Speakers for Schools

We couldn't be more proud to share our official campaign video 'Everyone Should Have A Work Experience Story'. A huge thank you to the amazing Lucky Generals for creating this hugely impactful film, and to all the celebrities who took the time to share their stories with us - and spoiler alert there's some real gems in there. If you believe, as we do, that work experience should be a right and not a privilege for the lucky few, please share this video and pledge your support for our campaign here: https://lnkd.in/eQG6pSng #workexperienceforall

Are educators doing enough to support students with the rise of AI? Are disadvantaged young people being included to ensure a fairer future? These were the kind of questions that we were discussing at the Festival of Education last Friday, where I'm pleased to have been on the panel titled- Work GPT: the role of education in keeping students ahead of the AI curve. I'm glad to have brought a student's perspective to the discussion and to have spoken with some fantastic people: Nick Brook, Lynne Peabody, Julie McCulloch and Jim Knight. Key take-aways: 📚 Our language surrounding AI should be more positive; we should perceive it as a tool to enhance human abilities and improve human performance rather than as a threat to our jobs. 📚 Students need up-to-date careers guidance and resources to remain informed on how to use AI appropriately and effectively. 📚 We have to be careful that AI doesn't further cement social inequality, driving a wedge between the technological have and have-nots. Systems need to be put in place to ensure all students have access to the technologies that can be used to advance learning. Overall, it was a great event and I would like to thank Speakers for Schools for this opportunity to speak on such an important topic. #educationfest

Congratulations to the new Secretaries of State covering education, youth, skills and employment, Bridget Phillipson MP, Lisa Nandy Liz Kendall. We know from evidence that extending opportunities to work experience, which is a core service of our charity, is a vital ingredient in reducing social inequalities in educational opportunities and outcomes. We look forward to working with you to ensure all young people enjoy an enriching education that prepares them for a bright future. #education #careers #workexperience #youthopportunities

We are proud to have had Louis Charalambous, a leading media lawyer, speak to our Year 12 students. His visit, organised through the Speakers for Schools initiative, was truly inspiring. Louis shared captivating stories from his dealings with famous personalities, offering a unique glimpse into their lives and the lessons learned from his experiences. His engaging narrative highlighted the importance of perseverance, integrity, and resilience, resonating deeply with our students. The impact of his visit was profound. Students were not only entertained but also educated and motivated by his anecdotes and insights. Louis's life lessons underscored the value of hard work and the significance of staying true to one's principles, providing our students with invaluable guidance for their future endeavours. We are incredibly grateful for Louis Charalambous's attendance and the inspiration he brought to our school. His contribution to the development of our students through his words and experiences is greatly appreciated. We look forward to more such enriching sessions in the future, continuing our commitment to providing our students with opportunities to learn from distinguished professionals. Speakers for Schools #enfieldgrammarschool #enfield #sixthform #enrichment #progression #mentors #guestspeakers #inspiration

Congratulations to Rt Hon Rachel Reeves on her appointment as the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer. As she says, "There should be no limits on your ambitions." What an important moment for all young girls to see. #educationmatters #workexperience

Last week we enjoyed a Passport to Change road trip as we had the pleasure of graduating BOTH of our UK partner schools celebrating their achievements and growth through the programme - a brilliant conclusion to what has been an incredible year for Virgin Atlantic's flagship community programme, Passport to Change. Cranfield University hosted our graduation for students of Thomas Bennett Community College and Aerospace Bristol hosted the students of Dylan Thomas Community School. We all explored these wonderful venues of absolute inspiration and wonder and heard impressive airline pitches from the students; a daunting task for some as they feared what many do with public speaking, but with plenty of encouragement and in a safe space, they pitched beautifully, exceeding their own expectations. This programme is set to give students exposure to careers in aviation and STEM, inspire and equip them with valuable skills and experiences that will support their future aspirations. One day we will see them achieving greatness on our own doorstop - I cannot wait for that day ❤ A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making these graduation events so special. The collective effort of Speakers for Schools, teachers, volunteers, and venue hosts has absolutely made a lasting impact on the students. Myself and Laura Macshane are like proud parents and I couldn't ask for a better partner to work with. #everyonecantakeontheworld #proud #STEM #futuregenerations

How did work experience help Queen of Shops Mary Portas on her career path? Only half of young people leave school with #workexperience and that just doesn’t add up. #SpeakersforSchools #socialmobility #workexperienceforall 

68% of games development studios found it difficult to fill vacancies due to skills shortages, impacting on sector growth and delaying new releases. But how can young people be ready if they don't know what skills are needed? Access to creative careers needs to change - schools and businesses can get involved in Creative Careers Week here🔽 Discover Creative Careers

'Unless you have connections with people directly, you are unable to get work experience...why do state schools have to settle for this?' Zoe, from our Youth Council shares her view on equal access to opportunities at the Festival of Education last week #educationfest

'Students are really unaware of the benefits, risks and ethical issues around AI. Chat GPT can generate an answer in seconds but it has biases and misinformation.' Cara, from our Youth Council, shares her thoughts on AI and young people at the Festival of Education last week. #educationfest