A high-tech video presentation, a presenter from BBC Radio 1Xtra, and a panel of guests from a broad range of industries and backgrounds. With these ingredients, students in Years 8 and 9 enjoyed their latest insight into the world of work and the opportunities that will be available to them.
Under the banner of BBC Bitesize, the rapid-fire question-and-answer sessions introduced Tom, Ryan and Amanda to answer questions from the BBC’s Nick Bright but also from students. BBC Bitesize is an innovative revision website and app, which is helping thousands of young people to study in an accessible and enjoyable way.
This provided the theme for the day – innovation. Each of the guests shared with students how they have needed to find new and unique ways to overcome challenges, and in very different industries.
Tom Hetherington works for the BBC to develop the next generation of TV programmes. Through his career he has worked with and learned from many people, building the skills needed to identify future trends
Ryan, now the Operations Director of women’s hair product brand Hair Shark spoke of how he helps the company to change direction when needed. Working for a small company in a crowded market, flexibility is of great importance.
Amanda is Senior Vice President in charge of Sales for Cytiva, a company in the Life Sciences sector, manufacturing for many large pharmaceutical companies. Recent history shows how important innovation has been in this field, and Amanda shared her pride of being part of the programme that has created vaccines against Covid-19. The success of this, saving lives worldwide, gives a tremendous sense of purpose.
Answering questions from students, the guests shared their ambitions from their own school days, ranging from a weatherman, a professional footballer, but also having no plan – which itself gave a confidence to be open minded and try new things.
Asked what subjects at school really helped them it was no surprise that Amanda chose Chemistry, Tom spoke of English and Drama and Ryan of Engineering, ICT and Business. But all three spoke of the important life skills that can be found in many subjects, encouraging creative thinking and problem solving.
The event was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the BBC Bitesize website and app. Offering a huge amount of information to help young people revise, Bitesize can be a powerful tool for learning. If you haven’t found it yet, add it to your resources – visit bbc.co.uk/bitesize
