Last week, Westfield Primary School played host to over 32 different local businesses and professionals as part of their Fantastic Futures week, with the main aim of raising children’s aspirations for future careers.

Following the success of a similar week last year, various different companies and individuals worked alongside the children to talk about their roles whilst giving pupils ‘hands-on’ opportunities to practise different skills and competencies such as teamwork, communication skills and creativity. Editor of The Journal, Becky Brooks, joined guests from the MOD, Royal Navy, BloodHound, the NHS, Engie and Virgin Media to inspire the children about life in the world of work. Becky spent last Friday with Year 2 pupils, who had a go at creating their own Journal front page, designing an advert and also a spot of photography!

Fantastic Futures week, which was first run last year, aims to raise the children’s aspirations, whilst at the same time providing them with many exciting activities and opportunities. The children also explored a range of skills and competencies, including creativity, innovation, problem-solving, teamwork, communication and careers awareness, all relevant to careers in STEM industries.

Whether it is designing boats, insulating a Concorde jet engine, plumbing pipes or launching rockets into space, it’s clear to see that the future of children at Westfield Primary has never looked so fantastic! Simon Mills, Headteacher at Westfield Primary School, said: “It has been an incredible success, and so many children have been inspired by all of the great activities. Most importantly, the enthusiasm of our guests for their chosen professions has been plain to see, and this has been key to engaging pupils from such a wide range of ages and abilities.

“Every single one of them has been talking about something from last week – a little bit of extra WOW factor! That in itself is an incredible achievement, and you have all helped sow the seed that nothing is impossible!”