Ilminster schoolchildren explore jobs during Careers Week

Youngsters at Herne View Church of England Primary School experienced a taste of the 21st-century working world, as members of our school and local community captivated them with stories from diverse professions.

Pupil Ivy, from Clarinette Class, was particularly engaged by medical revelations, saying: "During Careers Week, I learnt that there is almost a different type of doctor able to treat every part of our bodies."

This was after the children were taken through the process of ensuring a patient has a safe and successful appendectomy, demonstrating the range of specialists within medicine and healthcare.

Meanwhile, others got to highlight their competitive edge when they raced against a firefighter to suit up the quickest during a lively emergency response drill.

To the pupils' delight, they beat the firefighter by three seconds.

Seren from Stembridge Class recalled: "During Careers Week, I learnt about firefighters’ breathing apparatus and I liked it when he put on all his uniform to demonstrate how fast he has to be."

Another highlight was a mini concert by a piano restorer, who explained the importance of maintaining the 'ivories.'

This talk concluded with a sing-along to Sweet Caroline, engaging both students and faculty.

Florence from Bartletts class was fascinated by this session.

She said: "During Careers Week, I learnt about the different parts of the piano and their function.

"I liked how our guest speaker used my friends to role-play the piano!"

A Q&A with a GP and a museum worker focusing on Somerset heritage, along with talks from a pudding factory, two solicitors, a rocket and satellite manufacturer, a plumber's manufacturer, and a playground construction firm, further broadened the students' horizons.

Each tale was intertwined with themes of sustainability, echoing the school values of care and respect for the environment.

Staff and children at Herne View expressed their gratitude to all those who participated in the event, nourishing inquisitive minds and possibly sparking aspirations to be future apprentices or colleagues.

The school gave a special thanks to assistant headteacher Mr Whitfield for arranging the event.