For Moreton Sixth students, the opportunity to gain insights and skills which will prepare them and support them in their lives after A Levels is an integral part of their Sixth Form experience. It is with this in mind that Old Moretonian and Moreton Enterprises’ mentor Clare Downes, has developed monthly Directors’ Table, designed to provide Moreton Sixth students with the opportunity to develop their work-ready skills.
Clare says: “These are not careers’ talks. They are informal discussions, led by an array of fantastic guests from business. They share their experience and expertise and invite open discussion and debate, utilising various activities and tools that they would use in the workplace.”
For the first Director’s Table of the new academic year, students were joined by HR Consultant, Kay Heald. Kay led the enthusiastic group of young entrepreneurs through a lively, interactive session on the importance of listening. Kay’s premise was that with the distractions of our multi-media, multi-tasking world, actually hearing what is being said can take focus and skill, and it was this crucial skill-set that she gave the girls insight into and strategies to use.
For Nancy Armstrong Twigg and Bella Gilchrist-Dick, it was the interactive nature of the session which made the evening so interesting: “I loved how interactive the lecture was’…..‘I thought the listening experiments were fascinating!” Whilst for Charlie Brown: “Breaking down the process of listening was really beneficial”. For Isobel Jones, it was the shared experience of the Director’s Table which enhanced the enjoyment of the event: “I really enjoyed all the directors of Moreton Enterprises coming together and feeling like a team, whilst being taught about the importance of listening.” Clare commented: “We aim to encourage the students to think a little differently and prepare their mindset for life after school. The discussions help to extend their understanding of how to equip themselves beyond the classroom as young adults entering the workplace.” The Directors’ Table’s October guest will be Francesca Hoyland – Head of Operations, Tesco PLC and the girls are already looking forward to meeting this inspirational businesswoman.
