Parent Carer Session at Portobello High School
Thu 30 Jan 2020 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Organizer
Portobello High School
10 Duddingston Road
Edinburgh
EH15 1NF
Tel: 0131 669 2324
Web: http://www.portobello.edin.sch.uk
Joseph McElmeel, MBA
Experienced Business Development and Software Technology Product Manager
Symbasync Ltd
Carol-Ann Boyter
People Director//Non Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration and Appointments Committee
Michael McTernan
Combining Artificial Intelligence and therapies that help people track and manage their mental wellbeing.
Voxsio Limited
About the Business Leaders
These business leaders have been chosen because their companies are growing quickly. Combined they employ 105+ people.
About the teacher and students
The event was created by Nigel Cotter for 150 students at Portobello High School aged Age 13 - 17.
Event description
Jobs of the Future Conference
We are aware that pupils, parents and teachers do not always have an understanding of the range of opportunities available to them on leaving school or are dismissive of certain options that would be highly suitable for an individual.
We are organising a conference where we can have employers, pupils, parents and teachers around the table to discuss some myths and misconceptions and start to get a better understanding of what is required to be informed and ready for the next steps after school.
The draft format for the evening is a panel discussion to bring some key issues to the fore followed by round table discussions ingroups of around 8-10. It would be intended that representatives from each stakeholder group would be at a table so that wide ranging discussion can take place.
Areas of particular challenge for us are:
- lack of value placed on qualifications other than National4/5/Higher
- Too many pupils see university straight from school as the 'gold standard' and express a desire to go even though an alternative route to Uni would be more suitable
- Lack of understanding of the apprenticeship route and the range of opportunities
- How we help all to understand that a well developed skill set is as important as a good set of qualification
- Parity of esteem with different routes after school
- understanding there is nothing wrong in leaving school before S6 if that is the right thing for an individual
The intention is to start to shift culture by 'influencing the influencers'. We are keen to engage with a range of people from the world of business who can help us in this conversation and bring a range of perspectives to the table.
I'd be happy to discuss this further if that would be helpful.