Work Experience

Careers is an important part of the curriculum offer at The Beacon of Light School and is taught to all students. The Beacon of Light School can help students gain valuable skills and experience to progress into their chosen careers through work placements.

Chloe Ridley – Little Dribblers

What is Little Dribblers?

The programme is based at the Stadium of Light and is overseen by specialist early years coaches. Little Dribblers is a fun induction to football for 18 months to 5 years old, which gives children a healthy and active start in life. The course is developed in partnership with early years professionals and teachers, with the programme also mapped to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. This ensures that the children develop interpersonal skills, as well as have fun with football.

Experience!

As Chloe entered her final year of school, she expressed a strong desire to work with very young children — so much so she chose this as her main career choice when leaving school in the summer of 2018. At the Beacon of Light School, we support all students towards their chosen career path by offering them the chance of work experience in a controlled environment with a valued school partner, thus giving them knowledge and experience to progress into their chosen career route.

Over the past nine months, Chloe has participated in the Little Dribblers coaching sessions with the Foundation of Light. She has worked closely with the Foundation coaches and children to develop a relationship; helping her gain the most out of this amazing experience. Through this time, Chloe has gained valuable skills and knowledge, such as teamwork, communication, patience, motivation, health and safety and organisational skills.

Chloe is looking towards college in September, knowing she has been part of this amazing work experience placement as a stepping stone towards a brighter future.

Ellis Hodgson – John Downing Ltd

Who is John Downing?

John Downing Builders Ltd has over 35 years’ experience in the building industry and provide all types of building services throughout Tyne and Wear — from hand-made staircases to en-suites, and from loft conversions to home extensions.

John Downing Builders Ltd specialise in bathrooms and kitchens, but can also undertake plumbing and general repairs, including installing power showers, plastering, tiling, caulking and grouting.

Experience!

The Beacon of Light school is proud to have forged a strong partnership with Sunderland College throughout 2017, creating and giving chances to the Beacon of Light students to find out which career paths they might take post-16.

Ellis was a participant on the Construction taster course with Sunderland College in Y10. As a result of this new-found interest and skill, he chose to opt for a construction skills pathway when he leaves school in the summer of 2018.

To support his learning, Ellis was given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience for one week with building company John Downing Ltd. Throughout this time, Ellis worked with senior crafts people learning multiple trades, learning how to work in a team, as well as brushing up on his time-keeping skills, motivation and confidence. Ellis also had the chance to fine-tune some of the skills he had learned at Sunderland College. Ellis is now heading into summer feeling confident in his abilities and looking forward to a positive working life ahead.

More information:

For more information or if you have any queries about careers or work experience, please contact Kim Newby, Careers and Post 16 Lead, kim.newby@beaconschool.org.uk