Category : Front Page News

You may remember that Year 7 entered the Race for the Line Challenge competition last year and got through to the National Finals, coming joint runners up which was a great achievement. We were subsequently asked to take part in a video to promote the competition which captures both our Year 7 who are currently competing, along with our Year 8 team from last year.

Students from Yr 9 & 10, nominated by teachers, went to the BBC Bitesize Roadshow, which focused on Creative Careers.

The roadshow was hosted by Presenter Jonny Nelson, who recently fronted CBBC’s live Saturday morning children’s show – Saturday Mash-Up.  Amongst many other projects, he has presented digital campaigns for O2 and Primark and presents the Football Show.  He has worked for Channel 5 and ITV.

Jonny introduced 3 guests.  A Researcher, who has been working for 999 Rescue Squad and the BBC1 River Walks series.  A Freelance Lighting Director, who has worked for the BBC, Channel 4, Sky, on shows including X Factor, Strictly and The Apprentice.  Finally, a Visual Effects Supervisor, who has experience in period dramas, sci-fi and worked for Netflix.

The guests talked about their career ideas when they were at school, and how their careers then developed.  They highlighted skills required and subjects that were important for their respective jobs, such as communication, being practical, like working with others, having tolerance, problem solving and listening.  They commented on how they can see the subjects they studied at school are valuable in their work – English, Maths, Physics, History, DT, Performing Arts, Photography.

There were a selection of comments made during the show which might be worth remembering –

“If you have a creative itch, you might want to scratch it”

“If you feel over-whelmed with work or deadlines, be organised, write things down and create a sense of order to follow”

“It’s good to be scared sometimes”

“Take opportunities”

“Choice and change – choose to do things that you are interested in”

The BBC Bitesize website has lots of information for students and their families which includes careers, subject guides, exam tips, quizzes, My Bitesize and revision advice.

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize

An early 6.30 start, saw us dropped on Park Lane and with a brisk walk through Green Park, past Buckingham Palace and down The Mall, students were given free time to explore the West End sights.  These included Covent Garden, Leicester Square, China Town and the area around Westminster.  We were booked for a tour of Parliament in the afternoon and were able to witness history in the making, with time in the public viewing gallery.  Students saw the Prime Minister and many other MPs going about their work.  We had a private meeting with our local MP, Andrew Jones, and learnt about pressure groups in a workshop.  The Palace of Westminster was a very busy place both inside and out on Wednesday, and it was an exciting experience for students to see history in action, as well as many iconic areas of our capital.

Student comments

“I really enjoyed meeting our MP he had interesting views.  I could have listened to him for ages”

 “It was amazing actually going into Parliament and seeing Teresa May.   The artwork and architecture of the building was fascinating”

Boroughbridge High School has been recognised for its outstanding careers work. The school has been awarded the national Quality in Careers Standard by Prospects.  The national Quality in Careers Standard is awarded to schools and education providers who can demonstrate the importance they place on careers and how they support students to make decisions about their life after school.

Boroughbridge High School is an OFSTED rated Good school, continually working to improve the chances and opportunities of all the students. Recognising the importance of preparing students for their future careers the school began working towards the national Quality in Careers Standard.

More than 1,100 schools and colleges are already voluntarily working towards or have achieved the national standard for careers. There is a statutory duty to ‘secure independent careers guidance’ for all students from year 8 onwards and the Government also recommends that all schools should be required to work towards the national Quality in Careers Standard.

Achieving the national Quality in Careers Standard shows the head teacher, governors and leadership team at Boroughbridge High School embrace, promote and endorse quality careers education and recognise the part it plays in the overall success of the school and its students. The school offers a range of activities to introduce students to the world of work and help them make decisions about life after school which includes opportunities for mock interviews, bespoke workshops, visiting regional careers events and meeting employers in the workplace.

Kathryn Stephenson, Headteacher at Boroughbridge High School said:

‘We are delighted to have achieved the national Quality in Careers Standard awarded by Prospects. At Boroughbridge High School, we strive to ensure that all students leave our school, not only with the qualifications that they need to access the next stage of their education or career of choice, but also with the skills and confidence to make an active contribution to the communities to which they belong. This award has supported this aim by providing us with a flexible framework that enabled us to audit our work on careers and ensure our students are receiving advice, practical support and experience to confidently take the next steps.’

To find out more contact the School on 01423 323540 or www.boroughbridgehigh.com.

Former Pupil William Somerville appears on BBC Countryfile

Will works for The George Farm Vets in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.  He attended Boroughbridge High School from 2000 to 2007 completing A Levels.  He then studied at Nottingham University.  Will appeared alongside Adam Henson on BBC Countryfile programme on Sunday 6 January. The episode was dedicated to the work of a veterinary

The journey began in February when Bertie’s group (York Music Forum) competed at St. Aidan’s. Having secured a place at the national festival of Music for Youth at Birmingham Town Hall in July, they were selected for the Youth Prom at the Royal Albert Hall. They performed last week and you can see Bertie in action at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMVmUmwOLIw  What an achievement!

It’s been a pleasure to have heard Bertie perform at many school events and concerts over the last five years and we’ll look forward to his next performance.

Along with 690 students from other schools, 10 Boroughbridge High School students were privileged to be part of the Military Kids Club Heroes Service at Ripon Cathedral on Friday. Heather made her own particular contribution to the service with a confident reading.