William Ellis is an all-boys inner-city London comprehensive
school. It has a mixed ability intake from a range of
socio-economic backgrounds and over 20% of students eligible for
free school meals. As a language college it celebrates the
diversity of its students. Future First staff had identified issues
with aspiration and careers education amongst pupils which made it
a key Future First target school.
To date, Future First has built a network of 30 former
William Ellis students, in a range of professions and careers,
including: football coaches, doctors, sound technicians, architects
and entrepreneurs. This diversity of careers gave all students
something to which they could relate as they were exposed to the
network both online and in-school throughout the academic
year.
Future First created a bespoke programme for the
school in collaboration with staff and based on careers feedback
from students. They worked closely with Connexions and the Camden
Education Business Partnership to see how and where their work
could best leverage careers guidance that is already offered.
'I've seen previously disinterested school students
awaken a sense of ambition and pride in what they do over a few
short sessions' said Alex Smith, a former William Ellis School
student.
Since April 2009, the team has worked at the school to
provide a curriculum of events for the students using alumni and
Future First staff to inspire and educate. When teachers identified
a lack of ambition and confidence amongst Year 11s approaching
their GCSEs, Future First responded by running an intense series of
events with alumni that focussed on how exam experiences relate to
current jobs. Future First have provided students with introductory
sessions to their website in PHSE lessons and have seen significant
numbers of students sign up to the website voluntarily following
in-school events.
In William Ellis alone, Future First has provided a
full programme of careers guidance events and support for 900
students in Years 10-13.Through a William Ellis connection, Future
First has created a range of work placements for William Ellis
pupils, including over 50 days of work-shadowing opportunities with
leading barristers.
Future First creates motivational, varied and safe
forums to allow young people in UK state schools to access
professional and educational alumni networks - in their schools,
online, and beyond.
For more information, please email Future
First or call 020 7070 2487