Read what happened when Year 9 students participated in the ‘Words for Work’ literacy project, organised by the National Literacy Trust.

Over the last five weeks, twenty-one Year 9 students participated in the 'Words for Work' literacy project. Organised by the National Literacy Trust, the project allowed students the opportunity to develop the communication skills needed for the workplace. Volunteers from local businesses worked with the students to pass on their expertise about the world of work.

The sessions covered a range of topics from writing professional e-mails to body language and from dress codes to interview techniques. In the final session, each group delivered a presentation about what they had learned about communication in the workplace to a panel of experts.

One Year 9 student explained how, 'The sessions really made me re-evaluate how my body language and tone influence how I come across to others.' Another student reported that, 'After practising speed interviewing with the volunteers, I now feel much more confident about the idea of applying for a job when I am older'.

It is hoped that the experiences of the last five weeks will also give the Year 9 students a boost as they prepare to start their GCSEs in Year 10.