END OF TERM 3 NEWS : STUDENT SHOUT‑OUT – YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENTS AT EDWARDS!

Edwards Vacuum, one of our South Downs Learning Trust #CommunityChampion partners and long standing supporter of #TeamRatton‘s extensive #Careers programme, were the perfect hosts!

Jessica, Gracie and Cassandra, #TeamYear10, all currently studying GCSE #Engineering at Ratton, spent the last five days of term gaining real‑world experience inside a leading engineering company, an opportunity that has given them hands‑on insight into the world of #STEM careers.

Learning in a Real Engineering Environment

Throughout the week, the students:

Learned about the importance of PPE in a factory setting (lab coats and safety shoes at the ready!)

Shadowed team leaders across different departments

Took part in tasks including:

Filament building

Attaching components to gauges

Using a vacuum press machine

Fitting components onto a motherboard

Their placement ended with an engineering challenge on the final day, a brilliant chance to put their new knowledge and skills into action!

The girls shared that they found the experience interesting, welcoming and inspiring, with the Edwards Vacuum team making the week enjoyable, supportive and meaningful. Thank you #TeamEdwards!

Specifically, a huge thank you to Dominique Whitefoot (Talent Development Specialist) and the entire team at #Edwards for providing such a valuable experience and helping widen participation for girls pursuing STEM pathways. Opportunities like this really do open doors and we hope the insight gained this week sparks an even stronger interest in engineering for our students – boys and girls alike!

Jessica, Gracie and Cassandra, #TeamYear10, we are incredibly proud of your enthusiasm, effort and professionalism throughout your placement. What a brilliant start to your future pathways and #LifeAfterRatton!

FOR MORE INFORMATION about our broad and balanced #Curriculum at Ratton, including GCSE Engineering, check out our website, LINK HERE : www.ratton.co.uk