Students in Year 10 participated in a week’s work experience from 12th-16th June, with the majority of students organising their own placements, and the remainder being allocated placements from a database of workplaces. The week was a huge success, with positive feedback coming from the students, employers and staff visiting the students on the placements. Some quotes from the employers included, “The students were engaged, polite, willing to learn and took direction well. They have set the bar high for the next school!”, “We absolutely LOVED having this student and will be sad to see him leave!”, and “We couldn’t have asked for a better student – they were a credit to KWS!”

Although students were very tired at the end of the week, many reported developing employability skills, growing in confidence and learning new skills, specific to the role and workplace they were in. For many, this experience has cemented their hopes for the future and has raised their aspirations, with a number of students already researching the possible pathways into employment.

The following students were commended for their outstanding contribution to the workplace, either by the employer, or by the member of staff visiting them:

Jahleel M – Fusion Pre-School

Michael S – James Ayres Flooring

Riley S – Warner Bros. Studios

Amelie G – St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Chesterfield

Martha H – Gascoyne Estates Ltd

Krrish S – Hall Grove Practice

Noah G – Virtual work placement

Joshua H-M, Alex C, George SG and Fearne P – M&S (St Albans)

Neomi Y – Chiltern Academy

Ben R – McGrath Maserati

Oliver L – Strutt and Parker

Chimdindu I – Tesco Express