The Pocklingtonian 2018/19 | Page 17

SCHOOL NEWS// DEVELOPMENT OFFICE CAREERS PROGRAMME SHORTLISTED FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR AWARD Pocklington School has been shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year Award for its inspirational Student Careers Programme. Judges recognised the work of our vibrant Careers and Business Network, supportive Old Pocklingtonian Association and individually-focused careers curriculum in giving each pupil the knowledge and insight to make informed career choices. Toby Seth, Headmaster, said: “I am thrilled that the hard work of everyone involved in our careers programme has been recognised by the Independent Schools of the Year judges. The programme is built on our aim of making meaningful, productive and stimulating connections between current and former members of our community and so extending the school’s core values of Courage, Truth and Trust well beyond the school’s campus.” “The Careers & Business Network, launched in 2017, has been a vital aspect to our success in this area. It was built on the solid foundations of our Old Pocklingtonian Association, which inspires lasting loyalty among its many active members, along with the broad and in-depth focus of our School Careers Service. “Together, they have built on the palpable sense of community fostered among everyone involved with the school to focus on equipping students with the range of skills they need to identify and seize opportunities in an ever-changing workplace.” The winners and select highly commended schools will be announced in October. PSF CAREERS & BUSINESS NETWORK HOSTS A RANGE OF EVENTS Our Careers & Business Network hosted three highly successful event across the year. At School, we were joined by Nicholas Pollard (OP 69-76), Group Chief Executive of Cory Riverside Energy. Whilst at Pocklington School Nick won the BBC TV Young Scientist of the Year, and he gave us a fascinating account of his experiences in construction, civil engineering, recycling and energy recovery, including working as an advisor to the UK Government. A sixth form student commented: “Thanks for this fantastic experience, which is as the most impressive talk I have ever attended. After Nick’s talk, he spent an hour talking to students, and gave several pieces of advice about my future plans. I cannot stress how helpful that was, and how much I enjoyed it all.” In Leeds, we were joined at the offices of Schofield Sweeney LLP by Old Pocklingtonians Jodie Hill and David Strachan. Headmaster Toby Seth conducted a Q&A session with David and Jodie, who shared with guests their insights into the many aspects of working in the legal profession. Sixth Form student, Hebe Quinney, said: “I am so pleased I attended this event and was able to listen to David and Jodie. They were both inspirational and it was fascinating to hear how their careers had developed and the types of things they are involved with. Having the opportunity to chat to Jodie was fantastic and she immediately offered me some work experience with her law firm, which is an amazing opportunity for me.” The third event was at The Farmer’s Club, London with Will Treasure (OP 74-79), which focussed on digital strategies and ecommerce. Will spoke to guests about his experiences of working with major international and national retailers, and how the birth of the internet has transformed how they interact with their customers. He also spoke of his motivations behind setting up his own consultancy business and the importance of integrity in business. Dates for our next events will be announced soon. The PSF Careers and Business Network is open to everyone in the wider Pocklington School community. For details visit www.pocklingtonschool.com/Careers-and-networking- opportunities. THE POCKLINGTONIAN 15