North East will reap benefits of careers advice to primary schools
Oct 27 2009 by Katy Simpson, The Journal
“You don’t have to move away. We have some of the best universities in the world here in the North East.”
Dr Atkinson hit back at claims that seven is too young to start thinking about career choices, and stressed that the programme is fun and activity-based.
She said: “I went with one of the groups to the marine institute at Cullercoats on a glorious sunny day in June, and they were learning all about plants and marine life. They were having so much fun, and doing activities closely related to the primary curriculum. It wasn’t daunting in any way.
“But we were working with graduates from Newcastle University with Geordie accents, who come from around here, and it might just plant a seed.
“It could get them into contact with someone from three streets away who went to university.”
She believes it is important to introduce career-related concepts early, before children are influenced by prejudices and develop views which stick.
“Children tend to form their opinions earlier than you think they do,” said Dr Atkinson. “If you leave it until they are older, it tends to be too late.
“By the age of 14 they are already choosing the subjects for their GCSEs which are going to set them on that path for life.
“If you have someone coming into primary school doing fun activities based on the type of skills used to be a forensic scientist or a pharmacist, then maybe they would think differently about the subjects they choose.”
The schools involved in the scheme are Brandling Primary School in Felling, Dunston Hill Community Primary School, Carr Hill Primary School, Falla Park Community Primary School in Felling, and Swalwell Primary School.
There are 38 schools nationally taking part, and if the pilot proves successful, the £10m project will be rolled out across the country.
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls unveiled the plans yesterday, calling it a “radical change” in how youngsters receive careers advice. Social networking sites on the internet, like Facebook and YouTube, will be used to give youngsters careers advice.
And the Government also wants to give all under-18s a mentor in order to guide them through preparing for adult life.
