On a crisp autumn morning, St Christopher’s Year 11 pupils gathered for one of the most anticipated events of the school year ‘Make it Work Day’. The event was designed to give the pupils a hands-on introduction to essential career and life skills, all in preparation for the important steps they’ll be taking after completing their GCSEs. Pupils were asked to attend in professional, business wear to encourage them to take pride in themselves and the process of looking to the future.
The day began with an assembly that would set the tone and energise the pupils for what lay ahead. The guest speaker was none other than Eddy O’Brien, a former pupil who had gone on to become the CEO of iMEP, a successful international company. With his easy going manner and approachable style, Eddy connected instantly with the pupils. He shared stories of his school years at St Christopher's, his time at college and university, and his journey into the world of work. He emphasised how his own GCSEs had been a crucial stepping stone, advising pupils to take their studies seriously as a foundation for future opportunities. His words inspired many in the audience, filling the room with excitement and anticipation.
Following the assembly, pupils split off into smaller workshop groups. The schedule was packed with sessions covering a range of valuable topics, each tailored to build confidence and equip students with practical skills. One of the most popular workshops, led by staff from Burnley College focused on ‘CV writing’, where pupils learned the art of crafting a resume that would stand out. They discussed everything from the importance of highlighting achievements and using powerful action words to formatting tips that would help their CVs appear polished and professional.
Another workshop, delivered by members of our Senior Management Team, centred on ‘study skills’. Here, pupils discovered techniques for effective revision, memory retention, and managing large amounts of information—tools that would come in handy not just for their GCSEs but throughout their lives.
To address the pressures that often come with exams and life transitions, a ‘stress management’ session was also included. Led by the schools trained counsellors, pupils learned strategies for handling anxiety and maintaining a balanced outlook. They practiced deep breathing exercises and discussed ways to take care of their mental health while pursuing their academic goals.
But the highlight of the day for most pupils was the ‘mock interview’. Held in the main hall, these mini-interviews featured professionals from a range of industries — law, healthcare, engineering, media, and more — who volunteered to provide feedback and share insights. Pupils had the chance to experience a real-life interview scenario, complete with challenging questions and constructive feedback, giving them a taste of what to expect in future job searches.
St Christopher’s ‘Make it Work Day’ proved to be a success, leaving pupils not only better prepared for their upcoming exams but also with a newfound sense of direction and confidence as they looked ahead to the future.
We'd like to thank the staff from the following companies for giving up their valuable time to help support our pupils:
The Access Group | Margins Insurance | Places for People | WWL NHS Foundation Trust | Miro Products | Pleckgate High School | BAE Systems | Hycaero; Hycrome Europe | Pendleside Hospice | LKAB Minerals | iMEP | Lancashire Constabulary | Aviva | Training 2000 | Myerscough College | Burnley College | Blackburn College | The Nelson Group