Former Highfield pupils came back to school recently for an event that highlighted our to current pupils how their learning relates to future careers.
Our World of Work Day saw current Year 7 pupils engage with Highfield alumni working across a range of professions, from retail management to entertainment.
The 11 and 12 year olds seized the opportunity to quiz former pupils on their current jobs, the study path they had taken to get there and the skills and attributes they needed.
The event, organised by state school alumni movement Future First, sought to inspire Year 7s to aim high in their future careers.
Helen Mackenzie OBE, our Executive Principal, said:
“Our World of Work Day was a very valuable opportunity for our pupils to focus on their future careers and get some inspiration from others who once studied at Highfield. Our pupils enjoyed sharing their own dreams and aspirations too. It’s clear that the day achieved what it set out to, that is to challenge our pupils’ perceptions of their own ability and encourage them to raise their aspirations. We are very grateful to former Highfield pupils for their essential role in the day; it was wonderful to welcome them back.”
Year 7 pupil Shannon Waddell said:
“It was a really good day. I enjoyed speaking to the old pupils about their jobs and what I want to do in the future.”
Pupil Charlie Thomas added:
“The people were really nice and I enjoyed it. It made me think about what I might do when I leave school.”
Emily Clifton, an Alumni Programme Officer at Future First, added:
“As a facilitator, I really enjoyed the session at Highfield Leadership Academy. The Year 7s were really interested and engaged with the workshop, particularly when asked to question the volunteers about their career journey. Having six fantastic volunteers there, including three who were alumni of Highfield, made a huge difference as the pupils were able to meet relatable role models from the world of work.”