Weymouth College helps primary school children move to next step

Weymouth College welcomed 500 schoolchildren for its annual Primary College programme last week.

Year 6 pupils from 11 local schools took part in the three-day event, to better prepare them for their next step to secondary school, and to inspire them in subjects they may pursue later in life.

The children each took part in two of the 40 hands-on workshops on offer, covering a diverse range of activities, from 3D modelling and photography, to samba drums and sign language, boxing or brickwork.

Weymouth College’s Schools Liaison Officer, Peter Vowles, commented: “In each workshop session there were only two children from each school, so that over the three days they were here, the children made lots of new friends and felt happier about joining a big secondary school in September.

“The Primary College concept really works; it’s a transitional period for the children between primary and secondary school and sticks in their minds as it’s something different to what they would learn in school.”

As part of a news reporting workshops, children interviewed their peers and wrote about what they had been doing over the three days. Here are some extracts:

Acting for film and TV

Emmett, aged 11, from St Andrew’s, told us what he liked about his workshop (Acting for Film and TV). He said it was surprising and he liked the creativity. In addition, he said he likes acting and how actors perform and the way they do things.

He also revealed that he was playing a horse in his activity, and his friend was a knight; and he added that he likes behaving in “animal-like ways”. Moreover, he said he was enjoying the workshop and it was great fun.

Computer music

Lilly, aged 11, from Wyke Regis, told us about her workshop (Computer Music) and how much she enjoyed it. She said that it was fun because you can explore the music, as well as make it. She also said she was creating something with a “Hip Hop style”. Additionally, she said that she picked this workshop because she likes music and already does it in school.

Cabin crew

Casper, aged 11, from Radipole, chose Cabin Crew. He said they did safety checks as flight attendants and learnt about how to be safe whilst on a plane. Casper wouldn’t normally have picked this workshop, because it wasn’t the thing he would usually do, but he enjoyed it and enjoyed the safety checks too.

Cooking delicious food

Freddie, aged 10, from Wyke Regis, told us that he was cooking pizza and was excited to do it. He also said that he chose this workshop (Cook Delicious Food) because he wanted to see what it was like and just felt like it. Furthermore, he said that cooking is fun and he wants to learn more about it.

By Summer, aged 11, from St Andrew’s

Arts and amazing experiences!

Today, we interviewed children from schools across Dorset and they informed us of the experience they had at Primary College. Ted and Amelia took part in two separate workshops: Hairdressing and Special Effects for Film & TV.

Ted, who did Special Effects, stated: “I enjoy working on special effects as it’s fun and I can choose what I want to do to express myself. I don’t find it hard because there’s a helper around to answer any questions.”

We asked Ted what he was working on, to which he replied: “We are putting special effects onto a video about a white, ghost-like alien. Although I had to wait my turn, I still thought it was really fun. It was my first time doing this, and I’m glad I chose to try it out. I’d certainly recommend it.”

We also interviewed a girl named Amelia. She was doing a workshop on Hairdressing and was having a brilliant time doing an activity which was familiar but that she could still learn a lot in. “We are doing a mannequin’s hair and I really like it. I enjoy being creative with the hair and choosing the style. I’ve done hairdressing before and would definitely recommend this workshop. It’s inspiring, fun and lets you be creative. I like making the hair super colourful and cutting it too. It’s a bit tricky but I would still give it a 5/5.”

The workshop helped educate the children on the art of hairdressing, by teaching them how to do things such as curl and blow dry wigs, and rid others of knots. The staff were clearly having a large, helpful impact on the activity and were obviously understanding of the hardships children may face.

In summary, 2024’s Primary College was a wonderful experience that introduced children to helpful skills used in everyday life.

By Sienna and Staniya, aged 11, from St Augustine’s Primary School

Bricklaying through the generations

Today, in Primary College, we walked into the Brickwork workshop, unaware that we might well be in the same room as a future bricklayer. As we entered, we observed and spotted that they were making an arch with cement and (of course) bricks.

Alfie, who was happily working at his own station, volunteered to help us with our interview.  We asked him if he is enjoying his second workshop of the day. He kindly and confidently replied: “So far bricklaying has been an amazing experience, as my father and grandfather were both bricklayers themselves.’

The 11-year-old boy from St Augustine’s also thought this activity was extremely relaxing, and he said it took his mind off stress and personal worries.

Bethan and Max, aged 11, from Radipole

Childcare at Primary College

We interviewed some girls in Childcare. They were called Mia and Alyssa. They are both 11 years old. We asked a few questions including, “Would you like to do this job when you are older?” This is what they replied with: “Yes, because you get to spend time with little ones and we love babies and older children.”

We asked, “Did you want to come to this workshop, and why?” Alyssa replied: “Yes, because we want to study it.” I was really shocked because I hate it when all the babies cry at once! Nellie, my helper, took lots of funny pictures of the baby clothes and some pictures of the little ones! Our interviewees were really enthusiastic. We loved going around the college.

Ashleigh and Nellie, aged 11, St John’s

Fantastic futsal

James is an 11-year-old boy who attends Bincombe Primary School. He was participating in the futsal workshop. We asked him a series of questions.

Our first question was, “Are you enjoying Primary College?”

He answered with: “Yes, because it’s really fun and there are a variety of activities and things to do.”

The next question was, “What workshop has been your favourite so far? And why?”

He responded: “Futsal, because I really enjoy sport and am very sporty.”

Another question was, “Are there any workshops you wanted to do but didn’t get? If so, which ones and why?”

He said: “Brickwork, because I want to experience construction.”

Our final question was, “Do any of the workshops you’ve done so far give you an idea of what you want to do in future?”

James said: “Yes, football or futsal, as I am quite good at both and really enjoyed them.”

Noah and Victoria, aged 11, Conifers

It’s my First Time!

We spoke to Ashlee and Lola from Wyke Regis, aged 10 and 11. They were taking part in a Boxing workshop, because they thought it would be fun and a new experience. They were learning punches such as ‘hooks’, ‘uppercuts’ and ‘dashes’. They also learnt how to skip in a warm-up and completed an obstacle course. They were lucky to choose this workshop because they enjoyed it. They recommended this workshop to all the other pupils taking part in the amazing Primary College event.

Working Together

We interviewed Lyla, aged 11, from Wyke Regis, who was having fun playing some Team Games. They were only 15 minutes in and had just finished their warm-ups, but they were already having lots of fun playing dodgeball. Lyla said that her team were working extremely well together by cheering each other on.

By Lola and Belle, aged 11, from Wyke Regis

Layla and Jacob, students at Conifers and Wyke Regis, are both 11 years old and went to TV Studio today. This has helped them think about what they want to do as a future career. “It’s a wonderful experience and it would be an enjoyable job.” In this workshop, they learnt that it is special to be the one in the spotlight. They enjoyed performing in front of the camera and also enjoyed being the one to record the video. They chose this wonderful workshop because they thought it would be an interesting skill to use one day. So far, their favourite workshops have been Sign Language and TV Studio.

Rosie, aged 11, from St Andrew’s