Aspirations Week at Beacon View Primary Academy
Monday 20th to Friday 24th January 2020
In January, Beacon View Primary Academy took part in the citywide “Miss School, Miss Out Campaign” to encourage school attendance.
Our aims for the week were to:
- Encourage all students (from Nursery to Year 6) to think about their life beyond school. What do they aspire to be? What opportunities will there be for them in the future? How can they get there?
- For students to be inspired by a whole range of professions
- Provide purposeful learning opportunities for students to apply English and Maths skills in a wider context
- To build collaborative partnerships with local businesses and professions
Across the school, the children enjoyed an exciting range of activities and impressive guest speakers designed to teach them about different types of careers. Through this, the children were inspired to consider their ambitions for the future and how what they learn at school can help get them there.
The week included visits from a diverse array of people, representing the rich variety of opportunities available to new generations of young people going into the world of work. From a Navy Lieutenant, who has served for over 30 years, to a police officer working to keep communities safe, experts showcased a range of jobs in today’s society.
Former British sprinter, Jason Gardener MBE, also made an appearance to share his memories of being an Olympic gold medallist and gave pupils his tips for working hard and achieving their goals. Later in the week, we were then joined by X Factor stars, Sean and Sarah Smith (Same Difference), who talked about their experiences of entering the performance world before running a series of workshops.
Throughout the week’s activities, the pupils were keen to make the most of the experience – listening intently as the guests talked about their roles and asking some well thought-out questions. This covered everything from what they do on a daily basis and how they got into their career, to what they like and dislike about their role – providing a fantastic, real-life insight into different jobs.
Year 3 pupil Percy thoroughly enjoyed the science and STEM activities from the week, saying:
“I’ve learnt that there are just so many different things you can do with science! When I’m older I’d like to solve mysteries and find temples and secret passages.”
Evie, a pupil in Year 5, added:
“I’ve loved every minute of Aspirations Week. I particularly liked finding out more about all the jobs I can do when I’m older.”
The week complements Portsmouth City Council’s ‘Miss School, Miss Out’ campaign which seeks to improve attendance in local schools by celebrating the powerful impact of education. Staff at Beacon View Primary Academy have been keen to support this initiative through ‘Aspirations Week’, which is part of their commitment to providing an Education with Character – one which inspires, excites and challenges pupils and gives them the skills for life-long learning.
Rebecca Mitchell, Head of School at Beacon View Primary Academy, said:
“Aspirations Week has proved a fantastic hit with our whole school community – pupils, parents and staff – and has encouraged the children to cultivate their individual dreams and ambitions for the future. Through all we do, we want to give pupils the tools for success and part of this is opening their eyes to exciting opportunities in the world around them.
We are grateful to all of the wonderful speakers who have visited our academy this week and provided a fascinating insight into their lives and careers. It was important for us to showcase a rich variety of jobs, proving that there is a perfect role for everyone – no matter their interests or talents – to thrive in.”
We would personally like to thank the following people for their support with Aspirations Week, as without them, the week wouldn’t have been possible:
Jason Gardener
Liam Davies from Hampshire Constabulary
Sean Smith and Sarah Wilson from SD Studios
Stephen Alchin and the Team from Hampshire Fire and Rescue
Robin Hollington acting as a representative for the Royal Marines
Maxine Durant from the Rowans Hospice
Chloe Sibley from The Beauty Clinic
Blessing Sibanda from Portsmouth University
Ruth Mayers from South Central Ambulance Services
Steve Cass from HMS Sultan
Michelle Hale from Portsmouth University
The team from the MOD
Benjamin Mcdonagh from the Science Department at Castle View Primary Academy
Tony Butcher, Aaron Quigley, Laura Devine and Luke Barlow from Portsmouth University
Our parents and school community for truly embracing Aspirations Week
Check out the highlights from our week here:
Police
Palaeontologists
Jason Gardener
Beauty Therapist
Royal Marines
MOD
Performers
Finance
Marine Biologist
Hampshire Fire and Rescue
Paramedic
Carer
Science Teacher
Royal Navy