On the morning of Monday 6 February 2023, the Geography Department is planning to run a Green Careers Event to encourage S2 pupils (168 of them) to consider how sustainability links to many different fields (arguably, every field!) and broaden their thinking about future careers.   

Keynote speakers have been confirmed as Prof. Iain Stewart (Research Chair in Sustainability, Royal Society of Jordan, and former Director of the Earth Institute at the University of Plymouth) and Dr. Hermione Cockburn (Scientific Director, Our Dynamic Earth). Prof Dave Reay from Edinburgh Climate Change Institute has also confirmed he will attend.

We would like to include a 'careers speed-dating' type activity in the programme, which will see groups of pupils circulating around the school hall every few minutes to speak to representatives from a range of different sectors/organisations. It would be amazing if any former pupils might consider representing their company in this activity, and giving pupils an insight into their current work and career path.   

In addition, we would like to include a short panel discussion to round off the event with our keynote speakers and willing volunteers from the 'speed dating' activity.

The event will run from 9.00am-12.35pm, with time either side to set-up and pack away. Refreshments will be provided, and we can cover travel expenses, if required.   

If you are keen and able to attend, please email Rachel Hay (Geography Department) on rah@george-heriots.com

Proposed programme:

9.00am – Welcome – Gareth Warren (Principal), Ali Hughes & Rachel Hay (Geography Department)

9.05am - Keynote from Iain Stewart – sustainability, link to travels, attitudes/values/skills > ‘green careers’  

9.40-11.00am – Green Careers Speed Dating; 16 stations - 10 mins at each station, until time is up; Reflection cards to fill in after each station (to be handed in) – not all pupils will visit every station, so details may be shared.

11.00-11.15am Break 

11.15am – 11.45pm – Keynote – Dr Hermione Cockburn – future careers 

11.45am – 12.15pm – Panel discussion including Prof Iain Stewart, Prof Dave Reay, Dr Hermione Cockburn and anyone from the ‘speed-dating’ activity who can stay, to bring together what has been discussed.  

12.15-12.30pm Pupils complete and hand in reflection journal/notes before lunch.  

12.30pm – Closing remarks, and thanks (Gareth Warren/Careers/Geography Dept)