Each year in May, Year 10 students at King James take part in Work Experience Week, which is supported by a host of local organisations and businesses from different industry sectors.

A number of students volunteered to gain experience working with children at nursery and primary schools including Yellow Wellies, Aclet Close, Springmoor Grange, Etherley Lane, Sunnybrow, York House, St Anne’s, Cockton Hill, Thornhill, Evergreen, Barley Road, Oakley Cross, St Francis C of E, TASIS England and Woodhouse.

Others were interested in developing practical trade skills and were welcomed by local businesses, McClurg’s Scaffolding, Manners, Hathaway Roofing, Livin, Thirslington Quarry, Merrington Plumbing, Teesdale Renewables, Lee Brown Building, Properties Unique, Thorn Lighting and Bloochip Ltd.

Aspiring mechanics spent the week at Weardale Motor Services, International Tyres, M. Howes and SRS Recovery; and for those interested in hospitality there were many opportunities in local cafes and restaurants including BA College, Redworth Hall, The Well, Picnicks Café, Next Door Café, The 68 café and Breaking Bread.

Students also worked within the sport and fitness sector, with placements at ROF 59, Athena Sports, Woodhouse Leisure Centre and the KJ PE department. The beauty and wellbeing industry was also a popular choice, with students working at The Studio, Evie Bushby Fashion, Serenity Rose, Manor House Spa, Saks, The Brow Lounge, Nume Hair & Beauty and Els Beauty.

There were also some fantastic opportunities for those with specialist interests; students enjoyed placements at Smith Roddam Solicitors, Redditch Medical, Durham University, Tees River Trust, Trimdon Farm, Morrison’s Data Centre, Beamish Museum, Wilson’s Vets, Bishop Museum Shop, BA Town Hall, Eden Grange Glamping, RAF Spadeadam and Pets at Home. Students also worked within healthcare, community and charitable organisations such as Blue Mile Care, Age UK, Jubilee Fields, Shildon Alive and One Stop Shop.

Of course, because of our established partnership with The Auckland Project, a group of students were able to spend a week trying various roles within Auckland Palace, such a working with children in the Education Centre, assisting in the Palace Café, and acting as tour guides to visitors of the Palace, chapel and museum spaces. Some students also gained experience working within specific departments at King James from Art, Music and Media to Science, Drama, PE and Maths.