insideKENT Magazine Issue 24 - March 2014 | Page 52

EDUCATION

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Sandwich Technology School
Despite the weather Sandwich Technology School's Sixth Form students still have plenty to be excited
about. As after months of fundraising, a group of students are now just weeks away from departing on a
two-week adventure in central India.

Those not attending either of the two trips offered
in 2014 have the opportunity to become part of
a groundbreaking global pilot, exploring a
pioneering new approach to education by working
far more closely with local businesses.
Sandwich Technology School is one of few
schools chosen globally by the International
Baccalaureate to pilot its new Career-Related
Certificate. Coordinator Matt Fenwick is excited
about the opportunities the course offers:
"Universities are looking for more than just
qualifications. It is no longer good enough to just
have good grades. Now you need the X-Factor
and that’s what we’re trying to do here."
The school is developing links with local
businesses and we’re very proud of the work

being done with Howletts Zoo, in which students
are working with keepers designing and
fundraising for an eco-friendly straw bale
enclosure for a group of endangered macaques.
Another opportunity for students to enrich
their CVs is provided through the school’s
independent India project. Students are supported
through the raising of £1750 and flown to a
remote and rural corner of India where they will
work with a community to develop infrastructure.
Now entering its third year, the project has been
a massive success.
"The important element is that the students
take the lead," says Matt Fenwick who runs the
trip, "The students do everything from planning
through to digging and concreting."

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Year 13 student Jaffer Adams sums it up
neatly: "The most exciting thing about an
education at STS is the limitless possibilities on
offer here."
For more information about the IBCC course
or the India project, contact Matt Fenwick via
ma GB