Our Lockdown Work Experience with Microsoft
By Amelia F Year 11
So, to give some context, myself and 19 other people from my school were chosen to participate in a Microsoft work experience week. It was incredible, even though we had to talk to people through video calls due to Covid-19. I’m extremely interested in the computing and tech industry so this experience gave me an insight into a major tech company’s work day.
During our work experience we had to present a project as to how the Microsoft HoloLens would help the effects of Covid-19. The HoloLens is a mixed reality headset that allows you to pull up digital files whilst also seeing reality.
Day 1
This was our welcoming day so we could get used to Microsoft Teams, and talk to our mentors for the rest of the week. We were also told information about placement/intern years and apprenticeships at Microsoft.
Day 2
Today was a little bit more interesting. We had already made progress on our project, and there were virtual workshops for us to see. We learned about many people's jobs and their experiences at Microsoft and their journey to getting into Microsoft. After that, my mentor set up a meeting with a sales manager specifically for the HoloLens so that I could get a better idea about how it works and how it could help hospitals during the pandemic. After that, another workshop with a very inspirational lady, Pamela Barotti, working in collaboration with TEDx and Microsoft. She was very motivational and had an amazing story that she shared with us about her journey coming to the UK and working for Microsoft. She helped us understand how to be successful using our skills, minds and our authenticity. Lastly, she gave us a 30 day challenge; here are the rules:
DO NOT
• Complain
• Spend more than 2 hours on social media
• Watch too much bad news.
These have negative impacts on your mental health, and trying to stay positive is key.
DO
• Write a goal everyday
• Start the journey to complete the goal
• Have fun everyday!
Day 3
Today was also incredibly interesting. We had a ‘teams’ call with a new Microsoft app called Mixer - a streaming app like Twitch. It was fun to see that you can turn whatever your dream is into a real occupation. My mentor also arranged for me to build an app with Power apps. It was quite easy - just like using the Android Developer. You don’t need to know how to code with these apps, so it is very easy to make apps. He also arranged for me to talk to another amazing woman, Kitty Yeung, a Senior Program Manager in Quantum Computing at Microsoft. She innovatively incorporated tech into her own fashion line. But I was mostly star struck at the fact that she went to both Cambridge University AND Harvard where she received a PhD in Applied Physics.
Lastly, we had a LinkedIn session to show us how important it is to expand your horizons and connections with people from different experiences to better your career and your dream job.
Day 4
Day 4 was our last day. We had a session with the leader of the Microsoft Apprenticeship Programme in London to give us inspiration about different paths to go down after we finish school. Then our mentors set up mock interviews - was a little scared - but it was very useful because we got lots of tips on how to interview successfully. One tip that I want to share is when giving examples of a personal experience, use the STAR method to structure your answer.
• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result
We were encouraged that if we base our answer in this format, the employer will clearly be able to spot what you have already achieved. Lastly, the interviewer said, always be yourself. Never fake how you feel or what you enjoy just to fit in, you will be very miserable. So, to avoid that be yourself and they will love you for who you are!
Of course this was also the day we had to present our amazing ideas about the HoloLens - unfortunately my team did not win but I’m so proud of them for being the best they can :)
Overall, I’m so star-struck just thinking about the fact that I could experience this week. I’m so grateful for the Microsoft team and Miss Valentine who organised it, and everyone who participated.
On Monday 5th October, our Year 12 and 13 Beauty Therapy students enjoyed an exciting and inspiring visit to the Professional Beauty Show at ExCeL London , accompanied by their teachers, Mrs Rose and Ms Wallis. The event provided students with a fantastic opportunity to explore the latest trends, innovative treatments and exciting new product launches within the beauty industry. Throughout the day, students were able to experience professional products, observe live treatment demonstrations and engage with industry experts, gaining valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of beauty therapy. The visit was an excellent opportunity to broaden students' industry knowledge, develop their understanding of emerging technologies and treatments, and discover potential future career pathways. A fantastic day of learning, inspiration and professional development , helping our aspiring beauty therapists take another step towards their future careers in the beauty industry!
Across all three school sites, 150 Year 11 students experienced a Taster Day at Barking and Dagenham College, Rush Green Campus. This provided them with the opportunity to experience college life, try out different subjects and explore potential career pathways. Throughout the day, students took part in hands-on sessions across a range of curriculum areas and got a feel for what it's like to learn at the college. Our students got stuck into new experiences and began thinking about what their next steps could look like. Mr Hamill
The Year 9 boys played in their first National Cup game against Saffron Walden last week. The boys had a fantastic start, with the whole team working together through their set pieces and plays. A big contribution to their defensive only conceding 1 try through the match. A proud moment, scoring a rain of tries to finish the game at 44-7. The boys worked extremely well seeing them through against Southend High School in the next round at home.
