A city school has received a prestigious award for raising the aspirations of its pupils by providing careers advice to every child – from three-year-olds through to sixth formers.
The Bemrose School, in Uttoxeter New Road, is the only all-through school in the city and begins preparing its pupils for the world of work in the nursery and primary school, throughout secondary and into the sixth form.
It was named School of the Year at the Enterprise 4 Education (E4E) Derby City Raising Aspiration Awards which celebrates the success and achievements of schools, employers and individuals in the local Derby area.
Executive head teacher Neil Wilkinson said: “We have an extensive careers programme across the whole school with excellent support from businesses and local employer’s including the Royal Derby Hospital, the British Army, Toyota and Rolls-Royce.
“We aim to introduce all our pupils to activities and experiences which don’t necessarily fit into the normal school curriculum, but which will enhance their breadth of knowledge and skills once they leave school.
“With the youngest children this might simply be looking at gender stereotypes – for example are firefighters men or women – or introducing them to volunteers from the world of work.
“With the older children we have found that by encouraging pupils to look closely at potential careers their achievements increase, because they have a focus in their work. Then, when the time comes, they have an established idea of where they want to go.
“It’s absolutely brilliant to pick up the School of the Year award for this work and we’d like to thank all the employers who help us deliver this programme, showing our pupils what options there are available to them.”
E4E brings employers into city schools to provide inspiration and share real-world careers experience through personal mentoring, mock interviews, career search support, careers events and industry visits.
The Bemrose School was up against countless others from across the city to scoop the award, with Da Vinci Academy and UTC Pride Park also making the shortlist.
Pauline Anderson, director of Learning, Inclusion and Skills for sponsors Derby City Council presented The Bemrose School executive headteacher Neil Wilkinson and career’s leader Claire Pavitt with the award.
Picture shows: Careers leaser Claire Pavitt (left) and Neil Wilkinson, Executive head teacher of The Bemrose School (right) with the E4E school of the year award.
E4E manager Arshad Iqbal said: “E4E has been helping to prepare the young people of Derby for the world of work since 2014 and the awards showcase just some of the incredible schools, pupils, volunteers and supporters we work with.
“All three of our finalists in this category are careers champions, celebrating the hard-work, resilience and aspirations of their pupils. The Bemrose School have a through-school approach to careers and have been with the programme since the early days. We’re delighted for Neil, Claire and The Bemrose School.”
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Caption: The Bemrose School executive headteacher Neil Wilkinson and careers lead Claire Pavitt with their award.
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