Barry Comprehensive School

Four pupils at Barry Comprehensive School have become increasingly work-wise, thanks to a scheme run by Acorn. Monday mornings have become extremely focused for Levi Cullinane, David Warren, Lewis Hicks and Grant Newberry, as their normal school day has been transformed into a varied experience of actual work. The main aim of the project was to provide pupils with a real overview of work opportunities and practical experience. The four pupils have achieved a range of work related qualifications, as well as real experience in a range of organisations. The qualifications the four pupils gained, in a very short period of time, included:

• Foundation Health and Safety
• Foundation Food Safety
• Retail Technical Certificate level 2
• Customer Service Technical Certificate level 2
• A certificate of programme achievement

The last Monday of the course became very much a day of celebration with Levi, Grant, Lewis and David all achieving their initial programme objectives. The pupils were genuinely delighted with their achievements and felt really positive about their work.

The four pupils have been kept very busy over the last few months, with both practical work and preparation for written assessments. Some of the highlights of the sessions have been the Construction Bus visit, and the ‘Ready, Steady Cook challenge, set up by the Angel Hotel, Cardiff.

Pupils provided detailed evaluations of all aspects of the programme and all agreed on wanting more than just the one day. They felt that all aspects of the course had been really useful, but enjoyed the practical experiences most.

Helena Williams, the co-ordinator of the programme said,

‘I attended the session today and was very proud of the 4 students; they were very polite and enthusiastic. All were positive for the future and had clear goals as to what they want to achieve. I would recommend they speak sooner rather than later to Careers Wales regarding their future opportunities and we would be very happy to give them a recommendation to any future employer or provider’

Johanna Howell, who worked with the pupils on a weekly basis, described how proud she was of the pupils and their achievements.

Photos:

1. Levi, Grant, Lewis and David with their qualification certificates
2. Ready, Steady Cook with the Angel Hotels top chef