F11 have read and discussed the book Worry Angels.

Week 4

Week 3

Week 2

Week 1

Students and staff have enjoyed a busy week learning about jobs in different work sectors as part of Melland High School’s annual Careers Week. With a jam-packed timetable and an abundance of volunteers, students participated in a wide array of different activities and utilised their Skills for Life across the week.

The week started on a high with the Speed Networking Event, bigger and better than ever before. Students from across KS3, 4 & 5 used their communication skills to ask the employers quick fire questions about their roles. Students met with an extensive range of representatives from companies such as: Career Connect, Brighter Sound, Department for Work and Pensions, Remedi, Manchester City Council, Skills for Life, GFT Financial, FEC Development Management, HideOut Youth Zone, CR Construction, Aldermore Banking, Reed Talent Solutions, Growth Company, The Trafford College Group, Taylor’s Hoists, Equal Education Chances, Manchester Local Care Organisation, Assured Group, Carefoot PLC, MacCreanor Lavington, Useful Projects, Ramboll, Sharp Futures, NHS and the Army.

Across the week, students participated in a wide range of employer encounters from different job sectors and educational settings including: Microsoft, Bean and Brush, Spike, Host Social, Salford University, Carefoot PLC, Fire and Rescue, Digital Independent Specialist College, Smart Works, AFG Law, Greater Manchester Police, Escape Films, Access Sport, Nuffield Health, TUI, Factory International and Venture Arts. Students gained insight into these diverse careers through asking thoughtful and challenging questions. They also developed their self-belief by having the confidence to ask questions of adults they were unfamiliar with.

Students also participated in a number of workshops with businesses such as: Equans, Everfi, Biffa, Carefoot PLC, Human Appeal, Buzzrocks Caribbean and Network Rail. Pupils had to demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving skills to work cooperatively to accomplish different tasks such as building structures from wooden dowels, working out the cost of the flooring in a new build, proposing fundraising ideas, sorting recycling and cooking new recipes from scratch.

KS3 and 4 students had a day off timetable to sample a carousel of work sectors including Engineering, Creative, Sport, Retail, Hospitality, Health & Beauty and Tourism. Students had a whirlwind day of role play working as airport security, designing rollercoasters, presenting a news channel, working in a supermarket, making beds in a hotel and working in a spa. Students exhibited excellent self-management, independence and punctuality by following a busy schedule, being flexible in their routine and ensuring they moved to their next session promptly.

Representatives from KS3 attended a Climate Change event hosted by Skills for Life where they trained to be Skills for Life Climate Change Champions. Students found out about carbon literacy and the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities initiative. Later in the day they took part in a workshop with Envision to learn about electric cars. They displayed skills such as self – belief and teamwork and they prepared to share what they have learnt with other students as part of their role back in school.

We had a wonderful turn out of ex-pupils for the Alumni Panel and the current students particularly enjoyed hearing the inspirational stories of how they got into their current role. The alumni were a fantastic example of how empowering young people with employability skills can lead to a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Students were supported throughout the week by our qualified careers adviser from Career Connect. They had access to drop in guidance sessions to answer any questions that arose during careers week and help them to make informed decisions about their careers and futures.

Overall, it was a fantastic week where students had the opportunity to explore a broad and varied range of career paths, learn from the local labour market and connect with employers and professionals. All of the students have been a credit to the school and excellent role models and ambassadors. This quote from one of the employers sums it up perfectly:

‘I just wanted to say thank you to you, the Melland staff and most of all the students for a lovely morning. We found the students engaging, polite and curious, it was a real treat to meet them. I thought the media team were fantastic, they were knowledgeable, really friendly and did a great job. Again, thank you for the lovely opportunity.’

A huge thank you to all the staff involved in supporting careers week. It was able to run smoothly by everyone being so flexible, accommodating and welcoming to the visitors. A massive thank you also goes to Sarah Driver, Enterprise Adviser and Diane Norburn, Enterprise Coordinator who provided many of the contacts for the week and Kathy Taylor, Careers Adviser who also connected us with a huge range of employers and provided much support behind the scenes on the day.