On Saturday 21st March, we welcomed representatives of 24 organisations to Badminton School for our biennial Opportunities Fair. All pupils from Years 10, 11 and 12 attended the along with parents, a few Year 13 girls and pupils from visiting schools including QEH, BGS and Redland Green. The atmosphere in the Dining Room was vibrant as pupils visited the stalls to find out about gap years, summer and short courses; voluntary work; paid work and apprenticeship opportunities, which will allow them to extend their skills and enjoy new experiences. The placements on offer ranged from local voluntary work with Young Bristol to community projects in Tanzania with Gap Medics, for example. There were representatives from the EDT Year in Industry and Orchards Cookery School, Deloitte and LANACOS Languages Abroad – the range of stallholders ensured that there was something for everyone. This was encompassed by the representatives promoting the National Citizenship Service, which offers teenagers the chance to extend themselves and contribute to their local community without ever having to spend more than £50.
As well as the stalls, we hosted three inspiring speakers who gave lively and engaging talks on their specialist area. Lucy Walters from Gap Guru introduced students to the reality and excitement of taking a gap year and gave us a taste of some of the numerous opportunities on offer. Hannah Wilbourne - Admissions Officer at Christ Church, Oxford – spoke about the importance of studying a subject in which one has a genuine interest and the range of careers that are open to graduates in any discipline. She then explained the admissions process and what the most competitive universities are looking for in their applicants. Our final topic was how to stand out in the job market and the workplace. Georgie Baxter, who now works for the law firm CMS Cameron McKenna, spoke honestly and openly about how she has overcome the challenges and setbacks that she has experienced on her way to her current position. Her enthusiasm and the love that she has for her chosen career were most captivating.
The event was extremely positive and several of the stallholders commented on the maturity and seriousness with which our pupils approached the event, showing genuine interest and asking excellent questions.
Mrs Dodd
