About

What’s it all about?

Russell Hobby, the UK National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) General Secretary says:

“For children of primary age, making a connection between what they learn in the classroom and how it relates to the world of work isn’t easy. Primary Futures is intended to change that. It is not about specific careers advice, or fixing on one path for the future at age 11. It is about raising and broadening horizons about what can be achieved. Children also benefit from understanding the practical requirements of the working world so they can be motivated to improve their literacy and numeracy.”

 
 

 

How does Primary Futures work?

Once your school has registered by clicking on the button at the top of the homepage and following the instructions you can contact a growing number of enthusiastic volunteers from different professions and sectors waiting to be invited into school to talk, work with and inspire your children. Teachers are able to view the profiles of different volunteers in their locality and contact any they would like to come into their school.

Who are the volunteers?

Our volunteers come from many walks of life and might be apprentices, graduate recruits or Chief Executives from small, medium sized or multi-national companies. As the program develops, we expect thousands of volunteers to sign up with more registering every day.

Every volunteer who has signed up has committed to providing at least one hour a year to visit a school in their area. They may be available to offer more time when requested by teachers. When volunteers register with  Inspiring the Future  Australia , they are asked if they would mind being approached by local schools to talk about their current job and why subjects they studied in their early days at primary schools (such as reading and numeracy) were so important in achieving their current status. This helps to inspire the children as they can make the link between their learning and future opportunities. Volunteers also have the option of indicating their interest in reading to children or listening to them read in a primary school, either individually or in groups. This could be a one-off activity or it may evolve into more regular involvement depending on the needs of the school and availability of the volunteer.  They may also be willing to take part in a numeracy related activity with a group of primary school children.

Check out the Uk's Primary Futures 'What's My Line' video