Post 16 Young Explorers Initiative

During the October half term break students from Walton High attended a week-long work experience placement as part of the Young Explorers initiative with the Royal Town PIanning Institute. Students were tasked with a project to create an argument on why an empty site in Milton Keynes centre should be developed, and how the development would be beneficial to our city. Throughout the week students met a variety of colleagues from across the city council who supported and guided students with their project. Highlights of the week included a tour of the city council building and presentations from industry professionals in conservation, waste and minerals, crime, sustainability and emergency planning, to name a few. Students chose to develop the site as a University and with the input of professionals from across the city council were able to plan effectively including what education pathways would be offered, transport links, sustainability and addressing accommodation needs. Each student took an area to focus on and worked throughout the week to research and finalise ideas. At the end of the placement students presented their idea to a panel of city council professionals and the Walton High careers team. Feedback from RTPI ‘’Observing throughout the week their enthusiasm and their knowledge flourish was great to see, having heard their thoughts and ideas through their presentation was a delight, we hope these are your first steps into a career within Planning’’

Walton High student feedback: “A very good experience that broadened my knowledge on certain fields such as planning and Milton Keynes as a whole”