BUDEHAVEN School recently put out a call to past students, parents and members of the community to help establish a network of role models/mentors for students at the school.

National surveys show that many pupils don’t know anyone in a job they would like to do. Global polls show that a quarter of young people in state school know few or no people in a job they would like to do — leaving them at a huge disadvantage in seeking out a career.

There is an aspiration for Budehaven students to be the best they can be, but many will not know how to achieve that without guidance and insight from those who have already walked a path less travelled. Many people may know of someone who have a story to tell or advice they could impart and would be happy to share.

Teacher Anthony O’Dwyer is, having had a great initial response, therefore, continuing to seek individuals within the local communities who in some way, shape or form may be able to support young people.

As an example of how this system can really work well, Budehaven Sixth Form student, Amy Kerr, has ventured to Rio in Brazil to work in Favela Phoenix, a British school set up by ex-student Jody King.

Favela Phoenix provides English language tuition, free of charge, to the local population of Rocinha, a sprawling shanty town. Amy recently completed her A Levels and is staying in Brazil for six weeks. Following this, she will return to England to collect her results and go to The University of Oxford to read Law in Europe. Amy is currently documenting her experience on her blog cornishpixieblog.wordpress.com

Help can take the shape of being career and educational role models, providing support/advice regarding higher education and career pathways, talking about jobs, or sharing success stories. There may be some who are happy to talk in an assembly, or lead a workshop, or perhaps visit a lesson in relevant curriculum areas. Others may prefer to e-mentor, be part of a poster campaign, provide work experience/ work shadowing.

Work has already begun on creating ‘video diaries’, which would be made available to students, where alumni and other community role-models could make a short video discussing their careers and the pathways taken that have led to this point.

Mr O’Dwyer would also like to encourage any past students or their family, to let the school know what they have gone on to do since leaving Budehaven. The aim would be to create a database that gives the community an insight into the destination and outcomes of former students as well as celebrating their achievements.

Mr O’Dwyer said: “In the current financial climate, any additional support for students would indeed be welcome, be it in cash or in kind, rewards or prizes, to help in the development of initiatives aimed at student aspiration and motivation.

“So if you feel there is any way you could and would like to be involved in contributing towards any of the areas discussed above, please don’t hesitate to email so work can begin.”

Anyone who would like to be involved is asked to email [email protected]