Inspiring ideas for pupils' future careers
GOOD role models can make a big difference to the aspirations and confidence of young people looking for a sense of direction in career choices.
That has been the experience of both teachers and their Year Eight and Nine pupils in a selection of eight Norfolk schools taking part in a pioneering role model project.
Successful people in all walks of life have been invited to visit the schools, which include Downham High, Swaffham's Hamond's High and Fakenham High, and tell their own stories, which often include periods of failure.
At Fakenham one of the recent prized guests was Harry Khalil, a firefighter based at RAF Lakenheath and also a retained fireman with Norfolk Fire Service.
He had been invited by project coordinator Jo Stone after student Jerome Sobers told a number of his teachers that one of his dreams was to become a firefighter.
In the course of a busy session Mr Khalil told the tale of his recruitment and training, showed examples of the type of demands made on firefighters and highlighted the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of his job. He also demonstrated the fireman's lift on one of the teachers and allowed the boys to try on two different firefighting outfits.
Jerome was in his element. "Ever since I was little I thought I would really like to be a firefighter," he said. "But I didn't think I would be able to get good enough grades to do it.
"Listening to Harry made me realise that even if I don't get the top grades at GCSE, I can still go to college and get into the fire service later on. I haven't perhaps always tried my hardest at school, but now I'm beginning to realise that getting in trouble and not trying isn't very clever.
"I've got more idea where I'm heading and feel more confident of getting there."
Norfolk businessman Ben Handford, a director of company Naked Marketing, was also invited to share his experiences with the group.
He described his school and university life and how he had used innovative approaches to obtain work in advertising agencies in London. These challenges enabled him to return home and set up his own successful business.
Mr Handford showed the students a variety of logos with the wording removed which they identified within seconds, demonstrating the real power of advertising.
For more information on the project or to offer to become a role model for the students contact Fakenham High School on 01328 862545.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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