REPRESENTATIVES from a wide range of professions took time out of their busy schedules to give pupils an insight into their careers.

The Careers Day held at Peasedown St John Primary School inspired the children to think about what opportunities are available to them when they grow up.

Fourteen guests from a range of professions and backgrounds were invited into the classroom to talk about their work.

School headteacher, Ruth Noall, said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many inspirational visitors into our school as part of our annual Careers’ Day.

“This is always an exciting day and an opportunity for children to see our CARE values (Curiosity, Aspiration, Resilience and Empathy) demonstrated by professionals outside of our school environment.

“We are incredibly grateful to all of the people who gave up their time to come and speak to us.”

Visitors included Tom Cook, an engineer, head gardener Zoe Parfitt, Naomi Wilcox Jones and Liat Hurst, a vet and veterinary nurse, Ian Rockey, a learning advisor for Discovery Education, Amie Johnstone, a physiotherapist, photographer Emma Wilkinson, videographers Xander Wild and Ryan Whitehead, and architect Michael Hanson among many others.

Following the careers day, pupils were asked what they had learnt. Imogen Year 6 said: “I loved learning about architecture because I love art and maths. I know that this job includes using both of these skills.”

Olivia, also Year 6 said: “The engineer advised that sometimes it’s good to take the option that’s right in front of you. I think that was inspirational.”

Reggie, Year 6 added: “Mrs Wilkinson said ‘Always chase your dreams.’ I will remember that.”

Felicity, from Year 5 said: “I really like art and building things and I also like nature. I’m feeling inspired by the garden designer because if I do this type of job, I could build gardens and structures or walls that benefit people and nature.”

Year 4 pupil Ed wants to be a filmmaker after the day and said: “I will start by making small animations and then making longer ones.”

Arlo, is just in Year 3 but said: “We learnt how blind people are helped to read and learn. I wore glasses which showed me how blind people see. It felt weird!”

And Isabella from Year 2 added: “The garden designer inspired me because I like drawing and to design things I like too, so I might become a garden designer.”

Peasedown St John Primary School’s annual Careers Day is always a big hit with children and offers them valuable information about diverse professions, helps them explore future pathways, and can boost their aspirations and motivation, ultimately contributing to better career decision-making.

Headteacher Ms Noall added: “Our children were fantastic ambassadors for our school who listened attentively and asked very insightful questions.

“At the end of the session some of the volunteers wrote down comments about the morning and their experiences of our school. It was lovely to hear that we have ‘fantastic, engaged, friendly children’ and ‘it was so pleasing to see the CARE values’.”