Annually at the end of May the Northamptonshire branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) stage a 3 day festival at Delapre Abbey in Northampton. The event attracts thousands of visitors from all over the county to come and sample over 300 beers, perries and ciders and to enjoy a variety of music. It is a really family friendly day out.

Students from Bosworth Independent College have for the past two years volunteered their services to help make this a successful event. CAMRA rely on 100% volunteers to run this event. They are given an insight into how the beer is produced, presented and served as well as the many skills they develop being part of a large and very efficient team.

In appreciation of the students’ contribution to the success of the festival, CAMRA have donated £250 to the Bosworth Student Council.

We asked the students to tell us more about their day:

It was a fantastic atmosphere and a thoroughly enjoyable experience, I would recommend for any student to take part."

- Adam Jones

"It was a really busy day we didn’t stop from the start to the end of our shift and we got a real sense of satisfaction from taking part. It was also interesting to learn about real ale and meet local people.’

- Samuel Got

Bosworth Students pictured above from left to right: Winnie Yu, Samuel Got, Adam Jones, Assiya Mambetaliyeva and Mr Thacker (GCSE Course Director) Phil and Hazel greenway from CAMRA.

Tags: volunteer, student council, work experience

Here at Bosworth Independent College we recognise the time and effort involved in any local business investing in taking a student on work experience. Whilst studying the GCSE programme students are required to go on a two week work placement. Through the Connexions website they are able to search for local companies who take part in the scheme.

One example of a recent placement is Charlotte Brookes (pictured left) a current GCSE student at Bosworth Independent College, she chose to join, John Roan Photography. During her time Charlotte experienced, portrait sittings, show homes and a charity golf event. Charlotte is pictured here in a mock golf magazine front cover which all participants of the day took away as a souvenir. Charlotte found it fascinating to be behind the camera, "I didn’t realise how much work was involved setting up the lights and preparing for the shot to be taken. I now understand the time required for each shot."

The team praised Charlotte for being a pleasure to have around and someone who engaged well with the various projects.

Irfan Bhatti (pictured right) another GCSE student at Bosworth Independent College, had a two week placement with a major electrical retailer. Irfan spent time ticketing, merchandising and selling products. The store staff described him as a natural salesman who was very industrious. Irfan really enjoyed his experience with this retailer, especially picking up selling tips from the team.

Alan Morton Course Director believes:

"Work experience for students of this age group provides a great insight into the world of work and the students certainly return with increased confidence".

Bosworth Independent College is home to approximately 320 students, 75% of these students are EU or International students that board with the College. For these students along with our UK students the opportunity to work for 2 weeks with a local business proves to be an invaluable experience.

Tags: work experience, gcse