Year 10 Work Experience at The Fort – A Fantastic Success!
Meeting the updated Gatsby Benchmarks, particularly those relating to real-world employer encounters and meaningful workplace experiences, is becoming increasingly challenging for schools across the country. Opportunities for high quality work experience are in high demand, and securing placements that genuinely benefit students requires strong partnerships and creative thinking. That’s why we are incredibly proud of the outstanding opportunity offered to our students last week; a shining example of how collaborative local links can help us meet these benchmarks and give students a true insight into the world of work.
Last week, seven of our Year 10 students took part in an exciting, week-long work experience placement at The Fort Shopping Park, from Monday 24th November to Friday 28th November. This opportunity provided students with invaluable first-hand experience of the retail sector, including branding, marketing, and customer engagement – and they embraced the challenge brilliantly.
Throughout the week, students worked closely with several local businesses, including Booghe, Scallywags, and food kiosk Let’s Eat. They explored the importance of strong branding, effective marketing strategies, and building positive relationships with customers. Their main challenge was to design and produce a real advertising campaign – and we are delighted to share that their finished advert will soon be displayed on The Fort’s digital screen for the public to see. What an achievement!
This experience has given students far more than workplace skills. It has provided a significant boost to their confidence, creativity, and teamwork, as well as something standout to include on their CVs. Genuine industry collaboration and hands-on project work are exactly the kinds of strengths that future employers, colleges, and apprenticeships look for.
We are also thrilled to announce that this partnership will continue. We will once again be working with Troy Yeomans at The Fort to offer further work experience opportunities. Students will have another chance to apply for a placement during the week commencing 9th March, with additional opportunities available at the end of the summer term when the whole year group goes out on placement.
Lisa Millward
Lead Practitioner
Subject of Leader of PE
Careers Lead
