Restart Scheme
The Restart Scheme continues to advance their school social mobility strategy by conducting three additional voluntary sessions within the West Midlands. With recent visits to Adamsdown Primary School in Cardiff and St John’s & St Peter’s CE Academy in Birmingham, our staff have engaged with 29 Year 1 pupils on the importance of networking and communication. Staff also conducted an interactive workshop on making a strong first impression, where students created their own business cards to highlight their strengths and talents.
The second session featured a careers fair for Year 6 pupils, who interacted with various employers. They learned about Serco’s Restart Scheme, its contract, and the most enjoyable aspects of the roles undertaken by staff. This session provided the pupils with valuable insights into different careers and the professional world.
The third session was led by Digital Skills Tutor, Richard Landucci, at Small Heath Leadership Academy. This session aimed to prepare Year 10 students for formal interviews. Richard focused on teaching the importance of punctuality, appearance, body language, preparation for common interview questions, and the ability to present confidently and articulately.
Through our social mobility agenda, we have specifically targeted schools in areas with a high proportion of children living in poverty, higher-than-average claimant counts, lower employment rates, and where over 50% of students receive free school meals.
Social Value Lead, Suki Gill, said: “Social mobility is crucial as it enables individuals to achieve success and upward mobility, regardless of their background or circumstances of birth. My goal is to inspire children to reach their fullest potential, to cultivate high aspirations and hope, and to believe in themselves. By working hard, they can achieve their dreams, proving that nothing is impossible.”
Staff who completed volunteering session at Primary Schools said:
Halima, CPA1a: “Learning new things is like making friends with ideas. The more you meet, the bigger your world becomes”.
Sameer, CPA1a: “Each lesson is a step towards a bright future. Keep learning, keep growing, and reach for your dreams”.
Lucie, CPA6: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer and see the children learning some new skills to continue with in their life. The session was really enjoyable to watch and I'm grateful to have been able to get involved. I can't wait to go back!”
Richard Landucci, Digital Skills Tutor:
“I was recently invited to attend a mock interview day at Small Heath Leadership Academy with their Year 10 students. The school is situated in the ‘Inner City’ and within a multi-cultural ethnic community.
I have to say that the students are thriving in the school environment and their aspirations and ambitions are quite inspiring. Many of the students I interviewed have a keen interest in the medical profession and are clearly fixed on becoming Doctors.
I discussed opportunities within University, Medical Schools and apprenticeships and they genuinely expressed interest in the potential pathways available to them.
It is clear that the staff at the school with their interventions and guidance are the powerhouse behind the scenes fuelling the students growth and determination to succeed and make a real difference to all our futures.
