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Broadcasting live on DukeBox radio, quizzing author Dan Freedman about his Jamie Johnson football novels and a visit to Sky Studios were just some of the highlights enjoyed by students on the Wheeler Programme last month.
Also popular were canoeing on the lake, visits to Reading university and a building site and a lesson in Mandarin.
Two groups of students came to Wellington College for a four-night residential course.
The Year 10s did a live broadcast on the college’s radio station, lessons in chemistry, psychology and classics, and sessions in golf and shooting.
The Year 9s took a trip to Taylor Wimpey’s development The Evergreens, lessons in maths, English and DET and sessions in netball, climbing and canoeing.
Both groups visited Sky Studios in London and chatted with programme founder Nick Wheeler.
They also heard from author Dan Freedman, who thrilled them with tales of how he interviewed footballers including Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney during his years as a football reporter and gave a signed ball to the student who asked the best question during the session.
Student Jayden said afterwards: “I can’t wait to come back next year, as the programme has already given me so much more confidence.
“It is nice to be able to step into the shoes of a Wellington student for a week and get to know everyone, and the routine.
“The friends I’ve made, the experience I’ve had this year and the sense of belonging that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing have really made a positive impact on my life, and I know it has with others too.”
Head of the Wheeler Programme Sue Parker said: “It was wonderful to welcome our year 9 students for their first residential at Wellington College and get to know them.
“And our Year 10 group came back stronger than ever. They have bonded as a group and made some strong friendships and clearly feel comfortable at Wellington College interacting with staff and other students.
“We really look forward to working with them over the next few years to help them achieve their aspirations.”
Established in 2017, the Wheeler Programme is a fully-funded educational programme for around 100 selected state school pupils.
Twenty-four students are selected in Year 9 and the college helps support them until their graduation from the programme at the end of Year 13.
They start the programme with a five-day residential course at Wellington, where they experience life in a boarding school, and then take part in three or four study days a year, tailored to their age.
