Over the past few weeks, the majority of our Year 10 students have taken part in Work Experience. This programme is about far more than a week away from lessons. It is about preparation, confidence, independence, and reflection.
The preparation and the build-up
Before placements began, students were busy doing something genuinely grown up. They approached employers, wrote emails, made phone calls, organised transport, and thought carefully about what kind of experience they wanted to gain. With support from families and the Careers Team, they learned that opportunities are created through effort and perseverance.
For many, this was their first real interaction with the professional world. By the time placements were confirmed, there was a real sense of anticipation across the year group.
The week itself
During placement week, students travelled far and wide. Some headed as far as London and Surrey, while others worked across the local community. Most students were placed with local businesses, schools, charities, and organisations that sit at the heart of our area.
Across the week, students experienced full working days, new routines, unfamiliar expectations, and real responsibility. They supported teams, worked with customers, helped younger children, and learned what it means to be reliable, punctual, and professional.
How well they did
Feedback from employers has been overwhelmingly positive. Students were described as enthusiastic, polite, hardworking, and quick to learn. Many impressed staff with their attitude and maturity, and some have even been invited back for future opportunities.
Students also returned with new insights and a clearer understanding of what work is really like. Sometimes this confirmed an interest, and sometimes it helped them rule something out. Both are valuable outcomes.
Why it matters
Work Experience is not about choosing a job for life at 15. It is about building confidence, developing essential skills, and understanding the world beyond school. It gives students real experiences to draw on in interviews, applications, and future decisions.
Our Careers Leader Mr Henry said:
“Work experience is such a powerful learning opportunity. When students step into the workplace, they discover just how capable they really are. We are incredibly proud of how our students represented themselves and the school. Thank you to the employers who supported the programme and to families for their encouragement. This was a true community effort and a very successful one.”
What our students had to say:
Amber – local MP’s office: “It exceeded my expectations. I loved watching PMQ’s and getting a better understanding of how parliament works. I overcame fears of meeting new people.”
Bailey – local primary school: “I had an amazing week at The Laurels. I helped them with English and maths. We were outside playing a lot and it has confirmed to me that I do want to be a primary school teacher.”
Eliot – The Outdoors Project: “I went somewhere different and did something new each day which made it fun. I have been offered work with them once I turn 16.”
Chanelle – local care home: “I got to speak to lots of new people, I enjoyed hearing their stories from their past.”
Ashton – Team Brit Racing: “It was an interesting week and I got to know what goes on behind the scenes. I knew the team before from YouTube, but could not believe that they allowed me to go there for work experience after I emailed them. The best bit of the week was taking the cars apart and seeing how they work.”
Nomsa – local bakery: “I emailed the company to see if they would take me for work experience and I am so pleased that they did. It was just lovely! I was mixing and measuring brownies and even got to taste some for free. I also improved my communication skills over the week.”
Bailey-J – local primary school: “I had an amazing week at the Laurels with the reception children all week. I helped them with their learning of vowels and maths. We were outside playing a lot too and the placement has confirmed to me that I do want to be a primary school teacher.”
What the employers had to say:
Adam from Ruhrpumpen: “Sarina has been fantastic throughout. She has shown a keen interest and integrated into the working environment with ease.”
Michelle from Timpsons: “Max has been a pleasure to work with and has been very quick to use his initiative in getting things done and helping generally. He has a fantastic work ethic.”
David from Yeomans: “Erin, you have been super all week and everyone you’ve worked with has said great things, keep up the hard work & commitment to your studies & you’ll go very far.”