From 9th to 12th June, Durrington High School celebrated Careers Week – a packed programme designed to open students’ eyes to the many exciting paths available beyond school.

Each morning kicked off with a student briefing from Mr Henry, introducing the day’s visitors and sparking discussion on thought-provoking topics like working abroad and how careers have changed over time. Quiz questions and activity sheets helped get everyone involved right from the start.

At lunchtime, students met a diverse range of industry professionals. These informal drop-ins gave students the chance to ask questions, try hands-on activities, and gather insights to help shape their future choices. Year 7s collected stamps in their career passports for each meaningful interaction, with tutor group prizes up for grabs.

Visitors offered something for everyone from house valuations with Bacon and Co, to bug handling with Brinsbury College. Worthing College’s sports challenges proved hugely popular, and a farming-focused session with a real tractor on site was a highlight.

This year’s Industry Spotlight talks in the Performing Arts Centre expanded to three sessions. Students heard directly from professionals at Rolls Royce, HOP Consulting, and Gatwick Airport. Speakers from Worthing and Plumpton Colleges also shared insights into careers in sport and land-based industries. Fiona, founder of Grace Dance, delivered a fantastic talk on launching your own business.

A new edition this year was early access to lunchtime events for supported students, helping to make the experience inclusive and welcoming for all. Another brilliant feature was classroom careers chats, with more than 65 sessions where visiting professionals gave short talks and answered questions.

Mr Henry, Careers Leader, summed it up:

“It was a brilliant week full of energy, inspiration, and curiosity. We’re so pleased to have reached even more students through classroom visits and extra spotlight talks. Careers learning should always be about discovery and fun—and this week certainly delivered both. A huge thank you to every visitor who helped bring careers to life.”

What our guests had to say:

“A very rewarding experience, given the opportunity to engage and influence young lives. The young people at Durrington High are interested in what we had to say, offered insight that we can take back to the business and are genuinely interested in the community they live in and contribute too. Thank you for having us.”
Southern Water

“This is an amazing opportunity to allow DHS students the chance to experience a range of opportunities that are ahead of them for their future careers. We loved presenting and talking to students with regards to Worthing College Sport in terms of our pathway and also advice on being a success in the sports industry. We would love to be back next year!”
Worthing College Sports Department

“The event was well organised and utilised by all year groups. All the young people were extremely polite, friendly and inquisitive – credit to the school.”
Southern Water

“Coming to DHS to speak to a whole year group felt daunting, but the whole thing was organised so well and there was a very high expectation of students listening respectfully, so we as speakers felt really appreciated. So many students came to chat at the lunchtime stands and asked lots of questions and engaged in conversations about their ambitions for the future.” Grace Dance

What our students had to say:

“It was fun to look around and explore the different careers whilst also getting the person who does it’s input.”

“It helped me figure out the career i want to do and I got lots of information about it.”