Combe Down Primary School staged its first Careers’ Fair with a fighter pilot, archaeologist, vicar, author, ballerina and chef just some of the professions represented.
Over 50 different career professionals attended the fair (which is thought to be the first careers’ fair in the area aimed at primary aged children) where pupils were encouraged to explode sexual stereotypes and inspired to think bigger when looking to their future and explore a wider range of possible career path options.
Among the career professionals taking part was the editor of The Bath & Wiltshire Parent, Ian Waller, who commented, “What a great event and huge congratulations to Combe Down Primary for hosting the careers’ fair. The children were wonderfully inquisitive and articulate, and it was a joy to help show just some of the options that await once they leave school.”
Deputy Head, Jo Bird, ‘architect’ of the Wellbeing and Careers’ Fair, explained, “We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and commitment of parents and the wider Bath community who have come forward. We believe wholeheartedly that wellbeing is an important part of a child’s primary education, enabling them to make the most of their school and learning experience. Open in their aspirations, seeing the value of hard work and employing key tactics for resilience are important features of their life-long education.”
Prior to the launch of the week, children across the school were asked to provide a list of the professions and careers they wanted to find out more about, and the these have formed the cornerstone for the event. Children in the school have also created 20 questions they want each professional to answer and which the school aims to bring together in a Careers Encyclopaedia following the Careers’ Fair.
The Careers’ Fair was the climax of Combe Down Primary’s now annual Wellbeing Week. During Wellbeing Week, the school delivered a series of tailored workshops and activities including drumming and percussion, forest school, gardening, ninja arts, yoga, pilates, singing, reflection, team building and mindfulness.
The school also hosted workshops for staff, parents and carers in advance and during Wellbeing Week.