Penrice Live on the WOW Show Penrice Academy takes part in pilot episode of brand new careers show On Wednesday 2nd May 2018, Penrice Academy was one of only two schools in the country who took part in a Google Hangout, as part of the pilot of a new careers information initiative. The interactive magazine show – the WOW Show – was broadcast in schools live across the country at 11.45am and aimed to give teenagers a unique insight into the world of work by showcasing ‘hidden’ jobs, such as re-housing water voles and making prosthetic limbs. The 30-minute pilot had an estimated reach of 120,000 students who watched via YouTube in schools in the South East, Cambridgeshire and Cornwall. Alongside The Neale-Wade Academy in Cambridgeshire, students at Penrice had the opportunity to put questions to an expert panel based in the programme makers’ studio – live on YouTube. The programme featured employers in construction, transport, healthcare, hospitality and digital sectors and is designed to inspire young people to think more broadly about their career options. Mr Cardigan, Assistant Principal at Penrice Academy, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to co-host the Wow Show Live from Penrice Academy. One of just two schools chosen from hundreds.” “The show itself was fantastic and all our young people from Years 8 – 10 had the opportunity to watch it. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with students amazed at the different job opportunities available to them.” With its fast-moving pace, bite-sized format and energetic presentation, The WOW Show is designed to appeal to and engage a young online savvy audience, while adding value to careers information, advice and guidance programmes. Schools can view for free and PSHE lesson plans and PowerPoint slides, designed by the RSA Academies, are freely available to teachers. Henry from Year 10 said: “The WOW Show was fantastic – it was a great format and was so informative, especially hearing from people with real industry experience. The experience of communicating via live broadcast was amazing! It was something that I’ve never experienced before and I found it really interesting how we were able to talk to them and the other school, from here in Cornwall.” The pilot was sponsored by the Edge Foundation, City & Guilds and the B&CE Charitable Trust. Edge Chief Executive, Alice Barnard, said: “There is overwhelming evidence that quality careers information, advice and guidance plays a critical role in improving young people’s earning potential and future career success. The WOW Show is a great initiative which could help schools to hit Gatsby benchmarks and crucially should appeal to young people who have grown up in the digital age.” Mr Cardigan continued: “It once again highlights the superb careers advice we offer students at Penrice and my sincere thanks to our Careers Lead Charlotte Selley for organizing the day in connection with the Cornwall Careers Service.” Employers and organisations featured and supporting the programme include the NHS, Highways England, The A14 Integrted Delivery Team, the CITB, Wilmott Dixon Construction, Keltbray, the CIOB, The Edge Hotel School, the incredible RoboThespian and a special spotlight on the digital sector in Cornwall – the fastest growing tech hub in the country. The pilot is being supported by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. Questions asked by Penrice Students: Flo, Abby, Jessie, Scarlet, Charmaine, Henry and Thomas. You can watch the first episode here.