Pupils take on full school roles in careers initiative

In professional attire rather than their usual uniforms, the young staff members began their duties early. Year 6 pupil Daniel Jaafar, serving as Pupil Headteacher, greeted families at the gate before delivering the morning assembly to the whole school. Teaching staff arrived ahead of students to prepare their lessons and classrooms, while Year 6's Evie-Mai Preston readied herself for lunchtime supervision duties.

This hands-on careers experience day, developed by Headteacher Andrew Clewer, forms part of the school's comprehensive careers education programme. Pupils were given detailed job descriptions and person specifications for various school roles, outlining responsibilities and required skills. They then selected positions that matched their interests and abilities before submitting formal applications using Staffordshire County Council's standard employment form.

The application process encouraged children to reflect on their personal strengths and areas for development, while also highlighting relevant experiences such as completed training courses, extracurricular activities, and transferable skills from hobbies and interests.

Following a shortlisting process conducted by Landywood staff, candidates were interviewed before final appointments were made. Throughout the day, each pupil works alongside the staff member whose role they've assumed, receiving continuous guidance and support. At day's end, children will evaluate their experience through self-reflection, identifying skills acquired and lessons learned. 

Headteacher Andrew Clewer said: "Equipping our pupils with real-world skills and workplace understanding is fundamental to our educational mission. We've spent recent years exposing children to diverse career paths, breaking down gender stereotypes, and encouraging them to explore their future aspirations. Our current focus on community-based careers helps children appreciate the variety of professional roles that exist right here in their local area, particularly within schools.

The recruitment process has been fascinating to observe. Applications showcased in-school first aid training, achievement badges from organisations like Brownies, Guides and Scouts, and teamwork abilities honed through sports. It's tremendously encouraging to see pupils articulate their capabilities with such confidence and self-awareness.

This experience promises to be both enjoyable and educationally valuable, strengthening our careers programme whilst teaching essential life skills around applications, shortlisting and interviews—knowledge our older pupils are now successfully applying.

Assuming genuine responsibility for school operations, even for just one day, provides invaluable real-world experience that builds character, competence and self-belief."

Nicki Hamilton from Calm Careers said: "Working with Landywood over recent years has been incredibly rewarding. Watching the children's career awareness, enthusiasm and active participation flourish has been wonderful. Today's school takeover experience gives pupils hands-on practice with the essential capabilities they'll need to secure meaningful and satisfying careers in the future."

Pupil Headteacher Daniel Jaafar, Year 6, said: "Delivering the assembly was really enjoyable even though I was nervous but I was also excited. Speaking in front of over 400 children was a little bit scary, but I stilled pushed through it. I would love to have opportunity again. The experience to do this was incredible as it boosted my confidence and my communication skills. Being able to see what Mr Clewer does in a day is really cool. Also being able to answer phone calls/emails taught me new skills I can use in the future.  I felt nervous before today but really enjoyed it.  

Pupil Lunchtime Supervisor Evie-Mai Preston, Year 6, said: "My favourite part of the day was lunchtime in Year 1. It came with lots of responsibility, and it was nice to be in charge of putting the movie on. I felt really proud to get a job – it was such an eventful day. It was nice to have a lanyard like the teachers do, with my name and picture on it.

I feel like I learned a lot. Doing a job application takes time, and in interviews it's important to take your time to think. Don't say everything at once – wait for each question and answer just that one.

When I was taught by the child teacher in my class, I felt like the lessons were good, interesting and fun. The child teacher did a really good job."

Pupil Teacher Maddison Jones, Year 5, said: "I want to be a teacher when I grow up, and this was really good experience. I used the laptop like a teacher – it was a fun day. The children in the classroom were well-behaved, which helped a lot.

I love how unique our school is. We played popcorn reading and fun maths games during the lessons. I felt proud and accomplished, like I'd achieved a lot. It was a good day and I'm really pleased I got the job."