BBC Teach have just unveiled a series of short films which look at how schools and careers practitioners from across the UK approach careers support and examines what’s working well for them.
One of the films looks at what Ballysally Primary School in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, is doing to raise aspirations. The Headteacher Geoff Dunn MBE explains the importance of raising aspirations and giving opportunities for children especially in areas of high deprivation such as Ballysally. He and his teachers are keen to spread the message among its pupils: ‘I can do this; I can be what I want to be’. Geoff talks about the Primary Futures initiative and its unique approach to get the volunteers, schools, employers and parents involved in working together to open young people’s eyes to future possibilities.
You can watch the BBC film here.
Earlier this year the school hosted their first Primary Futures event with 40 volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds doing different jobs coming into the school talking with primary school children. The event introduced the young people to the world of work as the volunteers shared their experiences in an interactive session and answered an abundance of questions from the enthusiastic children.
Geoff is keen to relate what children are learning to their future lives and emphasised the need to look at every topic and ask how does this link with the world of work.
The school have found this is also a great way to engage parents. Geoff says: “Our career related learning events allowed us to invite parents in to see first-hand what was going on in school. The feedback was very positive.”
To find more about the Primary Futures event in Ballysally, you can read our article here.
Inspired to host your own Primary Futures activity or share you career story by volunteering? Find out more on our Primary Futures website.