Senior PSHE – Summer Term

Author: Sam Hardcastle.
20th July 2025.

Year 10 (L5) marks a turning point for the pupils, as they begin to wonder about life beyond school. In their careers-related lessons this year, they have focussed on discovering more about who they are as learners, what their post-16 study and career options are and, most importantly, how they can achieve their life aspirations.

They have completed their Morrisby Profile questionnaires, attended their individual guidance interviews with Future Smart Careers, researched careers of interest and attended a careers and apprenticeship fair, plus a taster day at HSDC. However, careers are so personal to an individual and really, the best way to find out whether you really like something or not, is to try it first hand through a work experience placement.

According to the Careers and Enterprise Company, work experience ‘has been shown to have a positive impact on employability skills, motivation in education, career-decision making and knowledge of the world of work’. However, it can also be useful to rule out something that you had been considering. Back in the 1990s, my work experience placement made me very quickly realise that I was not suited to a career in banking – there is a reason I am not a teacher of mathematics!

To help our pupils gain this meaningful first-hand experience of work, pupils embarked on
a week-long placement across local businesses, charities and organisations. The placements this June ranged from retail and office jobs to health, engineering and creative industries. Over five days, pupils shadowed professionals, learning routines, etiquette, and teamwork; engaged in real tasks, from customer service to project support; and reflected on their placements, noting surprises, challenges and insights.

Many members of staff volunteered to visit the pupils and were very impressed with what they saw. A few highlights included: Harry at a precision engineering company specialising in F1 whose owner commented that he would not hesitate to offer him an apprenticeship; Isla who was working for the Goodwood Estate and spent a day on location filming a new advert for the hotel; Anya working at a hairdressers who were super impressed with her efficiency and helpfulness.

Anya worked with Stream Hair & Beauty. The owner’s feedback was that she was ‘super efficient and really helpful.’

Izzy spent the week mucking out and helping to look after the horses at Chris Gordon Racing. The Yard were ‘very impressed’ with her attitude.

Overwhelmingly, the work experience programme was a success. All pupils either agreed that they found their placements good or excellent and also commented that they enjoyed meeting new people, learning new skills, being out of their comfort zone and discovering more about the world of work. For some, it was similar to my Lloyds Bank experience where they recognised the value of the week but it had confirmed for them that a career in teaching or dentistry was definitely not for them!

As parents, you play a crucial role in this journey. You and your children have access to their Morrisby accounts where you can research career and study paths together and review the report from their guidance interviews. By encouraging questions and exploration and celebrating insights, you’ll help set the foundation for their next steps. Thank you for your support in making work experience a success. Together, we’re helping the pupils to thrive.

If any parents would like to support next year’s work experience week by offering pupils a placement, please email s.hardcastle@mayvillehighschool.net

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