Year 12 Business and Media students took part in a PR workshop, run by WPR Agency. 

After learning about what working in PR involves, and its differences to advertising, students were set a task. They put together an pitch for a new restaurant in the Bullring, encompassing media coverage, social content, influencer engagement and events. Our visiting speaker was very impressed with the innovative ideas from each group and praised students for their creativity and excellent team work when formulating ideas. 

Students said they enjoyed the chance to ‘have a go’ at a real career and valued having the chance to work in a team. They were interested to share their ideas and hear what the other groups had created, and one student even said “I didn’t realise before, but I am actually more creative than I thought.”

Year 11 pupils were given mock interviews today by our Year 13 Students. The Sixth Formers received training for this last week and were able to share their recent experiences of real interviews and offer some unique advice.

The Year 11 pupils said:

“I actually enjoyed that. I was nervous at first but the Sixth Former was really nice”. 

“I have my actual interview at college soon, so I am glad I did it”.

“I’m so proud of myself, I did really well.”

“I got 49/50 and I want to do it again to get full marks. I know I can do it!”

The Sixth Form students said: 

“I was amazed by the pupils I met. They had achieved so much and were really confident.” 

“I have really enjoyed supporting Year 11 with their Interviews. I met some lovely people.”

“The pupils were fantastic. Some needed to remember to include examples of where they had developed their skills, but overall I was very impressed.”

“I felt like I had a lot in common with some of the pupils I met and I hope they found it useful to hear I went through the same struggles as them and still managed to get good GCSEs”.

Year 12 students aspiring to become doctors and dentists have begun their mentoring programme with In2Med School. The long term support will run throughout Year 12 and 13 and aims to support students in making successful applications to highly competitive courses in the healthcare field. Our student mentor is currently training to become a doctor at the University of Birmingham and is volunteering to support students every step of the way with their journey to medical school. Beginning with learning about the medical issues in their community and the challenges facing the NHS, students will be supported in developing their voluntary experiences and building up essential skills needed to be effective healthcare practitioners, right through to getting expert guidance with their applications, UCAT testing and interviews.   

Our annual Careers Fair was one of our biggest yet. Employers and apprenticeship providers helped our pupils to explore their career options and discussed apprenticeship routes into professions, including careers in Finance, Public Services, HR, Hospitality and Pathology. Meanwhile providers from our local colleges and universities across the country offered advice to all of our pupils on their future learning journeys, whether they are choosing degrees, A levels, vocational courses, T Levels, traineeships or apprenticeships, there was lots of advice on hand. Every pupil has the chance to visit the fair, every year, to gain an insight into the options ahead and ask different questions at each stage of their career journey. We offer our thanks to all of the people who volunteered to support us with this event.

Year 12 students have been enjoying getting an insight into the working world. Whether it is seeing the healthcare industry first hand at hospitals and pharmacies, working with and supporting migrants who Walsall Football Club are hosting, getting hands on in the manufacturing industry or baking bread with Year 5 pupils at a local Primary School. 

These placements are a chance for students to confirm if a certain career is right for them, to get a taste of working life or to give back to the local community. We are however delighted to hear that so many of our students have impressed their employers so much that they are being invited back or encouraged to consider future apprenticeships.

Our students have said:

“I’m having an amazing week! I’ve worn scrubs, saw a C-section and have also observed a number of different clinics, from pain management to skin conditions.” R Cook, working at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“I have been shadowing a foundation year dentist and I have learnt so much.  I have observed her undertaking different types of treatment.  I have even arranged another week’s experience during the summer.” H Rai

“I have loved working this week!  It has made me realise that I am more of a hands-on person, so I think I will be applying for an apprenticeship next year.” Z Turner, working in manufacturing.

“I’ve had a variety of tasks from working with hospitality and booking events, to looking at individual sponsorship for football players.” K Wade, working at Birmingham City FC. 

“ I have learnt how important patient confidentiality is and how you have to change the tone of your voice when speakers to customers. You also need to be very patient! I want to go into nursing and I feel this week has confirmed that decision.” M Edu, working at a local Pharmacy. 

