Year 10 Work Experience Week

Leigh Academy Halley Letter Image

Dear Parent/Carer,

Year 10 Work Experience Week: Monday 14th – Friday 18th July 2025

I am delighted to inform you about our Year 10 Work Experience Week taking place from Monday 14th to Friday 18th July 2025. During this week, all Year 10 students will be off the timetable and are expected to spend the full five days in a workplace, immersing themselves in a real-world work environment. This experience is a vital part of our commitment to helping students explore potential career paths, develop essential employability skills, and gain meaningful insights into the working world. Students are required to take the lead in finding their work experience placements; this is an important part of the process, as it encourages them to take responsibility, develop independence, and practice key skills such as communication and problem-solving.

Why is Work Experience Week Important?

Work experience provides students with an invaluable opportunity to build confidence, take on responsibility, and develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. It enables them to see how the skills they learn in school apply in professional settings while offering a practical understanding of different industries. This experience can inspire students, help shape their aspirations, and equip them to make informed choices about their future education and careers.

How can I support my child in finding a work placement?

To support your child in finding a suitable work placement, encourage your child to use Unifrog, an online platform designed to help students explore career options and discover placements. Your child has been provided with login details and guidance on how to use this platform.

  1. Discuss Career Interests: Talk to your child about their interests, strengths, and career aspirations to identify potential industries or roles they’d like to explore.
  2. Explore Opportunities on Unifrog: Encourage your child to log into Unifrog and research local businesses or organizations offering placements.
  1. Leverage Personal Networks: Reach out to family, friends, or local contacts who might be able to provide or recommend suitable placements.
  2. Prepare for Applications: Support your child in drafting emails or making phone calls to potential employers. We will provide templates and tips in school to help them.
  3. Consider Logistics: Ensure the placement is accessible, considering transport and working hours, and aligns with your child’s needs and safety.

Once a placement is secured, the placement will need to be logged using the ‘Work Experience’ tool on Unifrog; your child has been shown how to do this and will receive additional support from their tutor if needed. The deadline for securing placements is Monday 2nd June.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at isabel.ruthven@halley.latrust.org.uk.

Yours faithfully,

Ms Isabel Ruthven | Deputy Head of Franklin School