Year 10 Work Experience

04/04/2025 Top News

Risedale School celebrates successful week of Work Experience for Year 10 pupils.

Risedale School's Year 10 pupils recently concluded a highly successful week of work experience, venturing into the professional world with enthusiasm and maturity. The programme, which took place between 31st March and 4th April, was designed to provide invaluable real-world experience, yielded overwhelmingly positive feedback from both participating businesses and the pupils themselves.

Careers Leader, Mrs Porritt, expressed her admiration, stating, "The transformation in our Year 10s was remarkable. I witnessed a surge in confidence, coupled with genuine smiles and a newfound maturity. Their enthusiasm was truly inspiring."

One particularly impressive outcome was observed at AMEY Defence Services, where pupils delivered compelling presentations to a panel of judges, including the Garrison Housing Liaison Officer. "The feedback was exceptional," Mrs Porritt noted. "The judges were thoroughly impressed by the pupils' dedication and the quality of their work."

"I want to extend my deepest thanks to all the staff who supported this programme," Mrs Porritt added. "From the initial planning in October to the final visits and feedback, your dedication and willingness to go the extra mile have made a significant difference. Each and every one of you, regardless of your role, contributed to making this a truly positive and memorable experience for our pupils. Your support has been invaluable."

In-School Placements: Nurturing Talent Within Our Walls

Beyond external placements, numerous pupils thrived in internal roles, contributing to the school's daily operations. Miss Sellers, our school Librarian, praised Kaiden Collins' contributions, saying, "Kaiden was an absolute delight to have in the library. His dedication and ability to connect with younger pupils were exceptional. I was particularly impressed by his creative display and engaging 'Friday Find' scavenger hunt. He even shared his love of reading by visiting Hipswell Primary School and reading to some very enthusiastic Year 1 pupils." Kaiden's experience extended beyond the library, as he also assisted teachers in various departments, earning numerous accolades and praise for his professionalism and eagerness to learn.

Similarly, Riley Filius made a significant impact in the school canteen. Mrs Atkins remarked, “I thought I would let you all know how amazing Riley has been during his work experience week with us in the kitchen. He has been a pleasure to have; his attention to detail and commitment have been first-class. What a lovely lad he is!”

Trades Day: Hands-On Learning and Future Pathways

On Tuesday 1st April, Risedale School transformed into a bustling hub of practical learning as a selected group of Year 10 pupils participated in a dynamic mini-trades fair. They were able to try out real jobs from the building and construction industry, thanks to the dedicated staff from CLC Group, Tivoli Group, and Amey Defence Services, who generously shared their expertise and passion. Trade stations were set up, transforming the hall into a dynamic learning environment. Pupils rotated through each station, gaining a valuable overview of diverse job roles. This allowed the pupils to experience first-hand what these careers would be like

Imagine the scene: pupils, wide-eyed with curiosity, carefully placing bricks under the watchful eye of seasoned bricklayers, or the focused concentration as they learned the intricacies of electrical wiring. The trade stands, covering Health & Safety, Quantity Surveying, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry & Joinery, Plastering, and Bricklaying, provided a comprehensive glimpse into the trades sector.

“It was a brilliant afternoon seeing our pupils engaging in all the different activities, asking lots of questions and ‘giving it a go!’ ” remarked Helen Porritt, Careers Leader. “It was also incredibly inspiring to see former Risedale pupils, now skilled tradespeople, sharing their knowledge and career journeys, demonstrating the rewarding paths available in these areas of work.” The presence of alumni served as a powerful motivation, showcasing the tangible success that can be achieved.

The success of the day was due to the hard work and organisation of Bob Boal, Amy Kellary and their staff from CLC Group, Dan Hiles and staff from Tivoli Group and Khusela Mbassa and Lauren Park from Amey Defence Services. Their efforts provided a real-world experience for the pupils.

This Trades Day wasn't just about trying out tools; it was about opening pupils' eyes to the vast opportunities within skilled trades, addressing the crucial skills gap, and fostering a deeper understanding of these vital professions. Risedale School is committed to providing pupils with diverse career pathways, and this event was a testament to that dedication.

>> Discover what pupil Joshua-Jay Whitaker (10Vizor) learned during his work experience at Harris Irwin Architects, Richmond – read his spotlight HERE.