Fairfax Academy is opening its doors to primary school children and their families for an Open Evening next week, featuring hands-on activities, tours and talks.
On Tuesday 23 September, doors will open at 5.45pm to Year 6 and Year 5 pupils interested in catching a glimpse of life at Fairfax.
And with current students leading tours and activities throughout the evening, the aim is to create a fun, welcoming experience for potential future students ahead of their transition to secondary school.
Vice Principal Rachel Boyce explained: “The Open Evening is primarily aimed at Year 6 children and their parents, but we often have children in Year 5 attending too.
“The evening will begin with a talk from our Principal Sean Castle, outlining his vision for the school, after which parents and children get to tour the school, meet our current students and engage with the activities and facilities we have on offer.”
On their tours, visitors will get to speak to teachers and student helpers across the school’s faculties, including Maths, Science, English & Languages, Humanities, Art & Technology, Sports and the Performing Arts.
Students will lead Fairfax Academy open evening
Students from different year groups will be leading exciting activities, including science experiments, table tennis, dance, preview lessons and fun competitions.
Mrs Boyce said: “Year after year we get such positive feedback on our student guides. They’re very passionate, giving up their own time to help on Open Evenings – we’re very proud of them.
“It’s helpful for visitors to see our current pupils thriving at Fairfax – especially our Year 8s, who have very recent experience of joining the school. They’re wonderful ambassadors.”
With Fairfax receiving its greatest ever A Level results and celebrating fantastic GCSE results last month, and the school consistently ranking above national average on attendance, pupils and staff will be showing off the school with pride.
As well as opening up classrooms, the doors to Fairfax’s pioneering SEMH (Social, Emotional, Mental Health) Centre will be open for parents and children to see the pastoral support on offer for students, including those with SEND (special educational needs and/or disabilities).
There will also be information on applying for one of 26 aptitude places at Fairfax, which are open to children with exceptional talents and aptitude in the performing arts.
Mr Castle said: “Our aptitude places are open to gifted young musicians, actors and dancers, who don’t have to be from our catchment area.
“Fairfax has a rich culture of arts, and we’re keen to support young performers as much as possible.”
Fairfax usually receive over 70 applications for the performing arts aptitude places each year. This year, applications close on the Friday after the Open Evening.
Mr Castle said: “Our Open Evenings are always popular, and we look forward to welcoming in hundreds of visitors next week.”