London`s First Science Career Academy

On Tuesday 8th May 2012 Paddington Academy launched London`s first Science Career Academy. Business leaders and science professionals joined PA students at the launch.

The Science Career Academy, which will be supported by Careers Academies UK and will complement the academy’s Sixth Form curriculum, will be designed to prepare students for a career in science. 

Students, who choose to, will participate in a series of activities that support the science curriculum including guru lectures by professionals working in relevant sectors as well as visits to science organisations and companies and paid summer internships.  Students participating in the Science Academy will also benefit from being mentored by a science professional who will offer them useful support as they make important decisions about further education and careers.

Employers and science professionals representing organisations and businesses such as Marks and Spencer, Heathrow Express, BP and Imperial College joined students and staff to discuss how the new Science Career Academy can support its first cohort of Year 12 students starting this September.

At the launch event, employer and science representatives spoke to students about the science and enterprise careers open to them.  Among the speakers was Robert Swannel, Chairman of Marks and Spencer.

Philip Ellis, PA`s Career Academy Coordinator said: “We are really pleased that so many business and higher education professionals have joined us this evening and have pledged to support this new venture for us. It is really encouraging that so many people appreciate the opportunity to help, further the life-chances of one of our students.We’ve heard some inspirational words from Robert Swannell (Chairman of Marks and Spencer’s) describing his involvement with Career Academies UK since its inception and strongly encouraging other business people to get involved; but for me the most poignant moment of the evening came when Momoh Kormawa, a young Career Academy graduate from Lambeth Academy, described his Business Mentor as “an extra parent"; in those few words he summed up the whole point of the venture. We very much look forward to having our own first cohort of Career Academy graduates in two years` time.”

Jenny Daykin, Careers and Guidance Coordinator at PA, said:“We are very excited about the launch of our Science Career Academy which is the first of its kind in London.  We were thrilled to welcome so many professionals from the world of science who were inspired by the Science Academies potential to make a substantial difference to a young person’s career aspirations and future."

The launch event was an opportunity for employers and organisations to learn more about the programme, meet students and teaching staff, work out how they could become involved and network with other local employers that have already committed or are considering joining PA as partners in the scheme. If you are a science professional or represent a science or an engineering company and you would be interested in joining the programme please contact  Jenny Daykin -  Careers & Guidance Coordinator at Paddington Academy.