Parkwood students excelling in the workplace!
Question: What do these activities have in common?
- Observing trials at Crown Court
- Testing parts for BMW cars
- Baking delicious cakes for sale in a high street cafe
- Researching chemical engineering and presenting findings
- Supporting football coaching sessions for preschool children
- Operating the smoke machine and props department for a theatre production
- Learning how to loan cash into an ATM
Answer: They are all activities that our students have carried out during their work experience week with local employers!
Congratulations to our year 10 students who have recently completed their work experience placements, you have made Parkwood proud! The programme has expanded from previous years and over 125 students completing a placement and a few more coming up before the summer holidays. Staff members were out and about visiting students and were delighted to see students stepping into unfamiliar situations, learning new things and showing great enthusiasm and commitment.
Here’s what some of the employers said:
“The students were eager to learn and I could see their confidence grow throughout the few days we spent together. It is fair to say we were incredibly positively surprised with their effort and commitment – both students are a credit to the school. Thanks for giving us the chance to work with them.”
OGC Energy, Engineering firm
“I just wanted to say what a pleasure it’s been having your student at MGRW+, She’s a very polite and contentious young lady and finished her tasks ahead of time.” MGRW Accountancy
“They were asking lots of questions about the different pieces of equipment and what they were used for. The gardeners really did find both students very helpful and hardworking for the whole week so hopefully both of them enjoyed their time with us as much they seemed to.” Sheffield City Council estates team.
“The students’ attitude was expectational and I think he has the ideal attitude for this type of work. His parents should be proud of their son who is a perfect modern-day example of a student. We wish him all the best in the future!” Sheffield City Council
“Working hard and doing well. An asset to anyone” Allied Pharmacy
“Always been happy polite and getting on with it. One of the best we’ve had.” Stagecoach bus company
“Amazing from the beginning. Very polite, very organised. I was absolutely pleased. For her age you don’t see many people with this attitude” Co-Operative
“Very pleasant and polite, asks lots of questions, inquisitive. Genuine excitement about the field” Favell, Smith and Lawson, law firm.
For the employers who offered placements, encouraged and supported our students, we have a message from Mr Henderson, Assistant Headteacher, “A huge thank you from E-ACT Parkwood Academy to all of the employers who have gone above and beyond to ensure our fantastic students had the best work experience they could ask for. Our pupils have come back with huge smiles on their faces and they are keen to share what they have been up to, this is all down to you all. Thank you. “
If other employers would like to be part of the school’s careers or work experience programme, please contact Caroline on caroline.hanson@pwa.e-act.org.uk
