Croydon youngsters daring to dream at careers fair
Pupils at a Croydon school who are encouraged to dream, achieve and inspire where given even greater scope to imagine their futures at a special Dare to Dream week.
Chestnut Park Primary, in St James’ Road, had visitors from across the spectrum of careers, including professional football, British Airways cabin crew and a music recording technician.
Children were encouraged to think big about their future potential – and to vote in the school’s own Chestnut Park Has Got Talent contest.
The school is a member of the GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust, and chief executive Julian Drinkall was among the contest’s judging panel which voted for the winners.
Mr Drinkall was joined by Jak Martin, Head of the GLF Foundation and Hannah Varnham from West End Stage Stars which offers workshops for children to work alongside professional performers.
Classical musician Karen May was also a judge and also works at the school with behaviour support.
The High Sheriff of London, Millicent Grant, was a guest at the school where she presented awards to children who had been nominated for special recognition.
An honorary member of the King’s Counsel and a Legal Executive by profession, she is the king’s judicial representative for Greater London and supports the work of the judiciary and the wider justice system.
“The reason for a Dare to Dream week was to help our school vision come alive – ‘Dream, Achieve and Inspire,” said headteacher Rachel Jacob. “We wanted to open our children’s eyes to the wider world around them and to know they can be anything they want to be.”
She added: “We welcomed visitors from a wide range of careers to inspire the children and they were also inspired by staff who shared their dreams and how they have not only overcome barriers and worked hard to become teachers, but we also have them within our team.
“They include a marathon runner, an international cycling athlete who represented Australia, a rapper and a dancer.”
The children also had the chance to chat with a barrister, dog trainer, civil engineer and a music recording technician, among others.
Pictured top: The Y3 Grylls Glitter Boys one of the winners of Chestnut Park Has Got Talent (Picture: GLF School)