Year 9s joined the “Light Up Lids” workshop, coding their own baseball caps to light up in different sequences and colours. Year 10 students took part in “Tech Titans: Master the Art of Website Building,” creating websites based on project briefs covering music, sport, travel, or eco-living. 

Tech Cornwall is a non-profit supporting the South West’s tech community. It has teamed up with social enterprise The Tech Frontier to strengthen the regional tech ecosystem and create more inclusive pathways into technology careers. 

The workshops gave students practical experience in coding, problem-solving, and creative digital design, bringing the technology curriculum to life. They also gave a taste of real-world tech skills, helping students explore future study and career options. 

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, Tor Bridge High aims to equip students with the skills they need for life beyond school, helping them gain independence, confidence, and the tools to reach their full potential. 

Tracy Stephenson, headteacher at Tor Bridge High, said: 

“These workshops gave our students hands-on experience with real-world tech skills, giving them a glimpse of the careers of the future and helping them see how their learning can connect beyond the classroom.” 

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: 

“Opportunities like this support our mission to transform lives through education. By bringing real-world expertise into our classrooms, we can empower young people to build new skills and explore future pathways they may not have considered.” 

Creativity flowed at Tor Bridge High this term as visiting poet Rozalie Hilton worked with students to help unleash their inner bards.

Year 7 students took part in an interactive workshop where they explored different techniques, played with language, and crafted their own original pieces. Several young writers even stepped forward to perform their poems aloud.

The visit was part of the Young Poet Laureate Programme, created by the National Poetry Centre with the National Literacy Trust and supported by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. The programme aims to inspire a new generation of young poets and build confidence through creative expression.

The session at Tor Bridge, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, also supported the school’s English curriculum, which encourages students to think independently, find their own voice, and use literature to explore their individuality and make sense of the world around them.

Tracy Stephenson, Headteacher at Tor Bridge High, said:

“It was fantastic to see our students so engaged. Rozalie’s visit gave them the chance to try something new and see what they’re capable of. We’re incredibly proud of their courage and creativity, and we’re grateful to Rozalie for helping them find fresh ways to express themselves.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“It’s inspiring to see students at Tor Bridge High discovering their own voices, exploring their creativity, and experiencing firsthand how poetry can help them understand themselves and connect with the world around them. Thank you to the Young Poet Laureate Programme for offering our students this opportunity.”

The session gave sixth formers a realistic taste of the recruitment process as they begin planning their future careers. Working through authentic interview questions used by Babcock, the interviewers challenged students to think on their feet and present themselves professionally under pressure. 

Each student received personalised, practical feedback to build confidence and improve performance in real-world interviews.  

Tor Bridge High said the experience was “invaluable” in preparing students for the next steps beyond school and especially timely, with Babcock opening applications for many of their highly competitive apprenticeships this month. 

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the school focuses on career-focused education, providing practical opportunities and guidance to help students plan their futures with confidence. This is strengthened by their long-standing partnership with Babcock, which opens up a wide range of possibilities for students.  

Tracy Stephenson, Headteacher at Tor Bridge High, said: 

"Our partnership with Babcock gives our students real-world experience they wouldn’t get in the classroom. Their team provided invaluable insight into the recruitment process, and the guidance and encouragement they offered have really boosted our sixth formers’ confidence as they look to take the next steps in their careers."   

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:   

"Opportunities like this make a real difference, helping our students see what’s possible and giving them the skills to succeed. Collaborations with companies like Babcock can change lives and inspire our young people to aim high."   

Kathryn Purse, External Engagement Advisor from Babcock’s Devonport facility, added: “Facilitating opportunities like these mock interviews at Tor Bridge High is vital in preparing students for real workplace scenarios and helping them build confidence for their future careers. By supporting and inspiring young people to explore the breadth of specialist STEM roles available, we are investing in the next generation of talent and strengthening the link between education and industry.”   

There are a number of fantastic apprenticeship opportunities available at Babcock starting in 2026 – check out their website for further information Apprenticeships · Babcock Early Careers