Guest speakers and industry experience

At Ormiston Rivers Academy we believe that interaction with industry experts and speakers is an important developmental experience for our students.  It gives them the opportunity to hear from professionals about what it is like to be in that industry and the steps needed to enter that vocation, as well as being to ask their own questions.  Our students are encouraged to be aspirational and by bringing in Guest speakers we aim to open their eyes to possibilities and careers that they may have not considered.  

We also use Guest speakers to educate our students in areas of our PSHE programme to help develop their respect and prepare them in becoming independent, responsible citizens who are able to keep themselves safe and healthy.  We have used speakers and performance companies related to County Lines, Drugs and Gangs in order to educate our young people in a way they find relatable. 

In Careers we often arrange workshops, industry expert sessions and assemblies on next step pathways. Recent examples have included Apprenticeship Assemblies for Year 10,. 11 and Sixth form, UCAS provide students with life at University and workshops for Year 13s in preparation for leaving home.

Year 12 students have had sessions on CV, Cover letters and interview skills from one of our Link Partners at Lloyds Banking Group and Year 13 have been invited to attend sessions on budgeting, mortgages, savings and investing.

We have regular careers masterclasses from a wide variety of businesses and employers. These have included sessions with the RAF, the Navy, Medical Scientists, Vets, Doctors and Nurses, Construction and many more.

Recent Speakers and Industry Experiences:

Work Experience

Year 10 and Year 12 take part in a week of Work Experience in the summer term each year

This year, Year 12 are out on placement 8th -12th July 2024 and Year 12 are out 15th -19th July 2024.

All students have both received their work experience placement information packs and are in the process of arranging placements for Summer 2024. The deadline for handing in completed forms is 28th March 2024.

Both year groups will complete a week’s work experience in an industry placement of their choice. Work experience is an excellent opportunity for students to gain an understanding of the skills and qualities required by employers. It also allows students to develop their transferable skills and provides an opportunity for them to experience the world of work.

Any questions regarding work experience please contact Mrs Compton, Careers Lead on [email protected].

Apprenticeship assemblies

At the end of November, students in Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 all took part in apprenticeship assemblies delivered by AIM apprenticeships. The information assemblies ensured students had high quality, up-to-date information about apprenticeship options relevant to their next steps and that students are fully informed of this as a pathway option for them. This will be followed up by a bespoke programme of support run by AIM apprenticeships who will support interested students in finding and applying for apprenticeships.

Healthcare Master Class

In November students from across the Academy who are interested in a career in Medicine and Healthcare took part in a masterclass on Healthcare science and cardiology. Students were taken through the different career options within this field and what the jobs involved. They also got to ask questions of the experts to help them on their career paths. Students found the session very informative and really valued the opportunity.

Construction Master Class

In November students interested in a future career within the construction industry attended an informative and engaging master class presented by Eurovision on working in the construction industry. The talk covered the different areas involved in construction and the pathways available. Students were able to pose questions and discuss their own interests with the presenters.

Sixth Form Revision Workshop

In September our Sixth Form students took part in a study skills and revision strategies workshop run by Elevate education. Students were taught how to take control of their Post-16 studies and techniques for effective independent study. They were also shown key revision strategies to use in preparation for examinations.