Drop Down Day
On Thursday 14 November, Preston Manor Upper School had the first of three drop down days, an initiative designed to adjust the regular timetable to focus on educational enrichment.
On this day, students stepped away from their usual classes to participate in activities, seminars and off-site visits aimed at expanding their learning horizons.
The primary goal of the day was to provide students with enriching experiences that address topics beyond the school curriculum. These activities aligned with the core values of We ARE Preston Manor - Ambition, Responsibility and Excellence. The programme was crafted to foster student engagement, inspire ambition and promote holistic development. It emphasised the development of essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, resilience and critical thinking, which are vital for a student’s personal growth and future success.
Here’s an overview of the day’s activities by year group:
| Year Group | Activity Theme | Details |
| 7 | Team building & Careers | Students attended an external presentation by the Canal & River Trust focusing on STEM, followed by a science-based project to design and plan a pulley system capable of transporting a weighted structure. |
| 8 | Team building & Careers | Similar to Year 7, students engaged in a STEM-focused presentation and a hands-on project to construct a bridge capable of supporting a 3kg weight. |
| 9 | Cultural Awareness & Critical thinking | Students visited the Natural History Museum and participated in a treasure trail. |
| 10 | Exploring London & Careers | Students were divided into two groups: one explored London’s iconic landmarks and universities, while the other attended a Careers Day led by Talent Foundry to inspire aspiration and ambition. |
| 11 | Ambition and Responsibility | The day featured an external presentation by Humanutopia focusing on motivation and ambition, along with sessions on study skills and exam preparation. |
| 12 & 13 | Cultural awareness Ambition/Careers Exploring university sites across London | Students explored various university campuses across London. |
Preston Manor’s Drop Down Day successfully combined education, inspiration, and skill-building, ensuring students had a memorable and impactful experience.