Blessings for pupils starting life at school
JON MACPHERSON
STUDENTS at Mount Carmel have enjoyed a hectic few weeks with trips to Anfield, a welcome mass, mock interview day and careers fair.
New Year 7 pupils were joined by parents, grandparents and teachers from primary schools to celebrate their start at the Accrington high school.
Fr Howard, from St Mary’s Horwich, joined the Mass and as the pupils left they were given blessed rosary beads.
A mock interview day and careers fair was organised to give youngsters in Years 9 to 11 that chance to find out about post-16 options.
Representatives from local further education colleges, businesses, Lancashire Constabulary,
Accrington Stanley Football Club and Salford Diocese all held one-to-one interviews for the year 11 pupils.
Chris
Barratt, Mount
Carmel careers and guidance co-ordinator, said: “We are extremely grateful for the professional representatives from the many businesses and organisations who supported this day which has become a firm date in the school diary.
“It is an invaluable experience for our pupils to experience a formal interview situation and present themselves and their skills to someone other than staff at the school.
“The feedback they receive is vital to help them prepare for their next stage in life.”
The careers fair held later the same day included stalls from Training 2000, St. Christopher’s Sixth Form, BRGS sixth form and Accrington Stanley Community Trust.
Fifty higher achieving Year 11 pupils enjoyed a visit the Liverpool FC’s ground for a university and apprenticeship fair.
The event included interactive STEM and creative zones, as well as seminars covering student finance, UCAS personal statements and life at university.
Sue Fielding, partnership manager at Mount Carmel, said the students were also given a tour around Anfield, including the interview area, executive lounge and the trophy museum.
Away from the classroom, talented dancer Storm Cummings enjoyed a great end to her majorette season by scooping Best Dancer of the Day in the senior category at the Mannecco Championships at Pontins in Southport.
The Year 10 pupils has been part of the North West Twirlers majorette group since she was four years old and trains every week.
Sue said: “She has won an amazing amount of medals as can be seen in the photograph on her sashes!
“Storm also won a trophy for being part of the runners up Troop of the Year, doing a routine of a compilation of Michael Jackson songs.
“She will be having a well earned rest now until training starts for the new season in April.”