On the 4th July this term we have had a careers theme day which focused on all the different careers that our young people would be able to achieve once they leave school. Due to the diverse nature of our cohort it was important for us to have a variety of opportunities for our pupils to explore which still covered the Pinetree curriculum.

The pupils had the opportunity to speak with and use some of the equipment from the forestry commission where they learnt parts of their job and why they have to do some of their work. Pupils listen to a talk about how they use certain pieces of equipment including night vision goggles, which the pupils thought were very exciting. Pupils also heard how they control animal numbers and all the things that go into maintaining the forest.

Yr 9 pupil ”I really didn’t realise there was so much involved in keeping places like high lodge safe for us to use, I thought it was really cool especially so of the kit they use”

Pupils also had the chance to speak and practice their hairdressing skills with a trained hairdresser. Not only did they learn the skills behind hairdressing and barbering but also the importance of customer care and taking bookings. Pupils both tested their new skills on practice heads and roll played situations of customers taking bookings.

”I have learnt how to curl hair today. I would think about a career in Hairdressing, as I think it is something achievable for me. Although I think I need more work on my people skills”

We had the military police from the RAF show the pupils the different pieces of equipment they have to use and part of their job, what work they do and the entry requirements to be part of the RAF police. The pupils were amazed by the amount of kit they had to wear and some of the challenges they had to complete with it, Especially getting pieces on and off in 30 seconds.

A Yr 10 boy said ”Some of that kit was really heavy, I thought the military was shooting people. I am now way better informed about going into the military”.

We had an archaeologist where pupils had to dig for ‘goodies’ and put the pieces back together. Pupils had to use there skills to find the pieces of broken pottery and then try and put them back together. The pupils were really resilient at finding the pottery and then working out how it went back together as this was not an easy job. One future archaeologist said:

Yr 7 girl ”I have been waiting all day for this one, I am want to do this in the future so am really keen to find out more”

For PE we had a Karate company show some of the enriching careers that can be had following a PE path. This was to show the pupils the different possible routes in following the PE pathway and that this is broader then they realise and can include more enriching activities alongside the traditional routes. The pupils enjoyed learning the new techniques especially around kicking the bag. Many have asked for them to return to again for more training.

We also had the NHS come and show the pupils basic first aid and explain the job and how a career in the NHS looks. Pupils were shown how to bandage up a wound and how the other basic needs of first aid. Alongside this pupils explored and asked questions about how the NHS looks and what a career in it would look like. The pupils were also really interested in what all the different pieces of equipment did.

We were also really lucky to have a police car come and allow the pupils to explore the car. Pupils loved having a go in the car and asking the police officers what a day looks like for them, looking at the other high tech equipment and putting the sirens on. A Yr 7 boy said:

”That was so cool and I don’t normally like the police”.

The pupils really enjoyed the day and were impeccably behaved. The day was really successful and we are really grateful for all the staff and external visitors who support the school.