STUDENTS took on adult jobs as they got a taste of working life at a North Yorkshire secondary school.

On two occasions this academic year, a number of students walked into Barlby High School as a place of work, rather than to sist in class, to take part in the Children’s Commissioner’s takeover challenge.

They were given the opportunity to apply for up to 10 positions within the school which were available to takeover; varying from head teacher, receptionist, classroom teacher and site staff, going through a vigorous application and selection process.

Students worked alongside staff for the day; attending or chairing meetings, taking phone calls, working on and around site, or teaching lessons. Those involved felt that the day was very useful and gave them a chance to learn about the workplace, and that they had been given opportunities to offer suggestions and make decisions throughout the day.

The date was such a success and applications were of such a high standard that Dan Richards, takeover student of school business manager for the day, requested in his meeting with the head teacher and takeover student Erin Harris that a second day would be run in the Spring Term.

Emily Tait was the takeover school business manager for the second day and when asked about the day, said: “Personally, I think that the student takeover was an amazing day and a great experience, all the students who participated enjoyed it and it was a very innovative idea and activity for us students.

“It also introduced me to more careers within the education system, for example, non-teaching posts, that, previously, I knew little about which enabled students to see what happened behind the scenes of their education.

“These new opportunities were perhaps careers that the other students and I may be interested in once we leave school.”

Vanessa Smallwood, associate assistant head teacher said the experience has been valuable for both staff and students alike .

She said: “Both Dan and Emily undertook my role and were highly effective. Dan negotiated to enable a second day within the academic year and Emily did a ‘meet & greet and interview’ with a visitor we had to school that day. Public speaker Moj Taylor was booked to speak to year 11 students and run a workshop with some year 9 & 10 students that was careers related and Moj received a warm welcome and engaged well with the event. Students were teachers, caretakers and kitchen assistants for the day learning about health and safety, the working world and building on communication skills. A great opportunity for students and one we hope to repeat again next year.”