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Perhaps an undervalued part of our programme, and one we don't talk about as much as we should is the Progressive Skills in Action element, also known as PSiA. It happens four times a week, every weekday except on Wednesday due to the excursion. Students work in small groups and collaborate to create something which they can present to their peers during the Friday afternoon session.

The PSiA is particularly popular with our students as it features the Student Ambassadors, our British students from the local area who take part and assist with the project. It is a unique opportunity for the International learners to be in a classroom with young people who speak English as a first language and to work with them to create something truly special. Topics can vary, but are often focused on entrepreneurial, cultural awareness and business tasks which students may not often have opportunities to practise at home.

Why we think it's so important is related to the "soft skills" which students can acquire from such activities. What do we mean by "soft skills"? Adaptability, teamwork, communication. More and more these skills are becoming harder to develop, with our newly interconnected world valuing digital communication above other methods. Here at Whitgift we are absolutely committed to not only developing young people who can achieve academically, and our programme certainly develops that, but also who are more rounded young adults entering the world of work.

In this sense, PSiA develops essential abilities which cannot be easily practised in a "traditional" learning session. While teachers are present during these sessions, students are encouraged to take the lead, decide on how best to develop and eventually present their project. Doing this in a group with a variety of students from other nationalities is a golden opportunity for Whitgift Summer School students to develop abilities while having fun, developing relationships and ultimately creating something they can be proud of at the end of the week.

On an anecdotal level, I was thoroughly entertained, and amazed at some of the work produced by our students last year, particularly in one week where students were designing their own Summer Courses in a variety of locations. As I moved from class to class seeing where the students were basing their Summer Course, what kind of pricing structure they wished to use, and what their course's unique selling points were. It was also, of course, hilarious to see which Whitgift Summer School rules they wanted to keep, and which they wanted to get rid of. Perhaps you can guess which of our rules they were less willing to enforce!

All in all, the PSiA is a vital part of our programme, as mentioned at the start, perhaps valued a little less because of the skills it gives, less tangible than grades or sporting achievements, but no less essential in the lives of young people.

Is this course for you? Complete our booking/enquiry form here: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/summer-school-book
Or email us for more information at: summerschool@whitgift.co.uk