Partners
At Notre Dame, we believe in the power of collaboration to enhance the educational experience of our students.
Our strategic partnerships with local businesses, universities and community organisations provide unparalleled opportunities for academic enrichment, career exploration and personal growth.
Through these partnerships, students gain access to educational trips, inspiring guest speakers, workshops and seminars, mentoring and cutting-edge resources that expand their horizons, take their learning beyond the classroom, provide invaluable insights into the wider world, and ultimately prepare them for future success.
We have actively developed strong partnerships with some very prestigious institutions, including London Southbank University, Middlesex University, Marsh, Equans and Audley Travel. Find out more below:
Expanding Horizons through Partnership with Marsh Insurance
In the academic year 2023/24, our school proudly initiated a strategic partnership with Marsh, a leading insurance company renowned for its comprehensive risk management services. This collaboration aims to provide our students with unique insights into the professional world, enhancing their educational experience through real-world applications and interactive learning opportunities.
Key Initiatives and Engagements
Careers Week Participation
During Careers Week in March, professionals from Marsh engaged with our Year 11 students, offering an invaluable session on careers in the insurance industry. This event allowed students to explore various career paths, understand the skills required in the sector, and gain first-hand knowledge from industry experts. The session not only broadened their career aspirations but also motivated many to consider insurance as a viable and exciting career option.
Year 10 Assembly and Presentation
Marsh returned later in the year to conduct an engaging presentation for our Year 10 cohort. The focus of the session was on the evolution of technology, specifically the development of mobile phones. This interactive presentation included a quiz that encouraged active participation and critical thinking amongst our students. By plotting the technological advancements and discussing future trends, Marsh helped students appreciate the rapid pace of technological innovation and its implications for various industries, including insurance.
Dragon’s Den Experience During Work Experience Week
One of the highlights of our partnership was the Dragon’s Den-style simulation held during Work Experience Week for Year 10 students. The theme of the event was "Piracy in Music Streaming," where students were tasked with developing strategies to manage and mitigate the damage caused by music piracy. The project required students to:
- Conduct in-depth research on the issue of piracy in the music streaming industry.
- Collaborate and negotiate with peers to develop a cohesive strategy, enhancing their project management skills.
- Present their findings and solutions to a panel of Dragons, which included Marsh representatives and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), in front of their peers.
One of the Dragons was assigned to mentor each team, providing guidance and insights throughout the process. This mentoring relationship was instrumental in helping students refine their ideas and improve their presentation skills.
Winning Team Recognition and Office Tour
The winning team from the Dragon’s Den event received a special invitation to tour Marsh's Tower Hill offices in September. This exclusive visit will provide students with first-hand exposure to the corporate world as well as the opportunity to interact with employees, learn about various roles within the company, and understand the operational dynamics of a leading insurance firm.
Impact and Benefits
The partnership with Marsh has significantly enriched our students' learning experiences in several ways:
- Career awareness: Students gained insights into potential career paths within the insurance industry, helping them make informed decisions about their future.
- Real-world application: By engaging in projects and presentations, students were able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Professional skills development: The activities fostered essential skills such as research, teamwork, negotiation and public speaking which are crucial for their personal and professional development.
- Industry exposure: Being able to visit Marsh's offices provides students with firsthand exposure to the corporate world, inspiring them and broadening their career aspirations.
Exploring Careers through Partnership with Audley Travel
In the academic year 2023/24, our school formed an exciting partnership with Audley Travel, a renowned travel company known for its bespoke travel experiences and commitment to sustainability. This collaboration aims to provide our students with unique opportunities to explore the travel industry, understand sustainable practices and develop essential skills through hands-on experiences.
Key Initiatives and Engagements
Careers Week Participation
During Careers Week, Duncan Middleton, People Development Manager at Audley Travel provided an enlightening session about his educational and career journey. Students were also offered a detailed look into various roles within Audley including sales, HR and marketing as well as the incredible opportunities employees get to travel.
Dragon’s Den Experience During Work Experience Week
A Dragon’s Den-style simulation was held during Work Experience Week for Year 10 students. The task was to design a sustainable 2-3 hour excursion in London, promoting eco-friendly tourism practices. Students engaged in comprehensive research, exploring various sustainable options and developing creative ideas such as walking tours and cycle tours. Key aspects of the project included:
- Research: Students conducted thorough research on sustainable tourism practices and potential routes for their excursions.
- Collaboration: They worked in teams to brainstorm and refine their ideas, enhancing their teamwork and project management skills.
- Presentation: The final ideas were presented to a panel of Dragons, which included Audley Travel representatives and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in front of their peers. This provided students with an invaluable opportunity to practice their public speaking and persuasive skills.
Summer Internship
As a continuation of their commitment to fostering aspirations, Audley Travel has generously offered a five-day summer internship during the summer holidays of 2024/25, providing selected students with hands-on experience in the travel industry. They will be able to:
- Experience Daily Operations: Understand the day-to-day functions within a travel company, from planning and logistics to customer service.
- Engage in Sustainable Practices: Learn about and participate in Audley Travel’s sustainable tourism initiatives.
- Develop Professional Skills: Gain practical skills and insights that will be beneficial for their future careers, regardless of the industry they choose to enter.
Impact and Benefits
The partnership with Audley Travel has significantly enriched our students' educational experience in several ways:
- Career awareness: Students were introduced to various career opportunities within the travel industry, helping them to consider and explore different career paths.
- Real-world application: The Dragon’s Den challenge allowed students to apply their research and creativity to a real-world challenge, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Skill development: The activities promoted the development of key skills such as research, teamwork, project management, public speaking and sustainable thinking.
- Industry exposure: The upcoming summer internship will provide students with a deeper understanding of the travel industry and practical work experience, preparing them for their future.
Building Futures through Partnership with Equans
In the academic year 2023/24, our school initiated a dynamic partnership with Equans, a leading company in the construction and engineering sector. This collaboration aims to inspire and educate our girls about careers in construction, with an emphasis on the role of women in this traditionally male-dominated field.
Key Initiatives and Engagements
Dragon’s Den Challenge During Work Experience Week
A highlight of our partnership with Equans was the Den-style simulation conducted during Work Experience Week for Year 10 students. This unique project involved designing and constructing a 40cm building using straws, integrating both practical and theoretical skills. Key components of the challenge included:
- Cross-Curricular Learning: The project incorporated both Design Technology and Mathematics, with students required to tender the costing of their building and ensure structural integrity.
- Construction and Testing: Teams had half an hour to construct their buildings, which were then tested for their ability to hold weight. This hands-on activity fostered creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and time management skills.
- Presentation and Judging: Each team presented their design and cost analysis to a panel of Dragons, including Equans representatives and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in front of their peers. This provided students with an opportunity to develop their presentation and public speaking skills.
Office Visit for Winning Team
Students from the winning team from the Dragon’s Den challenge were awarded an exclusive visit to the Equans offices at Waterloo Bridge. This visit provided students with a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of a major construction company and offered insights into various roles within the industry.
Impact and Benefits
The partnership with Equans has significantly enhanced our students' educational experiences, providing multiple benefits:
- Career awareness and inspiration: By interacting with female construction engineers, our girls were encouraged to consider careers in engineering and construction, breaking traditional gender stereotypes.
- Real-world application: The Dragon’s Den challenge allowed students to apply mathematical concepts and engage in practical problem-solving, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
- Skill development: Students developed essential skills such as creativity, teamwork, project management, critical thinking, and public speaking through the various activities and challenges.
- Industry exposure: The visit to Equans offices provided students with valuable industry exposure, enhancing their understanding of the construction sector and its career opportunities.
