Embedded Files
World Book Day
World Book Day
Oxford University Trip
Oxford University Trip
On Friday the 27th of January, students in Year 11 were given a fantastic chance to go on a trip to Mansfield College, one of the many colleges that make up Oxford University, and it proved to be a most remarkable experience.
The day began with a seminar during which students were given a lecture based on a whole manner of subjects relating to university life, from subject choices, tuition fees, application processes and selecting future careers which proved to be an informative and fascinating look at the years that lie ahead and provided an opportunity to contemplate our futures and decisions we will take post-16. Following this we then had a Q&A session with four Mansfield College students studying Geography, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), History and Mathematics and we were able to ask a variety of questions and understand university life from a student perspective as well as discussing how studying the IB prepares students for University level study.
We were then taken on a tour of Mansfield College, an impressive college of magnificent 17th century architecture fused with modern buildings conjoined with vast green spaces. We not only saw the student accommodation, hearing first hand experiences from the students and seeing their learning spaces We also saw the spectacular library one of the oldest buildings in the college, an enormous structure with a long, winding stone staircase, old wooden flooring and awe-inspiring decorated carved ceilings adorned by great paintings; it comprised of a whole maze of small rooms with books on all subjects. Another truly impressive building was the Chapel which - contrary to its name - is actually where Mansfield students, with the college voted the best in Oxford for vegan and vegetarian food, have their lunch. With its huge marble pillars and great wooden structures, the college proved to be a remarkable place and, according to the students, a great place to learn and live.
Finally before departing, we had enjoyed the delightful experience of making solar cells with a group of students studying Material Sciences which introduced many of us to a totally new field which proved to be fascinating and engaging. We discussed energy in the UK, the transition to renewable energy and the issues surrounding it, all very poignant in today's world. The trip to Mansfield College proved to be a tremendous opportunity and allowed us to learn not only about applications, university life, post-16 and university subject choices and careers (all becoming increasingly relevant as we rapidly approach GCSE examinations) but also to visit a truly historical building with statues and plaques dedicated to historical figures and even a building opened by HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. It was a wonderful experience and a day of fun, learning and contemplation.
By Nathan
Battlefields Trip
Battlefields Trip
2nd & 3rd February 2023
After a rather abrupt 4am departure, the journey to Belgium began. At Folkestone we were lucky enough to collect our tour guides Martin and Dave. Slowly but surely everyone began to open their eyes and we arrived at our first stop. Our first stop was Tyne Cot cemetery where we were able to understand some personal stories from soldiers from our local area, locating their grave stones. We then visited a German cemetery that was quite different to the British ones. Having spent a day deepening our respect and knowledge of the First World War we attended the Last Post Ceremony held at the Menin Gates. After a day of learning the stories of the lost we were incredibly grateful to honour their stories by having two of our peers, alongside Mr Pinches, lay a wreath on behalf of our school. The sound of the Buglers at 8pm is a sound I hope my peers and I can forever cherish.
On the second day of our adventures we were driven across the Belgium/France border on our way to the Somme. Our visit to the Somme led us down the path the initial 120,000 Allied soldiers took when launching the attack on the Somme. On our way we saw remnants of the attack such as British barbed wire. Following our journey around the Somme we visited the third country on our itinerary - Canada! Some groups were able to venture up the memorial to the Newfoundland regiment adorned by a sculpture of a moose. To conclude our two day tour of Belgium and France we visited the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing in which we took a moment to reflect.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the teachers who facilitated the trip, the coach drivers, those who fed us - and allowed us to eat in their barns. And also Dave and Martin whose wealth of knowledge allowed us to develop a deeper respect for those who lost their lives and liberties in the First World War.
‘We will thank you, cheer you, kiss you,
When you come back again’
‘Your King and Country Want You’
Paul Rubens, 1914
Written by
Erin, Year 9
Tyne Cot Cemetery
**Click on the images below to see further information on LAB Life**
Design Museum Trip
Design Museum Trip
Just before Christmas, we took our year ten students to The Design Museum in London. They had the opportunity to see the exhibition ‘Objects of Desire,’ a surrealist take on Design which encouraged material understanding and innovation in their own ideas.
Christmas Market
Christmas Market
Our amazing students also helped to run a Christmas market that was really well received by the LAB community. Using their design skills, they made festive products such as decorations, cards and trinkets. Those studying Food Preparation and Nutrition also made hundreds of cup cakes, biscuits, as well as offering warm, rich hot chocolates to many buyers. This magnificent effort raised over £300 for our local food bank.
Wicked Trip!
Wicked Trip!
On 18th January, LAB's Performing Arts department went to Apollo Victoria Theatre to see Wicked the Musical.
The students had the most incredible day and were praised on being so well behaved and enthusiastic by the members of the audience.
We look forward to taking students on more trips like this.
Trisiah Y10: “I think this play is very inspirational and has an interesting take on the well-known story of The Wizard of Oz.The acting was really good and captured the audience's attention.”
Niamh in Y10: “I thought the play was amazing and well performed. I thought the acting was done very well and the actors portrayed the characters accurately and effectively. The impact on the audience was that it was easy to get immersed into the world of Oz. The actors drew in the audience in a way as such to keep them interested and entertained whilst remaining naturalistic.”
Blackheath Halls Trip
Blackheath Halls Trip
On Friday 13th January, Trinity Laban Symphony Orchestra invited Y10 GCSE Music to watch a performance/working rehearsal of Holst’s Planets at Blackheath Halls led by well-known conductor Shaun Matthew. It was an exciting opportunity to see a full scale orchestra, to be able to ask questions related to our exam questions and find out what studying music at university is like.
Music Lessons - Register your Interest!
Music Lessons - Register your Interest!
Trinity Laban Jazz Lecture
Trinity Laban Jazz Lecture
On Friday 17th March, students from Trinity Laban Music Conservatoire led an hours lecture with our Y10 GCSE Music class, where they performed a 20 minute Jazz set.
This was then followed by our GCSE class taking part in an interactive workshop where they were taught some jazz playing techniques, melodies and harmonies and finished off by a whole performance. This was an amazing session our students really enjoyed and enhanced our connection with Trinity Laban with the hopes of more opportunities.
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