Occupation representatives wanted for ‘Human Library’

REPRESENTATIVES  from the world of work are being  invited to play the role of Human Library ‘books’ and to tell their career stories to students at Lord Williams’s school in Thame.

The ‘Human Library’  is set up for Year 8 students aimed at developing their understanding of career roles and the range of decisions involved in making career choices. The idea is that the students are organised into groups of four around tables and will ‘borrow’ a Human from the shelf to find out the career story of the individual they are talking to, using a list of suggested questions.  

Each interview is limited to seven minutes before the Human has to be returned to the Library shelf and another Human selected.  Students are provided with a short list of questions to ask their Human but are encouraged to think of their own questions. 

“The activity will help to dispel gender stereotypes and demonstrate the flexibility of career pathways across a lifetime,” said a school spokesperson.  

Anyone willing to take part in Lord Williams’s Human Library event, can find out more by contacting the LWS Careers Team via –  rvau2642@lordwilliams.oxon.sch.uk

The Dates:  8am start:

Tuesday 22nd October 2019

Tuesday 26th November 2019

Tuesday 25th February 2020

Tuesday 17th March 2020

Tuesday 31st March 2020

Tuesday 12th May 2020

Location: 

LWS Lower School, Towersey Road, Thame, OX9 3NW

Key Stage 3 Library and Lower School Sports Hall Conference Room

Programme:  

8am:          Employers arrive at Lower School Reception

8.10 am:    Refreshments and briefing 

8.30 am:      Students arrive and are briefed on the activity

9.35 am:      End of activity, quick review and close

Questions asked by students:

Please give us a quick description of what your job involves.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy best?

Have you always wanted to do this job?

What qualifications do you need to be able to do your job?

What skills are useful for your role?

What other job roles have you experienced?

Student Feedback from previous Human Library sessions:

Things you have enjoyed about meeting your Humans this morning:

• Seeing others people’s views on jobs and learning how to get a good job
• That they had different jobs from what they have now
• Asking questions/ talking to different people about their jobs and work experience

Reasons why people might change their career path:

• They might not have the choice of qualifications
• They might not enjoy what they are doing
• They might want a change

Taking part in the Human Library has helped me think about ……

• What I want to be when I’m older 
• My future and what kind of qualifications and skills I need
• My journey in choosing my job and what paths I can take

Contact:  

Rebecca Vaughan, Careers Office, Lord Williams’s School

Email:  r.vaughan@lordwilliams.oxon.sch.uk

Phone: 01844 210528