Year 10 have just returned (tired but happy!) from a week of work experience. Placements chosen ranged from engineering companies to sports centres; from a forensic laboratory to The Sunday Times; from the Bristol Law Courts to children's nurseries.

These are some of their impressions of their placements:

DANIEL TAILOR HOOLE & CO, SOLICITORS

My work experience was at a Solicitor’s office, where I followed a Solicitor for a week. I was able to go to court every day and followed several cases. For the first three days I saw smaller cases in Yate Magistrates Court, but for the last two days was in the Bristol Crown Court. I asked different people lots of questions and learnt a lot about criminal law. I found the week very interesting and I would definitely recommend this for future work experience.

JORDAN REED BEGBROOK PRIMARY SCHOOL

My work experience was at Begbrook School where I went to teach PE. I was able to participate in every PE lesson throughout the week, including going swimming. For the rest of the time I was mostly with Year 5, helping them with literacy and numeracy. The later part of the week I spent with Year 6 helping them raise money for a visit to the Lion King in London. I enjoyed my placement as it was interesting and gave me an insight into teaching (and into what teachers have to put up with!)

GEMMA BEECH ELM PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

I found the whole experience amazing. Everyone was so friendly and I really enjoyed it. I had lots to do and working with the kids was fantastic. I have gained experience of hat working with children would be like, how the job works and what to do in certain situations, as well as how tiring teaching can be! I would recommend it in a second to anyone and have been invited to join in with a school trip in a few weeks.

MADDY THOMAS BRISTOL YOUTH THEATRE

I gained a lot from my work experience. I joined Bristol Youth Theatre at a production at the QEH Theatre. I met loads of new people from different backgrounds who I am really close to now. I worked backstage, preparing costumes, watching make-up being applied and bringing props on and off stage.
Although a production may look smooth and professional to the audience, backstage everyone is working hard to focus and get into character.

ABBY LITTEN URCHINWOOD EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

For my work experience I managed to get a placement at Urchinwood Manor Equestrian Centre. I enjoyed taking up the job of a groom, although it was a lot of hard work and attempting to maintain everyone’s best opinion of me was exhausting!
I now have a good idea of where I want to take my carer in the equestrian field and although I have no intentions of working in a riding school full time, it would be a good place to begin

CHLOE ROSOLEK ALL SAINTS

At All Saints, the clothing designer shop, I met new people and learnt how to adapt to different situations. I found it exciting and fun – it fulfilled all my expectations and made it clear to me that my career goal is in fashion

Photos of other boys and girls on their work experience placements:

Jane Hutchison at Glebe Residential Nursing Home

Alice Carter at the Bristol Eye Hospital

Harry Goodfield at Drill Cut Ltd

Katie Denton at Stoke Gifford Primary School

Jack Maddox at Thomas Cook Travel Agents

Robert Green at Begbrook Primary School