Students enjoy varied placements for work experience
A group of students at LVS Ascot school enjoyed a memorable end to term as work experience week gave them a glimpse of the future at placements that included the offices of an MP, a cardiology unit, a major bank, observing court cases with lawyers, and a London Irish rugby initiative which saw a student meet a dual Rugby World Cup-winning superstar.
The diverse range of experiences and opportunities LVS Ascot offers was reflected in the work experience placements that Year 12 students took on as the independent all-ability school helped them gain crucial involvement in possible career paths in the penultimate week of term.
One of the highest profile placements was that of Ilia Vlasov, a 17-year-old boarder at the school who shadowed Paul Scully, the MP for Sutton and Cheam.
His role involved researching a range of topics on behalf of the MP to brief him, and he was also able to attend Parliament to hear a debate.
George Alcock, 17, was another LVS Ascot student who enjoyed a privileged look behind the scenes at a career that the public rarely get to see a great deal of.
His week with experienced lawyer Stephen Betts took him into a range of courts across the south of England, including The Royal Courts and The
Old Bailey in London. George observed a wide variety of court cases and saw first-hand how lawyers work, in and outside of the courtroom.
A further exciting placement was that of Morgan JenkinsPhillipps, 17, whose week was at HITZ Training, an initiative in partnership with London Irish which uses rugby to increase disadvantaged people’s confidence and give opportunities to 16- to 19-year-olds not in education or employment.
It gave Morgan the opportunity to learn about a vital community project and also meet London Irish rugby stars including Ben Franks who has won the Rugby World Cup twice with the All Blacks.
Thomas Shaw’s placement at HSBC in Bracknell has helped shape his future plans beyond the Economics Degree he intends to study, and is now interested in exploring a career in commercial or corporate banking.
The 16-year-old’s role included mystery shopping and creating presentations.
HSBC’s Bracknell branch manager Nicola Osborne said: “Thomas was a pleasure to have at the branch. He was extremely engaged and enthusiastic, completed tasks to a high standard and had a professional approach.”
Ella Desmond, 17, has an ambition to become a doctor which was brought to life with a week in a cardiology ward at Royal Surrey County Hospital where she shadowed junior doctors and nurses and attended meetings with consultants and doctors.
The week allowed Ella to become more aware of academic terminology and see the levels of professionalism required from a doctor.
LVS Ascot said it works alongside Bracknell careers service Adviza.
Louise Buckley, their careers advisor at the school, said: “Work Experience is vital as it allows students to get hands-on experience in a professional work environment. LVS Ascot’s students received feedback from employers during the week on their communication and team work skills, got involved in live projects, attended meetings and delivered presentations which are great experiences to include on their UCAS university applications forms.
“The week has given them insight into the world of careers, allowing them to make an informed decision about their career pathways.”