Year Six pupils get a flavour for working at a successful law firm
In an inspiring example of how businesses are giving back to Islington, a group of 15 year six pupils has taken part in a five-week enrichment programme at Bolt Burdon. With the help of The BIG Alliance (Businesses for Islington Giving) the children spent Friday afternoons at the leading Islington law firm’s unique offices on Upper Street.
The pupils were treated to a wide-ranging experience designed to give them a flavor of working for a successful law firm, and an introduction to the world of work.
The pupils enjoyed their experience. They not only quizzed some of the firm’s 60 staff, but also prepared for and took part in two mock trials, gaining a better understanding on how the law impacts upon everyday life. They worked with Bolt Burdon’s Marketing Manager to create “really cool” posters to promote their school, which prides itself on giving children a love for learning that will last a lifetime.
“I liked meeting with the solicitors and all the staff. I learnt about training and marketing (which I liked a lot) and I believe that this could help me in the future.”
(Thornhill Primary School Student)
Enjoyable for pupils, and the solicitors
Bolt Burdon’s team also enjoyed the programme. Helen Beach, a Solicitor who heads up one of the firm’s Wills and Probate teams, and who ran the programme for Bolt Burdon, said “we have been established in Islington for over 35 years and see ourselves very much as part of the local community.”
“This opportunity was a great way of inviting a pioneering local school into our workplace and giving something back. It was a fantastic experience for our staff, the children were a delight to host. If we can inspire at least one or two into the Law or simply spark an interest into the world of work it will have been well worth it.”
“Bolt Burdon have helped to show children what solicitors really do and dispel the myths that such careers may not be open to all. I am sure a solicitor of the future has been born.”
(Ms Lewis, Thornhill Primary School Headteacher)
School success
A teacher and the Headteacher felt that opportunities like this one could have lasting benefits for their students.
Louise Ryer, Assistant Headteacher, said:
“Bolt Burdon has provided an inclusive and exciting opportunity for our students as part of our on-going Enrichment Programme here at Thornhill. We want all children to have high aspirations for themselves and to have experience of what the world can offer them. Learning outside the classroom facilitates opportunities to develop a whole range of skills that support lifelong learners.”
“Children’s aspirations are raised as they understand what is out there in the world of work and how they might be able to pursue such careers as they develop and grow. Thank you Bolt Burdon”
So successful was the partnership that plans are already being made to re-run the programme later this year and hopefully inspire another group of young people. Ms Lewis, Headteacher, explained:
“I am very grateful for the experience that Bolt Burdon have provided for our pupils. We are lucky to have a wealth of opportunity in the borough and we want to capitalise on the success of this project to provide more for our children.”
“Bolt Burdon have helped to show children what solicitors really do and dispel the myths that such careers may not be open to all. I am sure a solicitor of the future has been born.”
Giving as a business
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