Aspire Careers Convention
Our biannual Aspire Careers Convention is open to all local schools and colleges as well as our own students from Year 9 upwards.
Present are a wide range of Universities and Employers representing many different job roles. Each time, we try to offer new employers and careers as well as considering which Universities are popular choices for local students.
The event is hugely popular within our local community with over 500 students and families visiting the evening event.
Aims
The evening allows students to talk to, ask questions and network with employers and universities receiving advice and guidance on their future choices.
Local state schools do not offer a similar event, so by inviting local students to attend (as well as our own girls), we are meeting the needs of the local community.
Factors for success include having a wide range of employers and universities present as well as the number of students and families who attend.
The feedback from facilitators and attendees is always incredibly positive and it is an enjoyable experience for all.
Background
The event has historically always been offered to our own students, but the decision was made to open it up to local schools after research found no similar event was offered in our local state schools.
The event is biannual as it alternates with our Biomedical Conference.
Resources
The event is held in our Sports Hall (the largest space on the School site) and involves our site team setting up the stands in advance, refreshments being provided for exhibitors and then 50-60 organisations being represented. Some universities / employers come every year whilst new ones are being added to the list every time.
The Convention is open for two hours on the night and is offered free of charge to all who are involved.
Impact
Feedback is received from the exhibitors and attendees on the night.
We ask students to get a postcard signed for talking to 8 exhibitors on the night which is then entered into a prize draw to encourage conversations to take place. Every year, we get over 100 entries for the draw.
Pupil Involvement
All students in Year 9 and above are welcome to attend although some Year 7 and 8 students will also attend.
The event is primarily organised for our own students, but local state schools and college are also invited.
Frequency
The event is offered every other year alternating with our BioMedical Conference.
