It was a bright and breezy start on Wednesday 15th February when we welcomed representatives from eight local organisations to our first ever ‘Business & Community Links’ breakfast meeting. Coffee and croissants took the edge off an early start and set the mood for an informal, yet productive, meeting to discuss how we can work together with local businesses and organisations.
Ideas discussed included; work experience and careers advice, sponsorship opportunities and working with specific subject departments as a way to help develop our students and in return raise the profile of local businesses and community groups.
We were fortunate enough to have two guest speakers, Rick Hill OBE from Support Staffordshire who recently organised our very successful employability workshops for Year 10 and Brian Carruthers, owner of Tempest Ford in Lichfield. Brian and his team have been incredibly supportive in helping the school to develop links with local businesses and has given us invaluable advice on how best to make our links work for all involved. Their message was clear, take an interest in education and invest in the people who are the future of our wonderful city.
Local organisations keen to support us: The Best of Lichfield, Clayton Holdings, Four Oaks Legal Services, The Lichfield Garrick, Mission Accomplished, Raphael Design, Synergy Print, Support Staffordshire, Tempest Ford Lichfield.
Matt Allman, Headteacher, said: “We firmly believe that the best way for schools and Lichfield to thrive is for their to be a genuine partnership and synergy between all stakeholders. The business community are having a fantastic impact on our students so the more engagement the better. Equally, when you see our art exhibitions, performances, fund-raising, etc, it is impossible for anyone on Lichfield not to be inspired by our young people”
If you would like information on how your business or organisation could help to support The Friary School please email charlotte.hearn@friaryschool.co.uk.