“Prior to my work experience I was struggling to decide whether I wanted to teach primary or secondary school, but after this week I can happily say that my heart is definitely set on primary school. I absolutely loved seeing how much the children adore their teachers and it just made me so excited and I honestly cannot wait for that to hopefully be me one day.” N Merhban

“One of the things I’ve been concentrating on is Data Analytics. I thought you would need high level maths for this but I’m doing well and finding it really interesting.” Y Crook, working at Veolia.

We have also received some wonderful feedback from employers: 

B Padham is working in a local pharmacy. His employer has said “He is fantastic! He is pro-active and keen to learn different aspects of the role, so we have offered him a range of experiences.”

J Heir had an exceptional report from High Spec Windows: “He has been amazing! He wants to learn and has enjoyed the role. He is hardworking and in a few days he has learnt 60% of the software programme that we use. Your school is lucky to have him as a student. We are going to miss him!”

R Mardenborough secured her experience at an accounting firm who have said: “She is amazing!  She is very smart in appearance and she is a hard worker – a perfect addition to the team!  We will be giving her details about our degree apprenticeship.”

H Lobb and T Griffith have been supporting local primary schools for the week. Their employers have said that “(H Lobb) is very confident. She has worked with Years 1, 4 and 5 already and will be with Reception and Year 2 for the rest of the week. She has had great feedback from all the class teachers.”.  For T Griffth, her employer said “She has worked hard with our Year 3 class this week. She has supported them with their English and Maths transition work in preparation for Year 4. The children have loved reading to her – she is really lovely with them.”

L Fewtrell has been working at a digital printers: “She has been involved in a range of tasks this week and has impressed us with everything that she has done. She is confident and friendly and has asked lots of questions to make sure that she gets the job right.”

J Doherty has gained experience of the hospitality industry: “She is confident and raring to go! She is hardworking, inquisitive and has enjoyed the perks of the corporate world (free lunch every day!)”     

Pupils in Year 9 had the chance to go to work with a parent, relative or trusted family friend for the day. This was potentially their first taste of the world of work. Our feedback from parents showed pupils were really making the most of the opportunity:  

G Bruerton was on his feet all day working at Ember Inns. His mother said “He has been doing a bit of everything, running food to tables and potwash. He’s loving his day working.” 

T Clive worked with his father at Royal Mail, who said that “He’s loving it. He’s been on reception and working with the redirections team. He has enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes of Royal Mail.” 

E Harris went to work with his mother at a local primary school: “He’s done brilliantly; he’s got on well with the younger children, taken part in loads of activities and made resources. He is now considering it for a future career.” 

H Beesley had a great day at Headway Charity Shop, with her parent saying “She is working really well. She has used her initiative to organise some areas and is speaking to customers really well.” 

E Maher worked with her mother, a community midwife: “”Had a very cheery E Maher helping us Community Midwives today. She helped set up, took part and helped tidy up after a very busy Parent Education Class this morning where we had over 20 patients. She also helped the patients coming into Postnatal clinic this afternoon, answering doors, showing them where to go and generally making them comfortable prior to their appointments. She is a lovely young lady and smiled all day long which made us all happy as well. She was happy to do any tasks asked of her no matter how small.” 

J Nath worked with his uncle in the manufacturing industry, where he showcased his excellent listening and speaking skills: “He enjoyed the experience, asked a lot of questions and was an attentive listener. He also had the chance to design his own cup.” 

A Neal worked as a nursery nurse and did so well, she has been extended a future offer of employment: “She has been amazing, worked hard and had a fantastic attitude.” 

B Broadmore had a very active experience with the Fire Service. His dad said “He is having a good day. He’s been out in the fire engine and tried the breathing apparatus on.”

Those in school took part in a virtual work experience with Next Gen Makers, where they designed their own video games and put their artistic skills to the test, deigning their own character for the movies. Another group of pupils in school also took part in a live work experience session with the Civil Service. We were joined by Jack (a former Barr Beacon student) and Gemma, who both work in trade. After an insight into the many different roles within the Civil Service, pupils were then set a challenge to take part in their own mock trade negotiation. It was a tricky task that really tested our pupils’ communication and problem solving skills, as well as their ability to think on their feet.