NATIONAL Careers Week is a celebration of the very best of careers guidance and opportunities available across the UK – and not only did it prove to be one of the busiest weeks of the year for Eggar’s School but it won them a national award!

For five days in March the school hosted a busy and inspiring event.

There were more than 300 mock interviews for Year 8 and Year 10 students, with the 31 interviewers coming from myriad backgrounds including local businesses, the police and fire service, representatives from colleges, Southampton University, East Hampshire District Council, and former students.

There was also a careers fair, which was visited by more than 500 students with demonstrations and details of potential careers and apprenticeships, while motivational James Golding spoke to Year 9 students on surviving cancer twice and breaking the world record for the most miles cycled in seven days.

And the week culminated in a visit by the Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds, who said: “National Careers Week is a very important initiative in schools because it is an opportunity for young people to see the full breadth of the options available and what they need to do to get there.”

Mr Hinds took part in a memorable ‘Eggar’s does Question Time’ event, with headteacher Patrick Sullivan hosting the relaxed and entertaining question-and-answer assembly.

The East Hasmpshire MP answered many probing questions from the students, including: “In your opinion do you think schools have enough funding? What do you think of Donald Trump wanting to arm teachers? And finally… Wine or beer? Walking or jogging?”

The students had a rare opportunity to see a key government figure as a real person.  

It served as a fitting conclusion to Eggar’s School’s participation in National Careers Week.

During the event, the school took part in a national case study competition and took third place in the secondary school category.

An Eggar’s spokesman said: “National Careers Week reported that a huge number of high-quality entries were received and judging proved very difficult.

“We are delighted to have made the podium.”

All entries were judged on originality, reach and inclusivity of students, parents, stakeholders and the community, the ability to factor in staff involvement/training, ease of implementation, and differentiation.

The school spokesman added: “Our case study gave a taste of what we did during National Careers Week – a true-to-life experience for our students to help them prepare for future interviews.”

Convinced that the opportunity afforded students to quiz the Secretary of State for Education on a wide variety of topics helped give Eggar’s the edge, he added: “The case study reflected the sheer enthusiasm that was shown throughout the school and we are thrilled to achieve this recognition. We can’t wait for National Careers Week 2019!”