Students took part in an engaging and informative Personal Development Day this week, delivered by FutureU, designed to broaden career awareness and develop essential life skills.
The day featured a range of interactive sessions focused on different career pathways, including Tourism, Culture and Place, Social Care, and Digital Futures. Through practical activities and group challenges, students were encouraged to explore their interests while building confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.
In the Tourism, Culture and Place session, students responded to a creative brief to plan and manage the opening ceremony of the Eden North Project. Working in teams, they developed ideas, organised roles, and presented their proposals, gaining valuable insight into careers within the tourism and events industries. This session helped students strengthen their organisational skills while understanding how large-scale projects are planned and delivered.
The Social Care workshop focused on raising awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with additional needs. Students explored what social care involves, learned about different job roles within the sector, and discussed the skills and personal qualities required to work in this field. Through discussion and activities, pupils developed greater empathy and understanding of how to support others.
Another key element of the day was pathway mapping, where students considered their future ambitions and explored routes into different careers. The Digital FutureU session introduced pupils to coding using M Bot 2 giving them hands-on experience with technology and highlighting opportunities in the growing digital sector.
Mrs Ross, the school’s Careers Advisor, praised the impact of the day, saying:
“This event gave our students a fantastic opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways in an engaging and practical way. They were able to develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while also gaining confidence in their future choices. Experiences like this are invaluable in helping young people make informed decisions about their next steps.”
Overall, the Personal Development Day provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore a wide range of careers while developing important transferable skills. The sessions encouraged pupils to think about their future, work collaboratively, and gain confidence in their abilities.
Staff praised the day for its positive impact, and students left feeling motivated, informed, and better prepared for the opportunities ahead.