SCHOOL pupils in Carterton have been finding out what they could be when they grow up, from authors to zoo keepers.

Gateway Primary School invited volunteers from the Primary Futures scheme to explain to youngsters what they could do for a living.

As well as engineers, chefs, geologists and publishers, speakers included Elaine West, the UK’s first female RAF Air-Vice-Marshal, and Lord John Nash, Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Department for Education.

Sharon Mullins, headteacher at the Netheravon Close school, said: “The children had a fantastic morning listening to volunteers talking about their jobs and careers. It is important to raise the aspirations and let them gain a valuable insight into the many different career opportunities that exist.”

Our top stories

Eight-year-old Sophie Emberson said: “I enjoyed learning about the amazing jobs people can do.”

Classmate Ella Westwood, seven, added: “I liked the brilliant producer, the amazing author and the lady who had fossils because they inspired me.”

But for five-year-old Imogen Bassett, staff from Cotswold Wildlife Park brought the star of the show in the form of a snake.

She said: “I liked the shapes on the snake’s tummy.”

Friday’s event was part of a project by the National Association of Head Teachers and charity the Education and Employers Taskforce.

It aims to raise children’s aspirations and help pupils understand how learning in school affects them in the world of work, to improve their academic performance.

Witney MP and Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Children who understand the link between the world of work and what they learn in school are much more likely to achieve. Primary Futures is a great nationwide initiative. It’s a great campaign and one that deserves the widest support.

“Over 18,000 people have already signed up and I encourage you to join them.”

Lord Nash was not available for comment.

For more details or to volunteer, visit primaryfutures.org

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.