This week marks National Careers Week, and at Sidcot, that means it's time for our ever-popular Careers Afternoon! Students were treated to a huge variety of career talks, events, and networking to showcase the breadth of opportunities available to them and build skills that will help them in their futures. Every year group was offered a separate option, allowing their careers education to progress year-on-year, ultimately aiming to inspire our students by the time they leave us to live adventurously in their career choices!
We asked a few of our students and staff to recap what they thought about their Careers Afternoon experience:
My Year 8's started their Careers Afternoon with a really engaging talk from Lloyds Bank about how to save money and be more efficient. They loved building marshmallow towers to develop and demonstrate their team building skills. They learnt all about Lloyds Bank; how businesses run, how banking works, careers in finance, and some have now set up a bank account on the back of it! Students told me they're really grateful to have had time in School to develop these important life skills.
For Careers Afternoon, our year group had two sessions: speed networking in the Refectory and listening to a careers talk from an environmentalist and PGA pro. For our first session, we had quick ten minute conversations with people from really interesting careers. There were so many people there to talk to representing lots of different career options, for example, I talked with a nurse for deaf children and a video game designer. I found it very engaging talking 1:1 with so many people who were proud of what they had chosen to do with their lives, and found each one to be very inspiring and thought provoking.
Year 11 - Forensics, Small Business, Cheffery, & More!
In Year 11, students split into five groups and chose activities that best suited their interests and potential career paths. Some decided to stay on-site to listen to a fascinating talk from Climate Wise, followed by a presentation on forensic psychology, or visit the Photography Studio to find out more about careers in the Arts. Meanwhile, a few groups headed off-site to The Pony Michelin-starred restaurant, to the Mendip Activity Centre, or to the Cheddar Cheese Company. Here are what a few of our students had to say about their experiences:
This year's Careers Afternoon was really interesting, thanks to the University of Newcastle's engaging presentation on forensic psychology. We were introduced to the fascinating world of psychology through an interactive workshop, culminating in a captivating murder mystery video. We had to meticulously observe changes to identify the culprit, a task that proved both challenging and incredibly fun! The session also provided valuable insights into university choices and pathways. A huge thank you to the Universityof Newcastle for this inspiring experience!
We had a really great time at the Cheddar Cheese Company! From watching the cheese-making process to sampling different flavours, it was a truly immersive experience. We learned how proper cheddar is made, and many left with cheese straws and our favourite varieties. It was interesting to learn about the processes of cheese-making in a thriving local business right here in Cheddar.
My group enjoyed a fantastic visit to The Pony restaurant. We explored the restaurant's beautiful gardens, learning about their commitment to local and sustainable produce. The owner shared valuable insights into the industry, and the delicious canapés were a highlight! A truly inspiring and tasty experience.
For one Year 11 group, they spent the afternoon tackling the low ropes course at the Mendip Activity Centre. The students worked together in teams to complete a series of obstacles, including a blindfolded rope course and a team-building challenge. The students returned to school with a renewed sense of confidence and teamwork. Here are what a few students had to say about their experience:
It was a really fun and interactive way to learn about teamwork.
We learned the importance of communication, collaboration, and trust as we navigated the course. We also developed problem-solving skills as we worked together to overcome obstacles.
I learned that I can trust my friends to help me, even when I can't see where I'm going.
For National Careers Week, Alison Pike, Head of Careers, and our teachers organised an afternoon of events tailored to each year group based on their stage in career planning. For Year 12, we had a presentation from FutureSmart Careers, which focused on the importance of networking. Through an engaging and interactive session, we explored the benefits of networking, such as learning from professionals, gathering career advice, and making valuable connections especially for securing work experience, which is particularly relevant for our year. We were also given top tips to help build confidence in social settings, including listening actively, engaging in conversations to demonstrate passion and interest, and preparing questions in advance.
Following this, we had a talk on using LinkedIn to build a professional personal brand. We learned that 9 out of 10 employers use LinkedIn to connect with potential employees, making it an important tool. Being guided through how to create a professional profile was incredibly useful for students preparing for future careers.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the ‘Meet and Mingle’ session, where over 30 guests, set up decorated tables showcasing their careers. The variety of professions was staggering, ranging from creative industries to medicine. This provided something for everyone, helping students who may not have a set direction yet discover new career paths and gain insight into different fields. As someone with a clear career goal of becoming a veterinary surgeon, I was fortunate to speak with a vet who offered personal advice on university interviews, work experience, and insight into the field. This was a valuable opportunity that made the event especially beneficial for me.
Overall, Careers Afternoon was a fantastic experience that provided valuable insight into future opportunities. A huge thank you to everyone who made it possible!
For our final year at Careers Afternoon, George from Bath University came to talk to us about the transition to university. As university can often feel like a confusing and alien process, I found his talk incredibly interesting and useful, especially since it focused on practical tips for budgeting. George explained how to sign up for student finance and walked us through how it all works. He also shared valuable resources, providing us with links and websites to explore potential scholarships. Throughout the session, George was attentive and engaging and took time at the end to answer all questions, making the experience highly informative.
A small group of Sidcotians then joined us for a panel discussion which was really captivating to listen to, offering a unique insight into their lives and the decisions they've made since leaving Sidcot. I particularly enjoyed how the panel featured a wide range of ages and careers, highlighting the diverse paths people can take after School. It was inspiring to hear how each individual found their own unique career, showing the endless possibilities available. They also reflected on their time at Sidcot, sharing how it helped shape their careers and lives today. This made me realise just how valuable my time at School is and how it can contribute to my future success.
This event wouldn't have been possible without the generous participation of local businesses, employers, Sidcotians, and parents who shared their expertise and passion. We are immensely grateful to each and every person who took the time to inspire our future generations. Here are just a few of the companies and industries that joined us for our Careers Afternoon this year:
- Norland
- NHS
- Thatchers
- Aerospace
- Climate Wise
- Somerset Toiletry Company
- Nuctech & EDF
- GWR
- Kilroy
- Jo Bacon Marketing
- Celtic Manor
- GM Scientific
- Kuva
- Arthur David
- Pace Agency
- Marine Sales
- Counselling Consultant
- The University of Law
- Deaf Education
- Veterinary
- Equestrian
- Bristol Waste
- Marketing and Advertising
- XPS Group
- AECOM
- IBM
- Lloyds Bank
- The Arts University Plymouth
- The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
- The Pony
- Future Smart
- Bath University
- Glion Les Roches
- Sumo Digital
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