Roedean recently hosted its largest-ever Futures Fair, bringing together 64 presenters from diverse industries and prestigious universities. The event offered students from Years 7-13 a unique opportunity to connect with experts and professionals, all eager to share their wisdom, knowledge, and insights into the ever-evolving world of career possibilities. From screenwriting to aviation, healthcare to engineering, and even the armed forces, the fair provided an exciting glimpse into potential future pathways.

Our presenters were incredibly generous with their time and expertise. What made the event even more special was the presence of several recent Old Roedeanians (ORs), who returned to share their university experiences and early career journeys. Their participation not only demonstrated the importance of the future, but there is still very much an affection for the recent past too.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the day was the positive feedback from the presenters. The enthusiasm of our students was clearly evident as they eagerly asked questions, took notes, and discussed their aspirations with the experts.

The fair allowed students to explore a wide array of career options and gain valuable insights that will help them make informed decisions about their future. Whether speaking to representatives from top universities or industry professionals, the students were exposed to real-world experiences that will undoubtedly influence their career decisions. Farah, a Year 12 student, shared her excitement:

“The Futures Fair was very insightful, and the presenters were very informative. I was offered some work experience in dentistry, which was unexpected but really great news!”

Farah’s experience is just one example of how the event opened doors to new opportunities for our students. Lucy, also in Year 12, reflected on the importance of broadening one’s horizons:

“It was an extremely enriching opportunity, allowing us to broaden our mindsets into what our futures could look like. We could talk to people in careers we were already interested in, as well as looking at new opportunities.”

The chance to learn from professionals in different fields proved invaluable, allowing students to not only discover potential careers but also gain a deeper understanding of what those careers entail. Even younger students in Year 8 were inspired by the event. Mabel was excited by the possibilities presented:

“It was an amazing way of helping me look into many possibilities for my future. I was excited to hear about Norwich University of the Creative Arts, which doesn’t have exams, and I did not know that was a possibility.”

Overall, our Futures Fair was a resounding success, providing students with the chance to connect with professionals, explore new career paths, and ignite their passions for the future. With over 60 contributors, including top universities and industry experts, the event allowed students to gain valuable real-world insights that will shape their decisions moving forward. We are grateful to all the presenters who made the event possible and look forward to seeing how this experience influences the students’ futures.