Children as young as seven at a Teesside primary school have been finding out about the various career paths they may wish to pursue in the future.

Pupils at Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham recently participated in the school’s fourth annual careers event which has been hailed a huge success.

A wide range of work sectors were represented at the day-long event including construction, environmental, health, the Police, the Fire Brigade, architecture, music, aviation, transport, creative industries and housing.

Michael Suthers, Deputy Headteacher at Sunnyside and lead for the Careers Fayre, said: “It’s quite rare for primary schools to hold events like this but we think there are a number of advantages in encouraging children to think about their future careers at a young age.

“The event helps children to understand why learning in school is important and what it can lead to. It also gives them an insight in the wide variety of future career options.

“This year we’ve focussed on businesses and organisations in the local area, and we’ve had a terrific response.

“I’d like to thank everyone for giving up their time to attend the event. All of the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience which will give them inspiration to succeed and follow their dreams in life.”

Sunnyside Academy is home to over 300 pupils between the age of three and 11. It is a mainstream school with provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly those with visual and hearing impairments.

It is one of ten primary schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra, said: “It is built into the curriculum at all of our primary schools to encourage children at a young age to start to think about their futures.

“Each school has their own unique approach and the work at Sunnyside is just one example of the great work across the Trust to inspire our young children to achieve high and reach their goals.”

The other Ad Astra schools are Ayresome in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Click on the link below to listen to Deputy Headteacher Michael Suthers talking about the Careers Fayre

Careers