Careers Week

Fantastic feedback has been received from speakers who gave talks during National Careers Week and students who attended the many and varied sessions.

More than 900 children attended at least one session last week given by 22 guests from a host of backgrounds and on a huge range of topics.

From medicine to engineering, acting to sports coaching, psychology to animation, and firefighting to veterinary science, students had a wealth of talks to attend.

Positive feedback was received from many students who attended specialised assemblies or took part in lesson activities.

Principal Mr Whittle thanked all who participated, whether speaking, attending or organising.

“We have had fantastic feedback from guest speakers about how engaged the children were in the sessions,” Mr Whittle said.

“It was a highly successful event and gave our children plenty to think about in terms of their options.

“Our careers advice and guidance is hugely important and National Careers Week gave it a sharp focus.”

There was a spotlight on STEM throughout with Women in Welding Events, Architecture and Engineering featuring prominently across the week.

Staff’s expertise was utilised as well with Dr Parker giving a talk about his previous work in Molecular Biology Research, Miss Martin speaking about Veterinary Medicines and Mr Bridges delivering a popular session on routes into teaching.

Gareth Webb, who came into the Academy to speak about his role as a Geologist and Geographical Engineer, said: “I was really impressed by the young people I spoke with.

“They asked some fantastic questions and were engaged throughout and were a credit to the school and their teachers.

“I hope to see some of them in the future on apprenticeships programmes we organise.”

Junior doctor Eddy Hughes described the children in his session as “fantastic.”

“They were very thought provoking and to have over 90 young people attend my talk was unbelievable,” he said.

“With the questions and insights they were giving I am sure they could become doctors in the future.

“I could not believe how articulate and respectful they were. I hope to come back again to see how they are getting on with their studies.”

Popular actor Charlotte Ritchie , best known for BBC comedy Ghosts and drama Call the Midwife, had enjoyed speaking to students while Paralympic gold medallist Ayaz Bhuta MBE said: “It has been very engaging and there have been some great questions.”

The week was organised by Assistant Principal Mr Fothergill, who thanked staff and local businesses - including Wilkin Chapman, East Marsh Farms, Docks Academy and Kickstarters Football – for supporting the event.

“It was brilliant to have so many local enterprises come and speak with our young people, part of the Academy’s commitment to community engagement,” he said.