Early in July, our year 12 students had the opportunity for a week of experiencing a workplace, as they start to prepare for their next steps after they complete their courses with us next summer.
Students spent the week with a huge variety of employers, large and small, gaining vital knowledge and experiences to talk about in their UCAS personal statements or apprenticeship applications next year. They represented the school well; here are some of their stories:
Lily C
For my work experience I went to the Co-op funeral care for a week. While I was there, I had the opportunity to have a look into the work that goes into the funeral care business behind the scenes- such as in the offices with the funeral directors and in the mortuary where the care of the deceased takes place. For example, I got to help dress a deceased and helped do the ‘care of deceased’ checks. I also got to have a go at helping make the coffins. This included engraving plaques, adding wreath holders and adding linings. Finally, I also had the chance to go along on a couple of funerals, seeing how the team works behind the scenes with the families to help make the day go smoothly and to ensure the funeral goes the way the family wants. I really enjoyed my week of work experience as it was incredibly interesting, and the team were all really lovely and supportive. I feel I now have a good sense of the importance of funeral care and just how rewarding this line of work can be.
Following my work experience, the Co-op has sent me information about apprenticeships in Funeral Care to consider in the future.
Pelumi K
During my work experience at the Launton Grange Care Home, I had to support and care for residents living with dementia. It was such a heartwarming and mind-blowing experience. I spent time talking with the residents and interacting with them, helping with small tasks and learning how the staff support them daily. This experience taught me how important patience, empathy and communication are.
Overall, it was an amazing experience, and it made me appreciate the work people do at a care home.
Noah H
For my work experience, I was at the Cherwell District Council. I chose this because it had multiple areas of work that related to my own interests. During the work experience I was placed in the wellbeing department where I was with people who worked with years 1 to 6 in schools to encourage them to be more active and healthier. Some of the tasks included helping set up activities for children, showing PowerPoints primarily for educating about mental health, and at the end of the week I was helping with tasks around the office such as welcoming people who were arriving for events. I found this experience useful as it had helped with developing communication skills which are important for future workplaces.
And finally, some feedback from one of our employers, on Sebastian E
I am the new shop Manager for Age UK in Bicester and it is my first working day here at the shop, just wanted to leave feedback for Sebastian. Sebastian is the most amazing hardworking young person I have ever met during my experience as a retail shop Manager. He is very kind and the most obedient person, who is always thinking a way ahead to tackle tasks and jobs even before allocated to him. He volunteers and helps around the shop to the best of his ability. His calm personality shows that no job is too challenging for him.
Please do let his parents know as well, how proud we all are of Seb. I look forward to seeing him tomorrow.
If you’d be interested in supporting one of our students to attend work experience in your organisation next year, please do get in touch with us here