L&Q make Hackney pupils feel at home in the workplace
Junior school pupils’ creative talents were tested on a trip to the busy L&Q offices in Stratford - and they came up with some winning formulas!
Thirty Year 5 pupils from Princess May Primary School in Hackney made the trip organised by Enabling Enterprise, which promotes skills and aspirations in schoolchildren.
The visit to the housing association building was designed to inspire and motivate the students, and help them learn more about the workplace, develop core skills and highlight the importance of these skills once they leave school.
The nine and 10-year olds were set a challenge which stretched their problem solving skills. They had to come up with a creative new mascot with an important message to promote the work of L&Q, raise awareness about issues faced by the local communities where L&Q is focused – and then round off with a broadcast. Six L&Q volunteers worked with small student teams as facilitators.
Throughout the day teams shared ideas, taking turns at leading to compete in a variety of exciting and fast-paced challenges, learning about L&Q’s role in building aspiration, opportunity and confidence in people and communities and how their message can be transmitted to the public. The teams finished the day by planning and delivering a news bulletin that presented their mascot to the volunteer judges. The visit reflected L&Q’s commitment to enhancing educational attainment; it also works with the Schools Partnership which is supported by the L&Q Foundation, a £250m fund to improve life chances of those who live in L&Q’s homes and communities.
A pupil summed up the day: “The best bit was designing our mascot but it was hard to bring everyone’s ideas together. I was nervous in our news broadcast but it went well. What I have learned is that there are lots of different jobs here, like case officers who help people solve problems.”
Teacher Tracey Headlam, said: “The support from L&Q volunteers was great and helped the children feel comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. The children gained a great deal from the visit.”
Paul Nehra, L&Q’s Community Investment Manager, said: “The youngsters impressed us not only with the range of imagination in the room, but also at how well the students were sharing ideas, and when presenting their news broadcasts. As a major employer in the South East, L&Q was pleased to host these youngsters, and welcome the potential talent of the future!”