Deep Dives Progress

Having initially focused on getting our weekly Curiosity Hub, Tinker Lab and GCSE English Deep Dive sessions up and running, we've since been able to turn our thoughts to other types of Deep Dive sessions (e.g. one off workshops and short courses). We planned Waymakers so that there would be lots of different ways to access things to suit as broad a range of interests, social needs and setting preferences as possible. We've upped our optional structured activities offer in Curiosity Hub too in response to needs of the group and this term there's a theme of winter which will culminate in a celebration gathering with parents invited to see projects children have been working on at the end of term.

We were able to offer pottery Deep Dive sessions last half term followed by a follow-up glazing session. We also had a Deep Dive debate club session. This half term we have started a six-week hand-on science course with a focus on chemistry. It has been such a joy to see young people who attend weekly sessions getting to know other children who are coming to this Deep Dive and that in turn creating interest among these new faces for joining weekly sessions when spaces become available.

Drawing on interests we've spotted among Tinker Lab and Curiosity Hub participants in nature and animals, we arranged an Animal Behaviour Deep Dive and visit to a working veterinary practice which sold out immediately after being shared on the Waymakers whatsapp group (we therefore hope to offer that one again!). Also in response to interests, we're exploring some possibilities for engineering-related and film/stop animation Deep Dives.

There will also be further science sessions and we're in talks with the Parliament Education Service about a visit in 2026 and with online providers who can offer online opportunities for those who in-person activities just aren't a fit either in general or right now. Exciting times - we're really pleased with the flexibility of the model and seeing young people move between them and arrive at things with broad smiles and at ease among familiar faces.

We also have an evening session for interested parents coming on consent-based education, an approach which informs how Waymakers operates.