Two Incredible Events Round Off a Successful Year at JCC
As the academic year draws to a close, Joseph Chamberlain College was delighted to host two of its most significant events of the year: the annual New Students’ Welcome Days and the ever-popular Year 10 Taster Days. Both events played a key role in showcasing the outstanding learning environment at JCC, while inspiring and supporting the next generation of students.
Welcome Days: An Exciting Introduction to College Life
On Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July, the college welcomed its offer holders who are planning to join JCC in the new academic year into the college. Designed to give Year 11 leavers a memorable and informative introduction to their new college and next steps, the Welcome Days offered a rich and varied programme of enjoyable and educational activities.
Offer holders had the opportunity to take part in interactive ‘Subject Insight’ sessions, delivered by teaching staff across the college, with every department offering hands-on, engaging experiences that reflected the outstanding quality of education at JCC – the only Sixth Form College in Birmingham or Solihull to be rated Ofsted ‘Outstanding’.
Highlights from the day included:
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A live mock trial in Law in our brand-new JCC Courtroom (click here to see the unveiling of the courtroom!), exploring the mysterious case of Dr Jekyll and the disappearance of Sir Danvers
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Psychology activities ranging from brain-building and stress-response tests to telling the difference between a psychologist and a serial killer
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Creative challenges in Art & Design, including printmaking and animation
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Explorations of identity and political alignment in Politics
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Biology sessions using microscopes and physiological measurement tools
- Many more from all subject areas!
Alongside their sessions, students had the chance to explore the college buildings, meet fellow future JCC students and form friendships, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Food Festival, and much more. The college also introduced key services including the JCC Extra Enrichment Programme and the Futures Team, both of which form a vital part of the wider JCC student experience.
Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive:
“The Subject Insights were so engaging and interesting, and it made me feel really excited about starting at JCC.”
“I really enjoyed meeting people before college starts — it helped me feel more confident and already part of the JCC community.”
As a follow-up to these successful days, the college looks forward to welcoming offer holders back for their personalised enrolment appointments, which will take place on Thursday 21st August or Friday 22nd August. Offer holders will receive a letter with further details soon.
Year 10 Taster Days: Inspiring the Next Generation
Later that same week, on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th July, JCC hosted nearly 2,000 Year 10 students from twelve local schools for its annual Taster Days. These two days offered a valuable opportunity for students to experience Further Education learning first-hand, gain insight into subjects they may wish to pursue post-16, and begin to imagine themselves as future college students.
Each visiting student selected four subject sessions of their choice, creating a bespoke timetable that reflected their own personal interests and aspirations. Sessions were led by JCC’s outstanding teachers and included a wide variety of subjects; every subject that the college offers was available to choose for the Taster Day – from Science, Maths and Humanities to Criminology, Sport, IT, Creative Arts, and much, much more.
“JCC is amazing — it was so fun and different to school. I’m excited for college in the future.”
“The taster sessions helped me figure out what I actually enjoy and what I want to study after I finish school. Thank you for a great day!”
In addition to their sessions, students explored the college buildings, had the chance to meet staff and current students, and enjoyed a free packed lunch. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the event was remarkable, and JCC was honoured to host students from the following schools:
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Yardleys School
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Starbank School
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Small Heath Leadership Academy
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Ark Victoria Academy
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Ark Boulton Academy
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Eden Boys’ School
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Saltley Academy
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Rockwood Academy
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Holy Trinity School
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Selly Park Girls’ School
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Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy
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Jewellery Quarter Academy
Joseph Chamberlain College extends its sincerest thanks to all of the above schools that attended this year’s Taster Days. The college greatly values its partnerships with local schools and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively in the future. It is hoped that next year, even more schools will participate in what has become a truly inspiring and impactful annual event for Year 10 students.
Looking Ahead
These two major events were a fitting conclusion to a vibrant and successful year at Joseph Chamberlain College. Both the Welcome Days and Taster Days reflect the college’s unwavering commitment to creating a supportive, stimulating, and high-achieving environment for all of its students.
The college wishes its entire community – students, staff, families, and partners – a restful and enjoyable summer break.
