In a project subsidised by a grant from MK Community Foundation, Worktree delivered Primary WorkOut and Primary World of Work sessions in 13 primary schools (a 14th to follow in November 2018). The aim was to demonstrate to primary schools the value of these activities and encourage them consider paying full cost in future years.
The schools were:
| SCHOOL | YEAR GROUP | Date | Time | No. Pupils completing questionnaires Before and After |
| Brooklands Farm Primary | Year 6 (age 10-11) | 5.6.18 | 9.30am | 90 |
| Cedars Primary | Year 6 (age 10-11) | 16.7.18 | 1.15-2.15pm | 41 |
| Christ the Sower Primary | Year 5 & 6 (age 9-11) | 19.6.18 | 10.45-12.30 | 57 |
| Drayton Park Primary | Year 6 (age 10-11) | 14.6.18 | 9-11am | 42 |
| Emerson Valley Primary | Year 5 (age 9-10) | 28.6.18 | 11-12.30pm | 106 |
| Giffard Park Primary | Year 6 (age 10-11) | 5.7.18 | 10.45-12.30pm | 42 |
| Great Linford Primary | Year 5 & 6 (age 9-11) | 18.6.18 | 9.15-11.15am | 88 |
| Jubilee Wood Primary | Year 6 (age 10-11) | 19.6.18 | 1.20-3.20pm | 82 |
| Priory Rise Primary | Year 6 (age 10-11) | 8.6.18 | 1.30-3.20pm | 52 |
| Rickley Park Primary | Year 5 (age 9-10) | 15.5.18 | 9.00am | 55 |
| Southwood Primary | Year 6 (age 10-11) | 7.6.18 | 9.00am | 49 |
| St Monica’s Primary | Year 5 & 6 (age 9-11) | 21.6.18 | 10.45-12.20pm | 97 |
Children
The main difference made by this project was that the pupils felt more aware and confident after the sessions about their future careers and employability skills; also more motivated to work hard in school. Spoken and written comments showed many had new aspirations and a greatly increased confidence in talking to unfamiliar adults (see chart above).
Volunteer work guests
The secondary benefit was that 41 adults from 28 MK companies got to volunteer in local schools and tell their own stories about work. 33 completed evaluation questionnaires which showed their satisfaction ratings in post-session questionnaires was high.
- 100% agreed “I enjoyed the session”, of which 94% strongly agreed
- 100% agreed “The students made me feel welcome”, of which 94% strongly agreed
- 100% agreed “I felt valued”, of which 88% strongly agreed
- 97% agreed “I now feel more positive about my work,” of which 72% strongly agreed
- 100% agreed “I would be happy to do this again”, of which 91% strongly agreed.
School & teachers
The school and its teachers also benefited. 19 teachers observed or participated in the sessions and completed feedback forms showing:
- 100% agreed “The session helped students make choices about their future work options”, of which 63% strongly agreed
- 100% agreed “The students became more confident talking to adults they don’t know”, of which 89% strongly agreed
- 100% agreed “The session helped students to develop their employability skills”, of which 58% strongly agreed
- 100% strongly agreed “The session was important for students’ preparation for the world of work”, of which 53% strongly agreed.
Building on this success, the goal now is to grow Primary WorkOut to more MK primary schools.
