming, of course! And we didn’t leave it there. We asked our Key Stage 5 subjects to fuse together to create exciting lessons for our Year 10, where they could experience the cross-curricular nature of Sixth Form subjects at Sidcot, whilst utilising new skills and equipment, in preparation for academic life post-GCSEs.
Last week, Year 10 students were treated to a morning of fun and thought-provoking activities that offered a fresh perspective on Sidcot Sixth Form subject options. The day was designed to showcase how subject boundaries often blur in the real world and to let students experience the depth and excitement of Sixth Form learning. Some students combined sporting technique, product design and scientific calculation to propel themselves the furthest on a bungee cord in the swimming pool. Others immersed themselves in planning 'Respectival', a creative festival concept involving everything from festival merchandise to artistic projections and theatrical installations.
Further activities included CSI Sidcot, which delved into criminal profiling, blood typing, and drug testing, and '9/11: The Price of Justice', which challenged students to debate justice, accountability, and financial sustainability in the context of victim compensation. Meanwhile, 'The International Trade Game' gave students a chance to navigate supply and demand in a global commodity market, and 'Risking It All' presented a powerful orienteering experience exploring the challenges faced by migrants.
Bridging The Curriculum is an ongoing programme that helps ease the transition between Key Stages, while encouraging students to consider what lies ahead and how to prepare for it. The impact of our Future Focus morning could be seen in the lively conversations between staff and students, where topics such as skills, aspirations and career paths were explored with genuine interest. Students left the morning not only more informed about the Sixth Form experience at Sidcot, but also more engaged with the core values that underpin our approach, such as surprising oneself, taking risks, and valuing collaboration.
It wasn’t just our Year 10 cohort who gained from the experience. Sixth Form Subject Captains also played a key role, showcasing their subject passions while developing their own leadership and judgment skills by supporting activities across the programme.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the incredible Sidcot teaching staff, whose energy, creativity and dedication brought this morning to life. Their effort in planning and delivering such enriching and original sessions made this event truly special. We’re certain they enjoyed creating these experiences just as much as we enjoyed seeing them unfold.
At Sidcot, we’re proud of our Bridging The Curriculum programme and the meaningful impact it has on our students. It’s more than just fun; it’s a vital part of helping our students look forward with confidence. We hope Year 10 will remember their Future Focus morning as they prepare to make their Sixth Form choices next year, and we look forward to sharing details of our next Bridging The Curriculum event for J5, J6 and Year 7 in the Autumn Term.