Year six had the most amazing day as we launched Eastbrook’s first Careers Day! Pupils arrived at school dressed in their chosen work attire and were able to articulate their expectations for the day as well as what skills and ideas they hoped to gain from each session.
The day was comprised of four sessions:
- Aviation- British Airways (Lead Flight Attendant)
- Policy maker & Educator (Teacher and semi-retired teaching staff)
- Photography (Photographer and Videographer)
- Transport & Sports (Technical Officer for London Underground and Gaelic Footballer)
Within each session, the volunteers spoke to the children about their chosen career paths, the skills and qualities required, as well as the character virtues that aided them in making great progress throughout the different stages of their careers. Also, they all shared personal experiences with the children of the differing ways they were able to overcome challenges. Some, with the help of other colleagues, mentors and friends, and in almost all instances, ensuring that they maintained a growth mindset and were able to push through using perseverance and determination.
All pupils had the opportunity to complete a short task in the role of each volunteer. This ranged from: making a client feel comfortable in front of the camera, dealing with a complaint on an aircraft and balancing competing demands when having two jobs. Within the session led by our volunteer educators, they engaged the children in a series of games to emphasise some vital messages. Year six were asked to complete a series of maze tasks. They had to lead the character to the chosen destination despite the occassional ‘dead ends’. Pupils were then asked to share how this links with careers which was beautifully articulated by one of our Year 6 pupils, “It’s just like life. Despite the dead end, you can’t give up. You have to try again even if that means taking a different route.”
Year six were articulate, engaged, focused and showed great integrity throughout the day. A wonderful start to Eastbrook’s Careers pathway!