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Harris Academy Battersea planned a Work Experience Week for both Year 10 and Year 12 this term, which provided a huge range of experiences and skills that will support our students to thrive in this changing world – both this week and in the future. 

Work Experience Week could only be successful because of the support we received from multiple different professionals and industries over the course of the two weeks. 

Special shout out to the companies who made sure our students were able to get out of the school and gain experience of different careers and different workplaces. Thank you to:

• The Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Greenwich Leisure Ltd
• Sir Robert McAlpine
• Christies
• Oliver Agency
• and Battersea Power Station Development Company 

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What students said...

• "At first, I was really nervous to present to the professional. After I had done it, though, I felt proud of myself and they even gave me some useful tips on how to improve." Year 10 student
• "I was hoping to meet someone who worked in sustainability, so was really interested to meet a Sustainability Manager. I asked her about the different ways into that industry, and was interested to hear you can do lots of different degrees." Year 12 student
• "The careers talks we had in the afternoon were interesting. My favourite ones were the talk about economics in government and the NHS one." Year 10 student 
• "I loved the trip day. It was exciting to go to Christies. I had never even heard of an auction house before." Year 10 student
• "The interview was actually really good. The person who interviewed me was really nice too, which helped with my nerves!" Year 10 student
• "It was great to do a practice interview during the day. I then did my actual job interview that I got during the jobs fair we visited and I got the job!" Year 12 student
• "The jobs fair at Battersea Power Station was my highlight. There were so many different brands there and I got invited to the Body Shop and Starbucks recruitment days." Year 12 student
• "The careers fair was a great way to end the week!" Year 10 student 
• "The variety of careers talks that we got was really good. Was interesting to hear about people’s different career paths and what skills they needed." Year 12 student

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Year 10 - Overview of the week

Monday – Day 1

Y10 students were given the knowledge and time to write their first CV. They also explored post 16 options, and were given key information to allow them to navigate the world of work more effectively. The day ended with careers talks from different professionals. 

Tuesday – Day 2

In the morning our Y10s went off to visit four different workplaces. They visited Battersea Power Station, Sir Robert McAlpine, Greenwich Leisure Ltd at Balham park Library and Christies. There they met different professionals and were given a tour. Upon returning to school they attended another series of talks from different professionals.   

Wednesday – Day 3

Midway through the week the Y10s were given the opportunity to explore one of four industries, take on one of four job roles and in teams come up with a response to a specific industry challenge. They then presented back their ideas before finally wrapping up the day with more careers talks.   

Thursday – Day 4

Was all about practicing a key professional skill – INTERVIEWS. Students got to practice in pairs and some were able to try out their professional skills with a professional. The day ended again with Careers talks.  

Friday – Day 5 

Final day was all about presentation, another vital professional skill. Students practiced in pairs then got a chance to present to a professional who gave them some feedback. The afternoon was then spent at a Careers fair with multiple different professionals and companies attending.  

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Year 12 - Overview of the week

Monday – Day 1

Y12 students were given the knowledge and time to write their first CV, or update their previous one. They also explored post 18 options, and were given key information to allow them to navigate the world of work more effectively. The day ended with careers talks from different professionals.

Tuesday – Day 2

In the morning our Y12s went off to visit three different workplaces. They visited Battersea Power Station, Oliver Agency and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. There they met different professionals and were given a tour.  

Wednesday – Day 3

The Y12s went to their first Careers Fair held at Battersea Power Station. Students got to interact with a variety of employers in everything from Retail and Customer Service to Facilities Management and Construction. Some of our Y12s have already secured jobs off the back of this, with many more having interviews and attending recruitment days. This day ended with more Careers talks.  

Thursday – Day 4

Was all about practicing a key professional skill – INTERVIEWS. Students got to practice in pairs and all were able to try out their professional skills with a mock interview delivered by some professional volunteers. The day ended again with Careers talks.  

Friday – Day 5 

On the final day our Y12s were given the opportunity to explore one of four industries, take on one of four job roles and in teams come up with a response to a specific industry challenge. Having practiced what a good presentation looks like, they then got a chance to present their response to a professional who gave them some feedback.