Magna Academy, part of Aspirations Academies Trust, is demonstrating its strong commitment to preparing young people for the future through its Aspirations Employability Diploma (AED), a core programme undertaken by all Year 12 students.
The Academy places employability at the heart of its sixth form offer, ensuring students develop the skills needed to thrive beyond education. Through the AED, students focus on building key “Power Skills” communication, collaboration, character, creativity and critical thinking, alongside their academic studies.
Katie Stafford, Assistant Principal at Magna Academy, emphasised the importance of this approach:
“It is crucial for our young people to understand the importance of employability skills in today’s world. With higher levels of youth unemployment nationally, we are determined to equip our students with the skills, confidence and experiences they need to succeed. I am delighted to lead on the Aspirations Employability Diploma and see the impact it has on our young people.”
As part of the programme, Year 12 students work in teams to tackle real-world challenges. This year, students are addressing a topic currently being widely debated across the UK: the impact of social media use and screen time on young people’s mental wellbeing. Students have been challenged to design workshops that promote positive mental wellbeing through physical or creative activities, offering healthy alternatives to screen-based behaviours. To support this work, the Academy was delighted to welcome AFC Bournemouth footballer Ryan Christie and his wife, Georgie Christie, for a day of inspirational sessions.
Ryan Christie led an energetic physical warm-up session in the Academy’s Main Hall, highlighting the benefits of physical activity for mental health, while Georgie Christie delivered a creative, art-based workshop focused on self-expression, mindfulness and wellbeing.
Chantelle Kingundu, Sixth Form Tutor and AED teacher, spoke of the impact of the visit:
“We are incredibly grateful to Ryan and Georgie Christie for supporting this important work with our young people. Their sessions were engaging, inspiring and really helped students understand how physical and creative activities can support positive mental wellbeing.”
The workshops provided students with practical ideas and inspiration which they will now develop further as they go on to design and deliver their own wellbeing-focused activities, showcasing their Power Skills in action.
Principal Phil Midworth highlighted how the initiative reflects the Academy’s wider ethos:
“Power skills are front and centre of everything we do at Magna Academy. They are fundamental to how we prepare young people for the real world and enhance learning as students develop into confident young adults. Opportunities like this allow students to apply their learning in meaningful, real-life contexts.”
Magna Academy continues to champion innovative, real-world learning experiences that ensure students leave education not only with strong qualifications, but with the skills, character and resilience needed for life beyond school.