Motivational Week

Each day in assembly pupils welcomed a different guest speaker.

The first of the speakers, Andrew Ferris, founder of Smalltown America Records, offered advice on the importance of following a personal dream and inspired pupils with the story of the success of his local music business.

Ronan Duffy, of McCambridge Duffy Accountants, who has worked with financial companies around the world, explained the significance of being prepared for the recruitment process, including the preparation of a well rounded CV and surviving the challenging interview stage.

Louise Gallagher, of Apprenticeships NI, talked about the value of striving for success in educational qualifications and of the significance of good attendance and punctuality. She has worked with a number of job seekers including graduates and the long term unemployed.

Gavin Killeen, Director of Nu Print, explained the value of setting targets and about overcoming educational barriers to achieve ones career goals. Mr Killeen also inspired the potential young entrepreneurs with his overview of the transformation of his print firm.

Lyndsey Robinson, an ICU Nurse in the Royal Navy and former pupil of the school, talked of her recent tour of Afghanistan and the fulfilment of an exciting military career. She captivated the pupils with her first-hand account of delivering life saving medical treatment on the front line.

“Each of the inspirational talks was very different and most engaging for the pupils. The feedback has been extremely positive and the next generation of employees will no doubt be returning after their half term break with a renewed energy to achieve their qualifications and career aspirations,” said the school’s head of careers, Sharon Street.

Mrs Street thanked the guest speakers for giving of their time to support as well as the supporting organisations for assisting in the organisation of the talks including, Young Enterprise, School Employer Connections and Business in the Community.