Highfields marked National Careers Week 2020 with a packed programme of activities, workshops and trips, encouraging students to look forward to life after school.
Each day began with a CEIAG-themed assembly, delivered by special guest visitors from various industries and higher education providers, before students took park in quizzes, research sessions and hands-on workshops.
The event ran from March 2nd-6th, giving students from all year groups a greater insight into a range of professions and pathways available to them to fulfil their career aspirations after school.
Throughout the week, students have been inspired to think about their dream jobs and and have written them down to add to pillar displays around the school.
Monday 2nd March - Uniform Day
Year 10 students got an insight into the vast range of careers available in the British Army, with a special assembly from an Army Corporal.
A 'Super Lab’ was then set up at lunchtime, with a representative from the RAF speaking to students individually, answering questions and giving guidance on future career pathways in the Armed Forces.
Year 8 students enjoyed a whole day of glider building, under the supervision of RAF engineers and Design teachers, before launching them onto a runway in the sports hall.
Certificates were given out to the best team, most spectacular nose dive and furthest distance flown.
Tuesday 3rd March - Apprenticeship Day
Apprenticeships were put in the spotlight throughout the day.
An assembly for Year 10 students highlighted the range of apprenticeships available with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the process they should take to find and apply for those most suited to them.
Students in Years 9 and 11 then got the chance to work in small groups with representatives from DWP and ASK Apprenticeships where they were encouraged to ask questions and research apprenticeships that could be suitable for them in the future.
Year 10 Construction students enjoyed a practical session run by Jessops Construction, which gave them chance to learn more about the development of buildings and various careers available within the construction industry.
As part of the event, they created their own structures out of spaghetti and marshmallows, with the team that created the tallest and longest-standing structure winning the competition.
Wednesday 4th March - University Day
Representatives from various universities were invited in to school to give students a greater insight into university life, and the extensive range of courses on offer to them.
An Aspire Ambassador from Wolverhampton University led an assembly, whilst stands were set up at lunchtime allowing students to seek advice about the routes to take to successfully progress on particular courses at various universities.
Artist Rob Woods also ran a workshop at lunchtime giving a taste of the creative careers available to Art and Design students, whilst workshops were held focusing on interview techniques.
Year 9 Health and Social Care students travelled to Molineux to learn more about Wolves’ initiatives to improve community health, whilst enjoying a tour of the stadium and a close-up glimpse of the pitch.
Meanwhile, Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students visited the Mount Hotel in Tettenhall to get a taste of the industry they are hoping to pursue a career in. As well as touring the kitchens and meeting the hotel’s head chef, students also got a glimpse of VIP rooms and suites, had the chance to question the hotel manager about his role, and learnt more about the work of the hotel’s HR department.
Thursday 5th March - Confidence Day
Representatives from the Metro Alliance kicked off the day with assemblies for students in Years 10 and 12, showcasing the vast range of career opportunities the organisation has on offer in the local area - including a number of roles that don’t fall within the engineering and construction industries.
Five local businesswomen also encouraged female students in Year 12 to be confident in pursuing their career dreams in ‘Passionate About Confidence’ sessions.
Friday 6th March - STEM Day
The day focused on the vast range of STEM careers available, and was mostly aimed at students in Years 7 and 9.
Graham Shaw, from railway infrastructure services company VolkerRail, led an assembly focusing on the employability skills of students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Mr Shaw also held sessions with members of the school’s STEM Club, whilst students got the chance to take part in a lunchtime CV writing workshop.
Mr P Rose, Highfields’ Head of Middle School and Careers Leader, said: “We had lots going on around school every day throughout the week to mark National Careers Week.
“The event encouraged students from all year groups to look forward to the future and learn more about the opportunities available to them after school. Our students got a great insight into the range of pathways they can take to fulfil their career dreams.
“A huge thank you to all of our visitors who came along to lead informative and interesting assemblies, presentations and workshops to inspire our students for the future.”
