A careers day held at Peasedown St John Primary School recently has inspired local children to think about what opportunities are available to them when they grow up.
Last week, 14 guests from a range of professions and backgrounds were invited into the classroom to talk about their work and what inspires them – all as part of the school’s annual Careers Day.
School Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said:
“It was wonderful to welcome so many inspirational visitors into our school as part of our annual Careers’ Day.
This is always an exciting day and an opportunity for children to see our CARE values demonstrated by professionals outside of our school environment. We are incredibly grateful to all of the people who gave up their time to come and speak to us.”
Visitors included:
- Tom Cook – Engineer
- Zoe Parfitt – Head Gardener
- Naomi Wilcox Jones and Liat Hurst – Vet and Veterinary Nurse
- Ian Rockey – Learning advisor for Discovery Education
- Eliza Gray – Runs garden design studio
- Amie Johnstone – Physiotherapist
- Emma Wilkinson – Photographer
- Xander Wild and Ryan Whitehead – Videographers
- Michael Hanson – Architect
- Paul Wilson – Teacher of the blind
- Ali Holsgrove Jones – Lawyer
- Austin Fews – Architect
- Stephen Clews – Museum Chair
- Ali Richards – Office Manager
“Our children were fantastic ambassadors for our school who listened attentively and asked very insightful questions,” added Ruth, “At the end of the session some of the volunteers wrote down comments about the morning and their experiences of our school. It was lovely to hear that we have ‘fantastic, engaged, friendly children’ and ‘it was so pleasing to see the CARE values’.”
The CARE values underpin and drive everything that happens at Peasedown St John Primary School; their teaching and learning, their expectations for behaviour and attitudes, the school’s leadership and their aspirations for personal development.
CARE stands for Curiosity, Aspiration, Resilience and Empathy.
Following the careers day, pupils were asked what they learnt and here are a few of the things they said:
Imogen Year 6: “I loved learning about architecture because I love art and maths. I know that this job includes using both of these skills.”
Olivia, Year 6: “The engineer advised that sometimes it’s good to take the option that’s right in front of you. I think that was inspirational.”
Reggie, Year 6: “Mrs Wilkinson said ‘Always chase your dreams.’ I will remember that.”
Felicity, Year 5: “I really like art and building things and I also like nature. I’m feeling inspired by the garden designer because if I do this type of job, I could build gardens and structures or walls that benefit people AND nature.”
Ed, Year 4: “I want to be a filmmaker. I will start by making small animations and then making longer ones.”
Arlo, Year 3: “We learnt how blind people are helped to read and learn. I wore glasses which showed me how blind people saw. It felt weird!”
Isabella, Year 2: “The garden designer inspired me because I like drawing and to design things I like too, so I might become a garden designer.”
Peasedown St John Primary School’s annual Careers Day is always a big hit with children. It offers them valuable information about diverse professions, helps them explore future pathways, and can boost their aspirations and motivation, ultimately contributing to better career decision-making.
For more information about Peasedown St John Primary School visit their website www.psjprimary.co.uk and follow them on Facebook at @psjprimary
