On Friday 12 December, around 80 Year 8 students from Ark Globe Academy spent the day exploring what life beyond school could look like during a lively and carefully coordinated visit to London South Bank University.
The visit brought together multiple parts of the LSBU Group, including London South Bank University, South Bank Colleges, and the Group’s sixth form provision, giving students a joined-up experience of education pathways from school through to further and higher education. The event was jointly organised by Keely Wills, Outreach Officer at South Bank Colleges, and Jessica Judd, Outreach Manager at London South Bank University, who worked closely to ensure the day ran smoothly from start to finish.
From the moment the students arrived at the LSBU Hub, the atmosphere was one of excitement and curiosity. The day opened with a welcome session that set the tone for what was to come, including a short talk from Craig Hanlon-Smith, Principal of London South Bank Technical College, who spoke to students about college life, future choices, and the many routes available after secondary school.
Exploring the campus and future possibilities
Following the welcome, students were split into smaller cohorts to allow everyone to take part fully in the activities on offer.
One half of the group headed out on guided campus tours, led by LSBU student ambassadors. In small groups, students explored key university spaces, asked questions, and got a real feel for what a university environment is like day to day. For many, this was their first experience of being on a university campus.
Meanwhile, the other half took part in interactive sessions delivered by colleagues from South Bank Colleges. Marisa Ferguson and Nassima Aissar from the SBC Work Experience team led engaging discussions around student life, enrichment opportunities, and future careers, weaving in activities that encouraged students to think about their own interests and aspirations.
The sessions then flowed into a hands-on maths activity led by Olivia Cranmer-Gordon and Mathias Kulubya from South Bank University Academy, giving students the chance to tackle problem-solving challenges in a supportive and energetic setting.
Midway through the morning, the groups swapped over, ensuring every student experienced both the campus tour and the interactive sessions.
Designing a university of their own
After lunch, the students regrouped for one of the highlights of the day: the “Design Your University” challenge. Following a short introduction on what university is and why people choose to go, students worked in teams to design their own ideal university.
The results were imaginative, thoughtful, and often ambitious. Each group presented their ideas to their peers, developing confidence, teamwork, and presentation skills along the way.
A successful and inspiring day
The visit concluded with students completing evaluation forms and reflecting on what they had learned before being escorted back off campus by ambassadors.
The day ran smoothly from start to finish and showcased the strength of collaboration across the LSBU Group. Most importantly, it gave younger students an accessible and positive introduction to further and higher education, helping to demystify university life and spark ideas about their own futures.
Events like this play a vital role in raising aspirations and showing students that there are many routes available to them. Judging by the energy, engagement, and creativity on display throughout the day, the visit achieved exactly that.
