News and Events

School and Businesses Work Together

Local businesses went back to school for a taste of life as a student. A group of local business leaders attended a breakfast meeting at the Sir John Colfox School arranged by Battens Solicitors on Tuesday 8th March. Catering students at the Sir John Colfox School provided breakfast and businesses heard about an innovative project at Budmouth School to improve the link between school and industry.

Headteacher, Kay Taylor said "It is becoming ever more crucial for our students to understand the world of work and business. It is equally important for businesses to link with students who are potentially their future employees and customers. The Sir John Colfox School is actively looking to support local businesses and to develop better opportunities to work with them".

The business breakfast was an example of how greater understanding can lead to links which will benefit both students and industry. The initiative is the result of the Sir John Colfox School participating in a programme organised by the Centre of Excellence for Industry Liaison at Budmouth School, which is actively supported by Battens Solicitors, the leading firm of specialist solicitors in the region.

"This was a really exciting event" said year 11 student Charlotte Symonds, "I plan to go to university and work in environmental sciences and I found it really interesting talking to business leaders who had connections with this area. I think this could give us a real advantage in later life." Bhavani Hogarty of Battens Solicitors said "It is important that students are made aware of the diverse range of successful and interesting businesses and opportunities that are on their doorstep and for local employers to appreciate the wealth of talent at the school. I feel that the local business community are well placed to offer help, advice and life experience to compliment what the students learn at school."

Fiona Adams of the Moonfleet Hotel gave an example of her work with students in Weymouth. She felt that the students learned a lot about expectations in industry by talking to someone who is a business leader.

"We very much hope that this will lead to further projects between our school and industry" said Kay Taylor. "We already have our media students talking to a company which makes promotional DVD's and other students finding out information about opportunities for linguists in law. We hope this will be the first of many useful meetings and that a productive partnership will lead to benefits for both sides."

Created: 09 March 2011