The Island Free School recently welcomed current Year 6 pupils for Open Day, giving them a chance to explore the campus, meet the teachers, and see what each department has to offer. Prospective pupils had the opportunity to learn about various subjects, from History to Media Studies, PE, and many more. Each room was filled with interactive activities designed to engage visitors, providing an exciting glimpse into secondary school life and the start of their next chapter.
Here’s a look at what some of the departments prepared for the day:
Media Room
In the Media room, a Victorian-themed setup allowed children and parents to try on period costumes and use a green screen to “teleport” back in time, placing themselves on a wanted poster from the Victorian era. With media tech magic, the green screen was transformed into a vintage black-and-white background, and the final product was printed out as a keepsake. This creative experience showcased how media tools are used in filmmaking and advertising.
Art Rooms
The Art department set up two rooms: one displaying pupils’ work with explanations of the ideas behind each piece, and another where visitors could watch live painting demonstrations and ask questions. There was also an interactive textiles station where children could try using a sewing machine. This hands-on approach offered a glimpse into the skills students can develop and may even inspire future artists.
PE Room
In the PE room, visitors could try a rowing machine, competing for the best time and speed against other pupils. There were displays outlining what’s covered in PE at KS3 and GCSE levels, along with information about sports teams and training. To bring PE to life, a recording of a girls’ hockey match played on the smartboard, giving insight into school teamwork and sportsmanship.
History Room
The History room set an interactive scene with displays and activities like a life-sized model representing medieval causes of death, where children could guess what may have happened to the “victim.” Pupils could also explore Anglo-Saxon and Viking relic replicas, guessing their time periods. The room featured impressive past homework projects, including models made by current pupils, showcasing how history is brought to life at TIFS.
English Room
The English room featured a variety of engaging activities, such as “The Neverending Story,” where children could add their own line to a collaborative story. Another popular activity was a haiku creation station, with children’s haikus posted on a “tree” as leaves. Alongside these interactive tasks, GCSE textbooks and classic literature were displayed, offering insight into the subjects they’d study at TIFS.
And that was just a few of the many highlights of TIFS Open Day! Alongside these subject displays, Headteacher Mr. Boyd welcomed families with a speech about the school’s ethos and achievements, accompanied by the school’s Jazz Band, which played as guests arrived and departed. Teachers were also available throughout the school to answer questions from both children and parents.
By
Benjamin P, Demi S & Sofia P