FAULKNER’S CAREERS EXPLORER
Our Faulkner’s pupils gained an interesting insight into what the workplace of the future in 2030 might look like during the end of term Careers Explorer day. It is somewhat scary to think that this will be when these young pupils will be entering the workplace.
During the day the pupils spent time in a workshop with the Horizons team exploring different jobs, the types of skills and qualifications that might be required to do those jobs and, importantly, how those industries might change over the next ten years.
Following their research, the pupils presented their findings to the rest of the group as they continue to build the confidence and presentation skills that they will need to use throughout their time at Bradfield.
SHELL APPRENTICE CHALLENGE
The whole of the Shell took part in a challenge run by team-building specialists Wise Up during the Summer Term. Based on the theme of the BBC’s The Apprentice, pupils were tasked with planning, designing, purchasing and building a catapult capable of firing water-filled balloons.
Each team was given a set amount of money which they could ‘spend’ at one of the three shops set up selling the materials required for building a catapult. Judges were looking for ingenuity of design, firing distance and the ability to budget accordingly in order to build a successful catapult.
Each team also had to give a two minute presentation on their plan, finances and company branding as well as a demonstration of its capability. The day proved to be a strong learning experience for pupils, building on the education for life themes of innovation and communication as well as creativity, team building and problem solving.
OXBRIDGE AND APPRENTICESHIPS
Lower Sixth pupils enjoyed a talk on making an application to Oxford or Cambridge, learning what might be involved in the process, what the universities are looking for and how to do their research in a targeted way. This talk was given by Oxbridge Applications who also run the preparation day at Marlborough.
Later in the term, a number of pupils had their interest piqued at a talk on apprenticeships where we were joined by Pearson College, London and Old Bradfieldian Harry Banton (G 13-18) from CGI. Both gave a good overview of what their respective apprenticeships involve and how to go about applying. Pupils were particularly interested in hearing from Harry about balancing working and social lives alongside an apprenticeship. The feeling of missing out socially is often one of the most cited reasons for not doing an apprenticeship or school leaver programme.
CAROUSEL, CAREERS FAIR AND UCAS
It was a busy term for the Lower Sixth pupils who rotated through a series of workshops geared towards their life beyond Bradfield with talks on Personal Finance, delivered by Rathbones, Employment, delivered by Citizens Advice and CV Writing, delivered by Tinker Tailor.
This year’s Careers Fair was the biggest yet with over 85 exhibitors including a number of gap year organisations, overseas universities and advisors, businesses offering school leaver and apprentice programmes as well as a number of UK universities.
Bradfield pupils were joined by counterparts from Theale Green, The Downs, Little Heath, The Kennet, Oratory and Pangbourne, bringing in a further 300 visitors which in turn helps to draw in new and exciting companies willing to attend our fair.
Following the event, all Lower Sixth pupils went back to their Houses with their HsMs and House UCAS tutors to begin their registration process for UCAS. All Houses were given the updated Apply Notes to work from and pupils were encouraged to come back after the summer with bullet points for a Personal Statement having conducted their own research on potential degree courses.
