By Katie Betteridge
This term, the Make Happen FE team have been working hard to support students in sixth forms and colleges across Essex to build their resilience, self-confidence, and develop effective future-planning skills. Discussions with our local teachers and students, identified a common theme that students’ feel they are lacking motivation in this post-pandemic education environment. As a result, Katie from Make Happen devised a unique two-part programme for sixth form and college students to help tackle some of these post-pandemic challenges called ‘Let Your Future Flourish’!
The project included a 1:1 career adviser meeting to help plan their future pathway, whilst setting achievable goals to help reach those aims. In addition, students received a wellbeing goodie box full of resources from partner universities including University of Essex, Writtle University College, Anglia Ruskin University and University of East London. Students were encouraged to take some time out for themselves, to relax and enjoy the gifted chocolate whilst reviewing their action plans.
This was shortly followed by an inspiring virtual webinar delivered by Inclusive Futures where students reviewed their values and reflected upon whether they aligned with their future goals. It rounded off the programme nicely, and even Make Happen staff left the session feeling calm, collected and with the skills to confidently assess their own values.
We received overwhelmingly positive responses from the students and staff involved. One student told us “I found out what my personal values are and how they link to the future career I want”.
We are very excited to run the project again soon – so keep your eyes peeled!
Who are the Make Happen FE Team?
At Make Happen, Katie and Annika from our team are dedicated to supporting the students and staff at our local sixth forms and colleges. They have a programme of creative and inspiring events they run throughout the year that you can get involved with. They ensure that all events are tailored to the unique challenges highlighted in our local communities and of the current educational climate, such as ‘Let Your Future Flourish’ above.