KAN Summer Residential Week 2022 Tonbridge

From 4–10 July, 29 KAN students from the 2021 and 2022 cohorts attended a six-day residential based at Tonbridge School. The week was a fantastic opportunity for students to meet with their mentors, socialise with peers, and explore an exciting array of educational events. Students enriching activities including:

• Undergraduate-style sessions in philosophy and economics
• Careers advice from business leaders
• A team-building workshop from 2-3 Degrees
• Cooking and baking masterclasses
• An away-day to Goldsmiths College

We were delighted to collaborate with 2-3 Degrees and Goldsmiths College, who facilitated insightful and inspiring sessions for the KAN pupils, and Tonbridge School, who were thoughtful and caring hosts for the residential. As ever we are greatly appreciative of contributing teachers from the KAN Network of schools: John Wallis Academy, Knole Academy, Marsh Academy, Oasis, Sevenoaks School and Skinners Kent Academy.

The students, as ever, made the most of the week and were keen to try out the new opportunities and challenges on offer. Huge thanks go to the excellent mentor team who worked tirelessly to make the week a success.

“To me, KAN means to learn new experiences, meet new people and to help get guidance in the right direction in life.”

New KAN student (2022)

Feedback Summative Review

29 students attended the week and 18 of them filled out a feedback survey, as well as 11 mentors, teachers, and external contributors. When asked what the best thing about the week was, most people’s answers related to the wide range of new experiences on offer; opportunities to socialise and explore the city; and the range and quality of higher education information and advice available.

All students who responded to the survey agreed or strongly agreed that:

• The residential brought them closer together as a group
• The sessions were interesting and well-delivered
• They enhanced their awareness about higher education options
• They feel part of a KAN network of students and mentors
• The mentors were inspiring and supportive

Comments from contributors (including external providers) were overwhelmingly positive. Most focussed on how courteous, mature, ambitious, engaged, and intelligent they found the KAN students who they met. 

A fantastic program that has significant short and long term impacts on all students and mentors involved. Whilst from the outside it may be focused on access to University, the lessons learned by the students extend far beyond academia, and into personal development.

KAN Mentor