Human Library Event Brings Careers to Life for Students
Students in year 8 and 9 at Aureus secondary school enjoyed an inspiring Human Library event this week, organised by Miss King as part of the school’s commitment to providing meaningful encounters with employers. The event ran from 9am to 1pm and followed a “speedâdating” format, allowing students to rotate between visitors and take part in short, focused conversations about careers, life experience, and pathways into work.
Local employers from a wide range of industries attended, offering students the chance to speak directly with professionals working in business, creative arts, childcare, engineering, public services, and more. Guests were unanimous in their praise for the students’ maturity, thoughtful questions, and genuine interest in learning about the world beyond school.
Among the most popular visitors was Janet Graves, owner of Twinkles Handmade. Students were particularly excited to meet her, and Janet was equally impressed by the quality of their questions. As a special reward, she invited students to decorate candles for Mother’s Day an activity she offered only when she felt students had engaged meaningfully in conversation. Many students rose to the challenge, enjoying both the creative task and the insight into running a small business.
The school was also delighted to welcome representatives from the RAF, who spoke to students about discipline, teamwork, and the wide range of roles available within the forces. Their presence sparked lively discussions about apprenticeships, training routes, and the realities of military life.
In addition, Abingdon & Witney College attended the event, giving students valuable information about postâ16 options, vocational pathways, and the variety of courses available locally. Their team commented on how confidently students approached them and how well they articulated their interests and ambitions.
Miss King, who leads Careers at the school, said she was thrilled with the success of the event. “The Human Library gives students the chance to learn from real people with real stories. It helps them understand the many routes into different careers and encourages them to ask questions, explore possibilities, and think about their futures. I’m incredibly proud of how they represented themselves.”
The Human Library continues to be a highlight of the school’s careers programme, strengthening links with the local community and giving students a richer understanding of the opportunities available to them. The Human Library event this week, continued a tradition first established by Ms Carolyn Saul, whose vision for meaningful employer encounters has become a muchâloved part of the school’s careers programme.
