Before half term our Year 10 pupils were given the opportunity to spend the week out of school and in the workplace. All Year 10 pupils were asked to secure themselves a work experience placement that would help them develop key employability skills, as well as giving them an insight into the work place; helping them to understand the links between their school subjects and the world of work.
The variety of placements this year were vast and included Banks, Architects, Bakeries, Vets, Dance Schools and Museums.
In preparation for their ‘Week in Work’ Year 10 received a positive pep talk from Year 11 pupil Jessica Wood (11Ridgeway) who, having spent her work experience week the previous year with The Aldingbourne Trust, encouraged them all to focus on the positives that the week was going to give them; confidence, self awareness, and the opportunity to meet people who could provide them with guidance and advice about their future.
Jessica managed to secure a Saturday job from her placement with The Aldingbourne Trust, and this year the feedback I have received has shown me again just how impressed employers are with our pupils, with several offering potential job opportunities.
Freya Jones (10Otter) spent her week with Natures Way Foods, in their Category and Innovation department. Freya worked within the offices, but was also able to tour the salad and fruit factory, finishing her week designing and creating her own salad in the Development Kitchen. Freya wrote a blog of her week there:-
http://www.natureswayfoods.com/news/work-experience-week/
I have received so much positive feedback from employers, and have been told over and over again how our pupils are a credit to our school. I couldn’t be more proud of how all pupils engaged in this opportunity.
Mrs Emma Conway, Careers and Enterprise Coordinator
