Launceston College Students Take Part in Work Experience Week

Year 8 students at Launceston College stepped out of the classroom and into workplaces this week as part of Take Your Child to Work Week.

The students, from the college which is part of Athena Learning Trust, spent time experiencing a wide range of careers. Placements included ice cream production, cyber security, frontline emergency services and a variety of local businesses.

The week gave students the chance to see what different jobs involve while gaining practical experience beyond school.

Real Experiences Across Different Industries

The placements allowed students to observe real working environments and learn about potential career paths. The experience was designed to help them build confidence, explore future ambitions and develop practical skills.

Among those taking part was Tommy, who spent the day at Launceston Fire Station. During the visit he learned about the important role firefighters play in the community.

Part of a Wider Careers Programme

Take Your Child to Work Week forms part of the wider careers programme at Launceston College. Alongside workplace experiences, students take part in tutor-led sessions, role-play activities and the school’s Character Curriculum.

These activities explore topics linked to employment, financial decision-making, wellbeing and responsibility. Students are encouraged to assess their own skills, understand local training and employment opportunities, and develop confidence and employability skills for the future.

Matthew Thompson, Principal at Launceston College, said:
“Take Your Child to Work Week gives our students a real insight into the world of work and the skills they’ll need in the future. Hearing about their different experiences has been inspiring, and it’s just one part of the careers guidance and support we provide all year to help students make confident choices about their futures.”

Ofsted Rating and Curriculum

Launceston College is rated Good by Ofsted across several areas including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

Inspectors noted that all pupils, including those with SEND, follow a broad and ambitious curriculum and learn new knowledge in a logical order. They reported that pupils build on what they already know, while sixth-form students study for qualifications that are well matched to their future aspirations.

Ofsted also highlighted that work completed by sixth-form students is suitably demanding, and that pupils attending the specially resourced provision follow a curriculum suited to their needs and capabilities.