Do What You Love, You Never Know Where It Might Lead…

Academic

With over 60 exhibitors including universities from all corners of the UK, as well as representatives from a diverse variety of professions, industries and gap years, there was something for every taste, talent and aspiration at Moreton Hall’s annual Universities and Careers Fair. With visiting pupils from Ysgol Dinas Brân, The Maelor School, Ysgol Llanfyllin, St Martins, Darland and The Marches, joining our own Upper Fifth and Lower Sixth students, Moreton Hall’s Sports Hall buzzed with the sound of young people exploring how to start their career journey and realise their dream.

The school’s own alumni are always a key part of this highlight in the school calendar. Old Moretonian Hermione Bird (OM 2016), delivered a well attended and inspiring talk about her ‘wiggly path’ journey from English and Philosophy to Software Engineering and the importance of maintaining a Growth Mindset. Tara Beasley (OM 2017) and Eva Gascoigne (OM 2015), took a busman’s holiday from their day jobs to talk about their work as a Business Manager in the brewing sector and Chartered Surveyor respectively. Jennifer Brazier (OM 2009) hosted a popular stand for budding Veterinarians whilst Jo Chavasse (OM 2009) returned for another year; this time joined by her gorgeous baby daughter, Delilah, who provided some hands-on experience for anyone interested in nannying as part of a gap year. Caitlin Price (OM 2024) provided inspiration for those exploring alternative pathways following her appointment as a Degree Apprentice at KPMG (Audit) last summer. Finally, Jemma Halliwell (OM 2009) and Hannah Williams (OM 2014) were flying the flag for STEM careers, so popular with Moreton girls, showcasing their roles in Mechanical Engineering and Corporate Sustainability.

Seminars, which included Lancaster University, ‘How to Choose a University and a Course’, RJAH on ‘NHS Careers – more than just Doctors and Nurses’ and ‘The Oxbridge Journey’ with our very own Mr Reynolds and Mrs Peel, were popular and lively, and attracted many questions. Equally buzzing and busy were the representatives of the many universities attending, keen to meet this exciting cohort of young people. For Old Moretonian Caitlin Price the chance to inspire a new generation of young people was a welcome one: “I was particularly excited to share my experiences and highlight the exciting opportunities that degree apprenticeships offer. These programmes combine practical experience with academic learning and it’s commendable that Moreton’s Next Steps team recognise that there’s no single, linear route to success and encourage students to explore them.”

A visiting parent from The Marches, commented: “The Universities and Careers Fair was incredibly insightful for both my son and I. It provided valuable knowledge and information on the options available and gave us the opportunity to speak directly to the universities. Moreton Hall do a fantastic job of hosting and I am already looking forward to returning next year with my daughter.”

For Lower Sixth student Holly, “Attending the Careers Fair for the second time was really helpful as I had narrowed down my choices since last year and especially enjoyed speaking to LIPA, UAL and Falmouth about their performing arts courses.” For Lauren, “It allowed me to explore universities I hadn’t previously considered, such as Queen’s Belfast”, and Lizzie reflected “It has opened my eyes to different pathways and made me feel more confident about what I want to do with my future.”

It was a sentiment echoed by a visiting Upper Fifth parent who was in no doubt of the hard work that had gone into making the day happen: “A huge thank you to Moreton Hall for organising today’s Universities and Careers Fair. It was a great first opportunity for us and our daughter to explore various options and gain useful insights into her potential options going forward after A Levels. The event offered lots of variety and choice and the representatives were knowledgeable and generous with their time. Overall, it was very informative and helpful and we are grateful for all the effort that went into the planning. Our daughter felt more excited about the possibilities for her future.”

Reflecting on the day, Head of Sixth Form, Catherine Ashworth commented: “It was wonderful to hear the buzz of so many young people, excited to discover the enormous range of options open to them, whether that be university, apprenticeships or gap years. The opportunity to network and connect with Old Moretonian’s is particularly valuable and I know many work experience placements were secured! The purpose of the event is not to make firm decisions about future careers, for this generation their job roles will be many and varied, but to encourage discovery and highlight possibilities so informed decisions can be made about their next steps.”

Principal Michael Brewer said: “Throughout my twenty years of working in independent schools, the Moreton Hall Careers Fair is like nothing I have ever seen. It is nothing short of extraordinary to witness the success and scope of this event. So many young people will have been encouraged, inspired and excited today, the benefits of this exceptional event extend into the wider community and beyond our Moreton grounds. All credit is owed to Mrs Ashworth and our incredible estates and marketing teams for making the should-be-impossible, possible.”