Farah and Wendy, pupils from Co-operative Academy, Brownhills, talk about Words for Work
Farah says:
"I have learnt a lot about how to communicate and am getting better at it. I am a lot more active and confident in myself. I was really shy at first but less so now. I didn’t want to leave the classroom to do a job before but now I’m happy to do that. I’ve enjoyed working together as a group – teamwork. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it before I started. Now I will just say what I think but before I would keep quiet and keep it inside.
I really enjoyed it, it really helped me. I think if I hadn’t done it I would still be really shy. In subject lessons normally they just give you tasks. I really like the volunteers. It’s been great , I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve learnt things; whenever you go to an interview you should shake hands. From the start I was a shy person but like to be shy is ok but I need to say me answer out loud. Other teachers said I put my hand up more and speak out in class. Really good at listening and eye contact – I sit up straight and keep focussed.
When I go to an interview I will shake hands, keep eye contact and listen all the time and give my opinions. If you don’t listen to a person your answer could be wrong and it helps you to get a job. I used to want to be a hairdresser but now I want to be a teacher – now I know I need to communicate and I can. It’s great."
Wendy says:
"I am more confident and that to put my hand up and answer questions. I didn’t used to do it before. I really liked doing the posters about teamwork, communication and interview techniques. I like art – I think it’s a good way to show what you’re thinking.
It’s quieter than normal school – everyone is trying to do some work – more into it now volunteers are here. It’s fun because you can have a laugh with the volunteers. To start I wouldn’t speak to no-one but now I’m happy to. I’m a little bit more confident, I talk to the volunteers now. I’ve learnt about body language and interview techniques. One volunteer wasn’t listening and was slouched and looking around in the interview he was really bad and it showed us what not to do.
I’ll use what I’ve learnt for interviews for jobs.
Before, I just thought you had it [communication], now I think I know more about it and it should be taught. When teacher speaks and you’re not listening, you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’ve got an answer and you don’t say it you won’t get the grade. You need to have the confidence to speak out."
