Year 12 students with an interest in medicine and healthcare at Shireland Biomedical UTC took part in a virtual reality session designed to replicate clinical environments and develop their understanding of decision-making in healthcare settings.
Working through simulated scenarios, students diagnosed virtual patients, assessed symptoms and selected appropriate treatment pathways. The session reflected the pace and complexity of real-world healthcare, requiring participants to make informed decisions under pressure.
Delivered in collaboration with Matthews CodeCraft, the session formed part of a wider approach to enriching post-16 study through applied learning. The organisation develops immersive virtual environments that mirror professional scenarios across science, technology, engineering and healthcare, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and future careers.
The activity enabled students to engage directly with clinical-style challenges, strengthening their understanding of how academic knowledge is applied in practice. It also supported the development of key skills including problem-solving, decision-making and adaptability.
Jo Lawrence, Head of Sixth Form at Shireland Biomedical UTC, said: “What matters at this stage is giving students a clear, realistic view of the fields they’re aiming to enter. Working through clinical scenarios like this helps them see the standard expected in healthcare including the pace, complexity and the level of decision-making involved. It challenges them to apply what they’ve learned in a way that simply isn’t possible in a classroom alone.
“For students considering medicine or related courses, that insight is invaluable in shaping their next steps and preparing them for the demands of higher education and professional training.”
The session formed part of the UTC’s ongoing commitment to providing career-focused learning that supports students in exploring future pathways within medicine and healthcare.
Applications for year 12 entry in September 2026 are now open via Applicaa, the Academy’s online admissions system. Further details about Shireland Sixth Form and how to apply are available on the Academy website.
