Students at Shireland Sixth Form were encouraged to raise their ambitions and recognise their potential during a return visit from Aim A Little Higher.
The personal development organisation delivered a session led by Co-Founder and Company Director, Kamal Ellis-Hyman, using real-life stories, interactive activities and discussion to challenge students to think differently about their aspirations and the choices that could shape their future.
Aim A Little Higher works with young people to help them move from potential to performance, with its programmes focused on confidence, clarity and communication. Its sessions are delivered by experienced educators and motivational professionals, using an energetic and relatable approach to personal development.
Students explored the importance of self-belief, personal responsibility and the habits they developed during their time in education. The session also highlighted how confidence and effective communication could help them make the most of opportunities in education and beyond.
Ben Brogan, Head of Sixth Form at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “We know that strong grades can open doors, but they do not tell the whole story of whether a young person is ready to walk through them. By the time our students leave sixth form, we want them to know what they are capable of, to be able to communicate that with confidence and to have the resilience to keep going when things may not always go according to plan.
“That’s why bringing people like Kamal into sixth form is so important. They can reach students in a different way from classroom lessons and, sometimes, challenge them to see themselves differently. If a student leaves the room thinking, ‘I can do more than I thought I could’, and then carries that belief into their next decision, that is meaningful development. It’s exactly the kind of learning that stays with them beyond their time with us.”
The visit gave students an opportunity to reflect on where they were, where they wanted to go and what they could do to move towards their goals, reinforcing the role of personal development alongside academic achievement.
Applications for Year 12 at Shireland Sixth Form starting September 2027 are now open. To find out more and apply visit the Academy website.
