Thinking about the future
BRIDGEWATER SCHOOL PRIDES itself on preparing all children for the future and they believe it is vital for children to develop a range of skills and aspirations. This includes carefully planning for careers education and learning about possible jobs the children could have when they leave school. Each term, children are introduced to a different career through their enquiry-based learning project. So far, children have found out about life as an electrician, engineer, artist, dentist, travel agent and many more!
The school also looks for further opportunities to learn about different occupations. This year, the Year 6 children have taken part in a careers workshop and also visited Newcastle Foundation
Careers Hub located in the Metrocentre. The workshop enabled them to think about different jobs available at the shopping centre. Serena (Year 6 pupil) quoted: “We found out there are many different jobs in the Metrocentre which is a big employer. It might be good to work there as an adult. We also explored the Metrocentre!”
Bridgewater also has a yearly enterprise fair where all the children can come dressed up as what they would like to be when they grow up. This fair is always a huge success and helps the school raise funds for trips and wider experiences. The children set up stalls and are taught skills about calculating a profit and running their own business. Mr Pinkney (Nursery teacher) said: “The enterprise fair even supports the younger children’s understanding of the world as it provides the children with access to a range of different jobs and opens up their understanding to the world of work ahead of them in the future.” Bridgewater has also worked with North East Local Enterprise Partnership to strengthen careers learning. Mrs Stoker (Deputy Head) stated: “The enterprise fair and all the work we do across the curriculum about careers is vital to children’s aspirations and knowledge of careers.”