Leigh Bedford High students skip lessons to enrich their lives after school
11:10am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in North West
Students Kieran Ainscough and Will Duffy get busy with the paint brushes
STUDENTS at Bedford High their skipped normal timetable to learn a valuable lesson.
Over a 1,000 pupils, staff, volunteer helpers and invited guests worked together last Thursday to explore life beyond the classroom at the school's Enrichment Day.
The centre-piece to the day's full programme of events was a Careers Fair which gave current Year 10 students a valuable insight into what exciting opportunities could be available to them on leaving school.
More than 40 prospective employers and organisations brought the jobs market to the school with information stands and displays.
Bedford is just one of 500 schools nationally to be chosen to take part in the Future First initiative to create alumni communities. And the calibre of former students returning for the day proved that the project is already paying dividends.
Business and organisations attending on the day included top companies Rolls Royce, Sellafield and Sainsburys along with homegrown success stories such as Stephensons Solicitors and Golborne-based cutting-edge engineering company Hilltop Products. Other guests included the Armed Forces, the NHS and the University of Manchester. Many firms attended to promote all-important opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – known as STEM careers.
Wigan & Leigh and Winstanley colleges offered a series of taster sessions on careers ranging from early years and childcare to science and sport. There was also the chance to learn more about the world of higher education with a trip to the University of Salford.
The Y Touring Company's futuristic drama challenged students to consider the ethics of scientific progress in neurotechnology.
Year 8 enjoyed a field trip to Chester Zoo and the day ended with an inter form Superstars competition.
Acting headteacher Jim Killeen said: “It was a full team effort by our staff and guests, made all the more worthwhile by our students, whose energy and enthusiasm made it a day to remember.”
“We believe in giving our students a fully-rounded education whichencourages them to reach their full academic potential and prepares them for the world beyond the school gates."
•Individuals or businesses who want to work with Bedford High School should contact Pauline Birchall on 01942 486386. Former students are also urged to get involved and are urged to join the school’s Alumni Network online at http://networks.futurefirst.org.uk/former-student/bedfordhigh
