News and Events

Year 11 mock interviews with local employers

Before the half term break, all of our Year 11s had a mock interview with a local employer and we are so proud of how well they did. This activity is designed to help students to prepare and practise for the interviews they will be having with colleges and apprenticeship providers over the coming weeks and months. It gives them the opportunity to have, what is for many, a first interview experience in a supported environment.

Students learnt about interview techniques as part of our Post-16 Experience Days in the summer term, and they also prepared during tutor time. Each student received an appointment card with the date, time, name and company of their interviewer. Year 11s were then expected to arrive for their appointment on time and looking smart.

We invited staff from local companies to hold the interviews, giving students a real-life experience of an interview situation. The interviewers from Nestlé Waters, Swizzels Matlow Limited and Breedon Group plc were very impressed with how our students conducted themselves and the quality of their answers to some difficult questions. All students received some feedback at the end of their interview to help them understand what went well and what they might need to improve on for future interviews e.g. body language, carrying out research beforehand and being ready to ask their own questions.

Many Year 11s were nervous about going for an interview, as we would expect, but all of them did really well and made a great impression on the employers. Students left the experience feeling positive and well-prepared for future interviews.

A huge well done to our Year 11s, we are very proud of you. We would also like to say a big thank you to the local employers who gave our students such a great experience.