Work Related Learning
Ks4 and Ks5 students have the possibility to try different work placements to develop their work and employability skills as well as building their understanding of their personal preferences and skills. In KS4 students take part in work experience days as a group. Some of the students that are ready to try individual placements are offered internal work placements within the school. This can include working as part of maintenance team or working in school kitchen. In Ks5, we are offering students placements in the community depending on their interest, likes and dislikes. Initially, students are offered support from school staff, but once students are feeling confident enough, they are encouraged to access the work placement independently.
We offer range of work experiences for students that may not necessary feel confident enough to try work placement on their own. Students take part in placements where they can work as part of the group with familiar people.
James Rennie Work Day
Once a year we invite local employers and organisations in to school for our ‘Work Day’, this is a good chance for our school to create working relationships with local businesses.
Previously, we have had up to 20 employers attending at a time, bringing a wide range of activities that our young people could get involved with. Our local Council include their services, such as the Fire Brigade, Police, Library, Highway services and many more great individuals.
Visit to Employers
Our school maintains links with local employers to build relationships with the local community, allowing our young people to develop an understanding of different workplaces and enables work on communication, independence, and social skills.
Our groups regularly visit a range of employers. These visits typically include a brief induction session covering health and safety, followed by a tour of the workplace. Students may also take part in simple tasks to get a feel for different roles, along with time for questions and answers.
The visits are valuable activities that demonstrate engagement and increased understanding of the world of work.
Fairtrade
James Rennie School is a Fairtrade school.
We are supporting Fairtrade by making sure that majority of our young people understand what Fairtrade means and can recognise the Fairtrade logo. We organise awareness activities where the whole school can get involved. Every year we try a different theme, activity and format – so far we have had: Make a Fairtrade Breakfast, Design a Healthy Fairtrade Snack, Fairtrade Hot Chocolate morning and much more.
Enterprise Fayre
Our young people are taught enterprise skills from very early years in school. Once a year we organise our Christmas Fayre where all the classes in school can get involved. Each group is responsible for designing and producing Christmas products that they can sell throughout the day.
Young people learn so many important skills working on projects like this including working in a team, problem solving, contributing their own ideas, listening to the instructions and maths skills.
Our students’ imaginations do not have limitations, it is amazing to see some of the products designed and made by them