Year 10 work experience gives students the opportunity to step outside the classroom and gain a real insight into the world of work. It helps them explore possible career paths while developing important skills such as communication, teamwork and confidence.

This year, students completed placements across a wide range of workplaces including Farmers Fayre, Engineering companies, Pharmacies, Banks CBS - marketing department, Primary schools, Nurseries and Law firms. Experiencing such a variety of sectors allowed students to see the many different roles and career pathways available. Students had an amazing time during their placements, and it was fantastic to see them making the most of the opportunity and sharing experiences with their peers.

Students who remained in school also took part in a planned work experience programme, which included CV writing workshops, presentation skills, talks and activities from Universities (Northampton) and Colleges (WCG), and visits from organisations such as Stepnell Construction and the Police. They also attended an apprenticeship fair at the Coventry Rugby Club and visited The Albany theatre, where they learned about the many roles involved in running a theatre, from the director to sound and lighting technicians. Students even had the chance to use some of the equipment themselves, giving them a hands-on experience they are unlikely to forget.

Employers shared extremely positive feedback about the students, praising their enthusiasm, attitude and willingness to learn. It was wonderful to see students representing the school so well while gaining such valuable experiences.

Please see some of the highlights from our week of Year 10 work experience at Finham, showcasing the amazing experiences students had both on placement and in school.

 

Employer Feedback

Farmers Fayre

I am writing to express how impressed we have been with the students from Finham Park who have joined us for work experience placements. They have consistently demonstrated professionalism, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic, and they have been a real credit to your school.

At Farmers Fayre, we place great value on supporting young people as they gain practical workplace skills. It has been a pleasure to see how well-prepared your students are, both in their attitude and their willingness to learn often proving themselves a valuable member of the team despite being with us for a short time. Some students now have weekend jobs which is fantastic!

We are delighted to continue our involvement with your work experience programme.

Finham Primary Nursery

Isla has been fantastic during her work experience placement in our nursery. She has been proactive, punctual, and consistently friendly, quickly building lovely relationships with the children and staff alike. She approaches each day with a positive attitude, shows confidence in using her initiative, and has been a real asset to the setting. We would welcome her back in a heartbeat and have thoroughly enjoyed having her with us.

 

Student Feedback

Dan – enjoyed his trips to the Albany Theatre and Coventry Rugby Club – he learned how to get an apprenticeship and said that was a valuable experience.

Lara – went to a primary school and worked with nursery and reception children. She enjoyed it and learned that she would like to work in a school environment.

 

We celebrated World Book Day yesterday with a variety of activities. From staff dress up, the whole of year 7 participating in a book swap and an exciting scavenger hunt in the library; Finham loves to read!

New Student Leadership Team – the first half term

Students at Finham Park School rounded off the academic year in spectacular style with FinhamFest25, a vibrant celebration of inclusion, achievement, and community spirit.

The end-of-year rewards event, held on the school grounds, offered a dynamic mix of high-energy thrills and inclusive activities, reflecting the school’s commitment to fun, inclusivity, and kindness. From classic adrenaline pumping rides to a spirited game of wheelchair basketball, the day brought the entire student body together in celebration.

New to this year’s festival was the addition of an Escape Room challenge, a 360-degree photo booth, and a buzzing roller disco that kept students spinning with joy. One of the biggest hits of the day was the Main Stage, which hosted the school’s first-ever Battle of the Bands. Talented student musicians showcased their skills, turning the school field into a mini Glastonbury festival.

As the sun dipped lower, excitement shifted to Finham’s first-ever “Concert on the Field”; an evening performance that capped off the day with live music, community vibes, and lasting memories.

But FinhamFest25 wasn’t just about fun, it carried a meaningful message. In a heartwarming celebration of kindness, students received a brightly coloured bracelet symbolising the school’s value of promoting kindness. These bands serve as daily reminders for students to do one small act of kindness for someone else.

This week, Finham Park School proudly hosted two successful SEND Coffee Mornings for parents and carers, offering a valuable opportunity for discussion, support, and collaboration.

Year 6 Transition Coffee Morning - Wednesday 9 July 2025

On Wednesday, we welcomed parents and carers of incoming Year 7 students to our Year 6 SEND Coffee Morning. This session focused on how we support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as they transition into secondary school.

Parents met key members of the SEND team, including Jo Kovacs (Director of SEND), Deputy SENDCOs Rachael Hurton and Cat Reardon, as well as our wider pastoral and support staff. We explained how we gather information from primary schools to ensure a smooth start for every student, and shared how Pupil Passports are created to outline key strategies for supporting students.

The session also covered:

• How students are placed on the SEND register.

• Types of needs we support, including Autism Spectrum Condition, ADHD, Specific Learning Difficulties, Speech & Language needs, and more.

• Access arrangements for exams.

• How we work with external agencies such as Educational Psychology, CAMHS, and Speech & Language Services.

• Key contacts for parents if they have concerns or questions.

Parents appreciated the chance to meet the staff, ask questions, and learn about the strong network of support available at Finham Park.

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Current Parent Coffee Morning - Friday 11 July 2025

Today, we welcomed current parents and carers to explore two key topics aimed at supporting students' wellbeing and progress: Energy Accounting for Autistic Fatigue and Burnout and Understanding and Managing Anxiety.

Energy Accounting and Autistic Burnout

Led by Deputy SENDCO Rachael Hurton, this session explored autistic fatigue and burnout, common challenges for autistic students. Parents learned about:

• The causes of autistic fatigue, such as sensory overload, social pressures, and masking behaviours.

• The signs of burnout, which may include meltdowns, increased sensitivity, and even physical shutdowns.

• How “Energy Accounting” can help students balance their energy by tracking what activities drain or replenish them, and adjusting their routines to avoid burnout.

Understanding and Managing Anxiety

In the second part of the morning, we focused on anxiety, a significant issue for many young people. The session covered:

• The impact of anxiety on learning, health, and relationships.

• Building a “toolkit” of strategies to manage anxiety effectively.

• The process for referrals to external services, such as CAMHS, if additional support is required.

Parents were provided with practical strategies they can try at home and reassured that our Learning Mentors and support staff are on hand to work closely with families.

Thank You

We would like to thank all the parents and carers who attended this week. Your engagement and collaboration are vital in supporting your children to thrive at Finham Park.

If you were unable to attend but would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact our SEND team or your child’s College Mentor.

Over 1,000 students from came together for an unforgettable Festival of Sports - Sports Day, celebrating athleticism, teamwork and resilience in glorious summer sunshine.

This year’s festival was the biggest yet, with students competing in an incredible 27 different sports and events. From classic track and field races to football, rugby, tennis, rounders, netball, dodgeball and table tennis, there was something for everyone. More adventurous events such as rock climbing and archery proved especially popular, while two-touch football and even chess showcased the wide range of talents and interests within the student body. Throughout the day, the sports field and surrounding areas were alive with excitement, as pupils pushed themselves to achieve their personal bests and worked together to earn points for their colleges. In total, more than 250 winners were crowned across the events; a testament to the incredible effort, determination and skill shown by competitors.