Steven West, Steven Godwin and David Ratcliffe visited us to talk about their roles in the Coastguard Volunteer Rescue Service. They spoke about how they carry out water rescues, locating people who are lost and helping people and animals who may have fallen from the cliffs or have been cut off by the tide. David mentioned that it was a very busy service and that they are usually called out at least 2/3 times a week and at all hours of the day and night. He said that last year they were called out 114 times in total. The children were told that communication skills were an important part of the job as they have to work with lots of other emergency services including the police, ambulance service, lifeboats and the fire brigade. They were also told that all of the volunteers that work for the Coastguard have other jobs and that they are not paid for the work that they do in this role. They give up their own time to help people when they are in danger and they also have to give up their time to complete training once a week.The children were a little shocked by this but many of them said that they would like to do the job when they are older.

Matilda practised using the radio to talk to a friend at the other end of the hall.

Owen Murray MBE visited us to talk about his career in Karate. He spoke about how after an accident at work in his twenties he had lost his left hand. Feeling vulnerable, he started karate to help make him feel more safe. He is now the only disabled fighter for Britain to achieve 6th Dan Black Belt. He captained the team through national and world championships. He now teachers self defence to public sector workers, such as nurses and teachers. He also has been part of many different charitable events to raise money. His main message to use was hard work pays off and to have a positive mental attitude, as well as resilience, if faced with obstacles.

Natalie Heron – Clinical Lead visited us to talk about what it is like being a mental health nurse. She talked us through the many different roles a nurse might undertake; dispelled myths and stereotypes; and shocked us with the many different places nurses might carry out their duties – such as in prisons and on cruise ships. Natalie talked to us about the education paths you would need to take if you aspire to be a nurse in the future and by the end of the assembly we had a healthy mix of boys and girls thinking about nursing as a career choice.

Shannon and Rachel – Qualified Midwives, visited us in school to talk to us about their role in the NHS. They talked to use about working hard and having the resilience to apply for a job in this very competitive role. Shannon spoke to us about proving that she was the right person for the job by volunteering in a care home whilst she studied and how this gave her an edge when applying for the course – which is difficult to get on. Rachel spoke about how she was initially studying to be an accountant but then changed her mind; completing an access course so that she could her transfer her skills for the Midwifery course. This was a good message for our children as she talked about how it’s okay to change your mind about your career and how it is never too late to pursue your dreams and do what you are passionate about. At the end of the assembly many children wanted to be Midwives, including five of the boys!

Lois Greenslade – Newcastle United Women’s Football Team. Lois talked to the children about how she became interested in football at an early age. She showed the children that you can have a career that you are passionate about – therefore doing something you love every single day. She encouraged the children to work hard and always try to overcome adversity. She herself had to prove herself initially on a mixed football team. Having represented England during a tournament in Italy and receiving the England cap – she explained to the children what it meant to be a good role model. In addition to playing for Newcastle, Lois is also a personal trainer at Black Sheep Academy. She discussed the importance of staying strong and healthy to achieve your goals. The children asked her lots of very engaging questions – wanting to more about how to make it professionally at your favourite sport.