Together We Can Reach Our Goals!

Exciting Beginnings for Our Future Leaders

We are thrilled to share the success of the St. Catherine’s British School Job Shadowing pilot programme. Organised by the University & Careers Department with the support of the St. Catherine's parent, alumni, and governors' community, this initiative relied on the active participation of professionals and academics.

In July, 33 Year 12 students engaged in a week-long job-shadowing experience across eleven companies in seven sectors. Additionally, some students conducted research with the National University of Athens and the National Research Centre. The feedback we have received from our students has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the program's immediate impact on student engagement and learning.

Thank you to the following companies, our partners in this initiative:

Hellas Direct: A leading insurtech company that leverages state-of-the-art technology and advanced analytics to revolutionise the insurance sector. Known for its innovation and customer-centric approach, Hellas Direct provides exceptional service with personalised and affordable insurance solutions.

Deep Sea: A technology and artificial intelligence company specialising in software and monitoring tools for maritime applications. Deep Sea enhances the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of shipping operations through cutting-edge technology.

Euroclinic: A private hospital and healthcare provider in Athens offering a wide range of medical services. Specialising in fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, and pediatrics, Euroclinic is renowned for its high-quality care and advanced medical technologies.

Couch Heroes: A startup that provides a platform for video game enthusiasts to connect, compete, and share their gaming experiences. They organise online gaming tournaments and events, fostering a vibrant community of gamers.

Halcyon Capital: A private equity firm based in Athens that invests in growth companies across various sectors, including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Halcyon Capital offers funding and strategic advice to innovative businesses.

Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF): Established by the family of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, this foundation supports underprivileged families and children in Greece, Nigeria, and the U.S. through educational programs, sports initiatives, and community outreach.

Pieris Architects: An architectural firm known for sustainable and innovative design. They work on residential, commercial, and public building projects, emphasising environmental sensitivity and creative use of space.

Titan Cement: A leading producer of cement and building materials in Greece. Titan Cement operates globally and is committed to sustainable production and distribution practices.

Papapolitis & Papapolitis Law: One of Greece's oldest and most respected law firms, specialising in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate. They provide legal services to domestic and international clients with a reputation for professionalism and integrity.

Laskaridis Hotels: Owners and operators of luxury hotels and resorts in Greece. Laskaridis Hotels focus on high-end hospitality services, quality accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, and personalised guest services.

Exelasis Cybersecurity: A leading firm in information security that protects organisations from cyber threats. Exelasis offers solutions including risk assessment and security management.

We aim to expand this pilot into a comprehensive, transformative learning experience for St. Catherine's Upper School students. This program will emphasise career exploration and help students gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, interests, and potential career paths. By bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications, we aim to equip our students with the skills and insights necessary for their future careers.

Through exposure and exploration, students can discover various career options, helping them make informed decisions about their future educational and career paths and by engaging in real-world work environments, our students will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Additionally, this initiative provides a wonderful oppoerunity for our students to start networking, resulting in building valuable connections with professionals and academics, opening doors to future internships and job opportunities once they graduate. Participation in job-shadowing and research projects will strengthen university applications, showcasing students' initiative and practical experience.

As a school community, we are committed to reaching new heights by fostering close collaboration between higher education institutions and industry partners. Addressing the current skills emergency requires a concerted effort. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 40% of workers will need reskilling, and 94% of business leaders believe employees will need new skills on the job. Additionally, the report predicts that 97 million new jobs will emerge by 2025.

To prepare our students for these future challenges, we are leveraging our community resources to provide diverse learning opportunities, including:

Careers Week 2024: A week dedicated to exploring various career paths and industries.

Class Insight Sessions: Interactive sessions where professionals share insights about their fields.

Universities Week in September: Activities focused on higher education and university applications.

Key Speakers and Company Visits: Engagements with industry leaders to inspire and educate students.

Sector Exploration Days: Hands-on experiences in different industries to broaden students' perspectives.

By encouraging our students to explore beyond the classroom, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the dynamic and ever-evolving job market. We celebrate our community's involvement and commitment to this journey of growth and excellence!

Thank you to our community for making the St. Catherine's job-shadowing pilot program a success!