Children of all ages at La Mare learn about work

As part of the new curriculum introduced this year, students of all ages are being prepared to think about their future careers.

During this week, the children from Reception to Year 6 are hearing talks by a TV presenter, a lighthouse keeper, a fine arts curator and a States deputy, among several others.

The children also heard about a female wind turbine engineer who managed to get to her position despite a physical disability.

The pupils will also be visiting workplaces at the police station and the GSPCA.

Tomorrow, the children will be able to come to school dressed up as what they would like to be when they grow up.

Head teacher Kim Hutchison said the main aim of the week was to teach the children to aspire to get whatever it is that they want from life individually.

‘In assembly we talked about dream jobs, we asked them “what would you rather be: a water slide tester or a chocolate taster?”.

‘It’s not about the job, it’s about the aspiration. It’s also about bridging the gap between parents and students,’ she said.

Most students said they would like to work with animals or as firefighters.

‘We did have one boy who said he wanted to be a caterpillar,’ said Mrs Hutchison.

Pupil Jayden Wallace, 10, said he wants to be a banker when he grows up.

‘I like numbers and maybe for the money. I might dress up in a suit for Friday,’ he said.

Fellow pupil Sophie Robins, also 10, said she wanted to be a vet when she grows up.

‘I like working with animals, I’ve got a dog and two tortoises,’ she said.

Sergeant Ben Rowe of Guernsey Police gave a talk to a class of Year 5 students, including his daughter, Daisy, about the life of a police officer on and off the island.

‘I like to break down barriers between the kids and the police, they might have parents who have contact with police.

‘There’s a couple of children here who I would pick to work for the police already because of their communication skills,’ he said.