A learning opportunity at Aycliffe Business Park
OVER 150 students from King James I Academy have spent the day at Aycliffe Business Park where
they visited businesses from a number of different sectors.
Students, who are all in Year 9 and about to select their subject options, were able to tour the
premises of each organisation and learn about their products and services from knowledgeable
company representatives.
Students toured eight different businesses and training providers including Stiller Storage and
Distribution, Husqvarna, which manufactures and ships forest and gardening tools worldwide,
commercial printing company, Newton Press, and NC Group, which provides bespoke workforce
development training. Students also visited BTS Fabrications, South West Durham Training, EBAC,
which manufactures dehumidifiers and washing machines, and Optimum Skills.
King James organises an extensive programme of career focused activities including one-to-one
guidance with the Academy’s resident Careers Adviser, practitioner visits in lessons, career-based
assemblies, workshops and taster sessions at local colleges and universities, and the annual Careers
Fair, which is attended each year by a growing number of local businesses and national
organisations, colleges and universities. Students also take part in work experience in Years 10 and
12.
Lucy Mulryan, Assistant Headteacher and Careers Lead at the Academy said, “Our students are
introduced to the concept of career planning in Year 7, and career-based lessons and activities are
embedded into our curriculum.
“As students progress through the year groups, they are able to identify their personal strengths
and ambitions, and understand the opportunities that are available to them. We then help them to
establish the most suitable pathway to achieving their goals. The trip to Aycliffe Business Park was
an excellent opportunity, with students able to tour buildings and factories that are usually closed to
visitors. We would like to thank all of the businesses that took part.”
