Careers week inspires Sunderland youngsters

Celebrities and local businesses have inspired pupils at a Sunderland junior school as part of a careers week.
Toby Deathe aged 10 and Eva Lowes aged 11Toby Deathe aged 10 and Eva Lowes aged 11
Toby Deathe aged 10 and Eva Lowes aged 11

Youngsters at Fulwell Junior School, in Sea Road, took part in a school project called admire and aspire, which saw them write letters to individuals and businesses, whose career they admired.

The school was delighted when the likes of scientist Stephen Hawking, entertainers Ant and Dec and funnyman David Walliams responded to the letters.

Kevin Ball with Year 5/6 football teams.Kevin Ball with Year 5/6 football teams.
Kevin Ball with Year 5/6 football teams.
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Organisations like Nissan, the National Glass Centre and local professionals, also got in touch – with many paying a visit to the school to inspire youngsters.

Assistant headteacher Rachel Sainthouse, who organised the project with assistant headteacher Katrina Humphries, said: “The response has been overwhelming with most children receiving a personal reply to their letters.

“We have had so many offers from kind people willing to give up their time to visit us during careers week, that is has become a near-military operation to organise and timetable such an exciting week.

“People like Kevin Ball have been coming in to run workshops during the week and on Friday the children dressed up as what they want to be when they grow up.”

Some of the letters sent to pupils at t Fulwell Junior School.Some of the letters sent to pupils at t Fulwell Junior School.
Some of the letters sent to pupils at t Fulwell Junior School.
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During the course of the week more than 50 people and businesses, ranging from architects to hairdressers, came into the school to meet the children.

Pupils also got involved in organising the visits themselves, forming PR and media teams to show guests around the school and interview them on their profession.

Mrs Sainthouse added: “We also want to thank Badger Minibus hire and Whitburn Church of England Academy, who have stepped in at the 11th hour to provide a bus, so that some of our children can visit Sunderland College and Craig Fitzakerly architect’s office.”