Year 10 students from Barking Abbey School got suited and booted on Friday as they took part in a mock interview day.

 

The event which took place at the school, is designed to prepare students for the future when they will be going along to real life interviews at colleges, universities and jobs.

 

The Year 10 students took full advantage of the day and turned up to school dressed to impress in their smartest clothes.

 

Jo Tupman, Headteacher of Barking Abbey School said: “This is one of our most important events of the year as our students get to experience a formal interview within their school. 

 

“Our year 10 students really enjoyed having the opportunity to talk about their recent work experience and aspirations for their future. I am delighted and grateful to all the support from local employers who gave up their day to come in to support this event by interviewing our students throughout the day.”

 

The students were quizzed, by a range of local employers, volunteers from Barking and Dagenham Council, university staff, school governors and several people from the Barking Abbey Alumni, on their ambitions, hobbies and school progress.

 

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement said: “Preparing our young people for the outside world is important and mock interviews are challenging and help students prepare for the real thing.

 

“I know that the students prepared well and responded thoughtfully to the questioning. I’m sure that they will look back on this day when they’re going for jobs and apprenticeships or being interviewed for college or university.”

The students felt the day was extremely beneficial and helped with their confidence. Here’s what they said:

“I learnt how to portray myself and that first impressions and body language are important”

“The first part of the interview was quite awkward but I improved by the end. I learnt a lot about myself.”

“I learnt new communication skills and I’ve also learnt how to talk to adults with more confidence. I definitely know now how to plan for future interviews. This has helped me a lot”

“Helped me understand an employers’ mind set and what they are looking for from an employee”

“This opportunity taught me how to cope with situations where you are put under pressure. It helped me become more confident in these types of situations”

 

For more information on Barking Abbey School, visit www.barkingabbeyschool.co.uk