Oathall’s year 10 students have just enjoyed a week of work related learning experiences. The week is designed to broaden their experience and understanding of the world of work and to support them as they consider their future career pathways.
The students were immersed in a wide range of work related learning activities:
Monday – The students chose to visit either Crawley College, the University of Sussex or Plumpton College. The students toured the campuses, learned about what life would be like as a student and participated in subject taster sessions.

Tuesday – We were very pleased to welcome back some former Oathall students: Sarah Caddy (Post-doctoral Research Fellow @ Cambridge University), Sarah Fairbairn (training to become a criminal barrister), Jo Taylor (Head of Production at Label1 Television Ltd), Trevor Butler (journalist), James Wilson (director of a national charity), David Amor (computer games designer) and David Marshall (Head of Customer Science, MoneySuperMarket.com). They came to talk to students about their career paths and experiences of the world of work. They are all members of the Oathall Alumni Association, which allows us to keep in touch with our former students.
Wednesday – The year group visited the Big Bang Fair, an event that focussed on career opportunities linked to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Thursday – The students spent this half term preparing for mock interviews. We had many business volunteers who acted as interviewers for our Year 10 students. The mock interviews helped to prepare our students for their college interviews. The business volunteers were very impressed by our students, stating that they were mature, polite and came very well prepared. In the afternoon, the students all attended an apprenticeship presentation. This gave them an opportunity to understand how the National Apprenticeship programme works.
Friday – Work Observation Day: The students were able to observe a parent, friend or relation at work. The students had to complete a world of work survey whilst on their placement too.
We always ask the students to evaluate the week. Here are some of the comments made:
- “ Every aspect of the week was fun and educational.”
- “I really enjoyed my visit to Sussex University because it helped me decide what I want to do when I am older.”