To celebrate National Poetry Day on Thursday 1st October 2026, our English, Science and Geography departments created a lesson linked with their subject that explored this year's theme of 'Wonder' around a poem called 'Who's The Boss'. Lessons were taught to Year 7 and 8 students, and provided the opportunity to explore discussion and oracy based skills with students. Mrs Crowther-Green
On Monday 5 th October to Friday 9 th October 2026, 36 of our Year 13 A-level Biology students visited Trewern Outdoor Education Centre in Hereford, Hay-on-Wye, to participate in a 5-day long residential field trip. During the trip, students showcased excellent biological understanding, traversing many different ecological habitats (including stream/river systems and rocky shores) to expertly sample populations of plant and animal species. Pupils not only developed excellent fieldwork skills, but they also demonstrated fantastic levels of communication and teamwork. Our Year 13 pupils left such a fantastic impression at Trewern Outdoor Education Centre that they were even invited back to participate in work experience! We are incredibly proud of the excellent attitude and sense of community our A-level Biology students showed on this trip, and sincerely hope the memories they now have of this trip are lifelong.
As part of Year 9 PSHE this year, representatives from Project Guardian as part of Transport for London delivered sessions about Safety on Public Transport to all Year 9 pupils across the three sites. Pupils were given clear information about how to keep themselves and others safe, including how to report an incident as well as what pupils should do if they need support. Year 9 pupils were actively engaged throughout each session and made very valuable contributions towards the various discussions surrounding safety on public transport. The representatives from Transport for London were very impressed with the maturity shown by our pupils and the excellent behaviour displayed on each site. They not only provided our pupils with very important information, but also provided pupils with the tools to keep themselves and others safe on public transport. We look forward to booking the sessions again next year.
A massive congratulations to Elijah A , who has officially signed for Queens Park Rangers Football Club. This is a fantastic achievement and a very proud moment, and we wish Elijah every success in this exciting next chapter of his football journey!
An unforgettable NFL experience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. What an incredible opportunity for our pupils! As the No. 2 ranked NFL Flag team in the UK , our pupils were recently given the fantastic opportunity to attend an NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — and what made the experience even more special was that it was their first ever live NFL game! On Sunday 4th October, the pupils travelled to London to watch the Indianapolis Colts take on the Washington Commanders in front of a packed crowd at the spectacular Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Having worked so hard on the NFL Flag field and established themselves as one of the leading teams in the country, receiving free tickets to an NFL game was a fantastic reward and a brilliant way for the pupils to see the sport they love being played at the highest level. For many of the pupils, stepping into the stadium was an experience in itself. The atmosphere, the noise of the crowd, the music, the entertainment and the sheer scale of an NFL game made it a day they are unlikely to forget. The excitement continued once the game got underway, as the pupils were able to watch professional NFL players up close and see many of the skills, tactics and techniques that they have been developing through their own NFL Flag sessions. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to experience the speed, intensity and atmosphere of American Football at the highest level. The Colts went on to defeat the Commanders 30–13, but for our pupils, the final score was almost secondary. The real highlight was being there, experiencing their first live NFL game together and seeing the sport they enjoy brought to life on such a huge stage. The trip was a fantastic celebration of the pupils' achievements and a memorable experience that they will hopefully look back on for many years to come. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. Experiences like this not only inspire our pupils to continue developing as players, but also show them where their passion for NFL Flag could potentially take them in the future. No. 2 in the UK, first NFL game, and one unforgettable day!
On Monday 12th October several of our Year 9 students attended the annual School’s Day at New Scientist Live at the Excel in London. At the event they got to see the Ministry of Science Live where they learned about vortexes, saw a fire hurricane and tried their best to get Mr Skeels on stage (luckily the hosts saw how terrified he looked and didn’t choose him!) Students also attended a talk titled ‘Are we alone in the Universe’ where they heard about all the amazing planets outside of our solar system and saw some evidence of life on Mars! Along with this, they toured the expo area, meeting industry professionals and scientists. They were able to enter a giant helicopter, watch robots walking around the zones, and got their hands on a few freebies as well (including some water bottles and T-shirt!) Our students behaved brilliantly on the day and represented Robert Clack with pride. Coming back, they reported on the success of the day and their renewed interest in Science! Well done to all who attended!
In June, our GCSE Geography students enjoyed an excellent trip to Walton-on-the-Naze. The purpose of the trip was to investigate whether the sea defences at Walton were effective at preventing erosion and flooding. Although we had some problems with being able to complete all our fieldwork with high tides some days, the students were still able to collect enough data. The weather was hot with a ferocious heatwave, closing the school early, but it we enjoyed refreshing sea breezes in Walton. During September, the same students attended the trip to Stratford, where they were investigating the regeneration of Stratford and seeing if this improved people's quality of life. The students were fantastic during this trip and were able to speak to members of the public, along with collecting some great fieldwork. This will really help them with their exams in June. The students' behaviour was excellent throughout the trips. They listened well and followed instructions carefully and were a credit to the school.'