We were delighted to welcome BBC presenter Kathryn Wilson and the BBC Bitesize Careers Roadshow to Durrington last week as part of our school careers programme. It gave all students in Years 7-9 the chance to hear real stories from young people who have already taken their first steps into the world of work.

We were also very pleased to welcome local MP Dr Beccy Cooper, who took the opportunity to see this fantastic partnership between the school and the BBC in action.

In a TV show format, three young apprentices from the local area were interviewed on stage from the areas of:

Business Travel and Tourism with TUI

Journalism with the BBC

Science and Technical with the University of Southampton 

Kathryn interviewed the panel about their school experiences, their ambitions and the steps they took after Year 11. This honest and open discussion was designed to inform, raise aspirations and build confidence, helping students understand how many different routes and opportunities are available beyond school.

The presenters later invited questions from the audience using a unique Rugby Ball Microphone which students threw around the PAC. Engagement was excellent and the questions showed real curiosity and ambition.

After each session students were invited to stay behind, ask questions and have a chance to pose in the presenter’s chair. Some also spoke to the BBC’s technical team to gain an insight into the wide range of technical roles involved in bringing programmes and live events to life.

A highlight was a live demonstration of the BBC Bitesize Careers website featuring one of our own students. We encourage all students and parents to explore this brilliant resource at home, alongside our school careers platform Xello, to continue researching careers, pathways and skills.

The Roadshow was delivered in partnership with Technicians: We Make the Difference, a national campaign raising awareness of technical roles across industry. We recommend that parents and students explore the technicians.org.uk website to discover just how many different types of hands-on technical pathways are available after school or college.

It was a positive and inspiring event that gave our students a clear sense of what’s possible for their future. We would like to offer huge thanks to the BBC team for taking the time to work with us.