Careers Conversations
We have continued to welcome 'old girls' back to Ribston to speak to students about their career paths. Each talk has been inspirational and our speakers have been proof that even if things do not go to plan, a successful route can be found. A key message of advice to students has been to be open to, and grab all opportunities that might come their way.
In November, we heard from Holly Middleton-Spencer, who is working towards her PhD at Newcastle University (pictured with two sixth form students).
She uses Maths, Computing and Physics in her daily work as she studies Bose-Einstein condensates. Working in academic research is perhaps not a common choice for many, but Holly spoke positively about the opportunities for travel and working collaboratively with international colleagues.
We were joined by Harriet Evans in December, who talked of using her love for History (developed by Mr James) to work in the travel industry. She described wanting to “show people history” rather than just talk about it and how her sense of adventure, travel and curiosity all started at Ribston.
January has been busy with Emma Schaffert, Rese
arch Technician at Bartlett Tree Experts flying in from the States to speak to students about careers in Arboriculture. She talked so passionately about working with trees and how each tree needs a champion that everyone left feeling positively inspired about a previously unknown industry. We also watched a video of a 'good' mite eating a 'pest' mite… the goriest thing we have seen so far in our careers talks!
Finally, this month, we wrapped January up with a talk from marketing and PR expert, Lauren Bajdala-Brown who works for global wines & spirits company Diageo. She spoke to students about how she uses social media influencers to promote her brands and creates partnerships between celebrities and alcoholic beverages. All of this came about from studying a degree in Languages and actively following up opportunities that were open to her.
As ever, we thank our former Ribstonians for taking the time to visit and talk to our students. We would like to encourage more students to attend these talks as they are so useful for careers research, particularly if you have no firm ideas about what you might like to try in the future.
Coming up in February, it is National Apprenticeship Week (3rd to 9th) which will be marked with a week of events including an “Ask the Panel” session in assembly.
We will be also be welcoming family law barrister and judge Katie Henry on the 13th of February, for Careers Conversation #7. All students are welcome.
Ms Haines Careers Adviser/School Librarian
The Wellbeing Team organised tea and cake for some of our young carers, Wellbeing Ambassadors and Staff. Karen James from Young Carers Gloucestershire attended the event, along with Kerry Mann an ex-Ribston student who spoke to us about what it means to be a young carer. Every day across the UK thousands of young people help to look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or struggles with substance misuse. Recent research shows that one in twelve secondary school children may be a young carer. For many, their caring journey begins at a much younger age. Caring for someone can be very isolating, worrying and stressful. For young carers, this can negatively impact on their experiences and outcomes in education, having a lasting effect.
and active throughout January through exercise (it started as Run Every Day) and whilst reading an article about the benefits of reading, our librarian Ms Haines thought that Reading Every Day would also be an excellent way to get through the often dark and gloomy month of January. Reading is good for mental stimulation, it reduces stress and increases vocabulary and knowledge. It increases our confidence, self-esteem, emotional intelligence and helps us sleep better and feel less lonely. 
This term Computer Club which runs on a Wednesday after school, is working with students from Calton Road Primary School to introduce them to the fun of coding. The students will be using OhBot robot heads to create animated story tellers over a 4 week program lead by our own students. We are looking forward to having the primary students with us to learn about Computing.
The cold, wet and windy weather has not stopped the Year 8 Netball Team who beat Homleigh Park in an A and B team away fixture, winning both matches. They also played in more preferable conditions against St Peters High School, with the A Team winning 25-0 and the B team winning 18-10.
