Blacon High School – Takeover day

Year 11 students from Blacon High School have once again been involved in the ‘Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover day’, which aims to break down barriers between generations and encourage children’s active involvement in their communities.

The day gives students the chance to work with adults for the day and be involved in day to day activities. Students gain an insight into the world of work and are given a voice in the decision making process, whilst adults and organisations are given a fresh perspective on their aims and objectives.

This year, four students from Blacon High School; Chelsea Hallal, Shaun Shrigley, Melissa Dodd and Georgia Owen had the opportunity to work alongside senior managers from Chester West and Chester Council including Gerald Meehan and Mark Parkinson. Stephanie Chinchen and Jamie Senior worked alongside representatives and senior NHS staff from the clinical commissioning group.

Stephanie Chinchen (16) said “It was great to have this opportunity. It was really interesting to see what goes on and how people make decisions.”

Assistant headteacher Rachel Thomas explained “This is the second year we have been involved in the Takeover Day. It has been a highly successful event with the students gaining a real experience of the workplace and how key decisions are made in their local community.”

Chelsea Hallal (16) said “I learnt a lot about the pressures of being in charge and making decisions. It was nice to be able to attend the meetings and have people ask me my opinion”.

Picture (l-r) Chelsa Hallal, Shaun Shrigley, Stephanie Chinchen, Jamie Senior, Georgia Owen