Academy celebrates success in careers education

A Knowle school has been celebrating its success in careers’ education by proving it is right for the job.

Arden Academy held its annual Network Arden Celebration earlier this month to thank volunteers and local businesses for their role in developing the link between classroom and careers.

Invited guests, which included the Solihull Mayor Shahin Ashraf, Kim Hulse from Visit Knowle and school governor Professor Petro Nicolaides, gathered along with pupils and local business owners to celebrate the success of Arden Futures Programme.

The programme, which is run by Careers’ Lead Paul Carbery, aims to bridge the gap between education and employment encouraging each and every pupil at the school to become more informed on the choices available to them.

The school holds weekly employers’ talks on Futures Friday, teaches careers across the curriculum and offers a full work experience programme for every child in year 10.

Careers’ Lead, Mr Carbery, said: “At Arden, we pride ourselves on not just focusing on great results but also developing students' skills and knowledge to succeed in whatever their futures hold. This event is our opportunity to thank the many incredible volunteers and businesses that make this possible.”

Local businessman Brad Parkes, who is an ardent supporter of the Arden Futures Programme and regularly works with students at the school, attended the evening. He was particularly impressed with the school’s work experience programme and lauded a video created by two pupils during their placement week.

He said: “This was an absolutely incredible evening that simply took my breath away.”

Mr Parkes added: “One futures’ ambassador in particular spoke with passion, humour, confidence and great stage presence. Later I chatted to him to understand more and found he already has a local successful business. Wow!”

The event also saw awards handed out to some of the school programme’s most supportive advocates by the borough’s mayor Shahin Ashraf.

The winners on the night were:

Work Experience Provider Award – Studio Forty-Six

Mentorship Award: Amanda Crane

Employer Engagement Award: Eric Lyons

Inspiration Award: Solihull CEP

Future Friday Award: Solihull Moors

Education Provider Award: Solihull College

There was also a moving tribute to Careers’ Lead Mr Carbery who is moving to pastures new in September, in a more high-profile role in careers’ education.