This term, the Year 2 and 3 students have been diving deep into exploring various jobs and careers in our Unit Of Inquiry: How we organise ourselves. This unit helps our young learners to understand the roles that people play in the workforce, and what skills and qualities are necessary to succeed in different professions.

As part of this inquiry, we were fortunate to welcome a remarkable range of visitors into our classrooms to share their experiences and expertise. From a genetic sequencer and marketing executive to a computer engineer and software designer, as well as a vet and a mannequin designer—each visitor brought their unique perspective, sparking curiosity and inspiring our students.

Our visitors gave real insight into their world of work!

Thoughtful Questions, Thoughtful Learners

Our students were incredibly engaged throughout the process. As they met each guest, they asked insightful and thoughtful questions that demonstrated a deep curiosity about the world of work. They didn’t just ask "What do you do?" but dug deeper into understanding the reasons behind these careers. For instance, some of the questions included, "What motivated you to choose this career?" and "How do your skills help you solve problems in your job?"

The depth of inquiry that our students showed was truly impressive. They moved beyond the surface level and really began to think critically about the jobs people do. Whether it was asking the genetic sequencer about the impact of DNA research on health or inquiring of the vet about the skills required to care for animals, our students demonstrated a natural ability to connect their learning to real-world situations.

Linking to the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning

Throughout this unit, our students were encouraged to connect their learning to the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. These frameworks are at the heart of our curriculum and support students in developing the characteristics and skills needed to thrive both in school and in their future lives.

For example, students embraced the attributes of the Learner Profile such as being inquirers and thinkers, as they asked questions that promoted deeper understanding. Their engagement with the visitors also showcased their communication skills and first-hand research as they considered the diverse perspectives and experiences shared, reflecting on what they learned and how they could apply this knowledge in their own future careers.

Career Diversity: A Snapshot of Our Visitors

Each visitor brought a unique and enriching perspective to our students. Below are a few examples of the professionals who spoke to our students:

Genetic Sequencer: Students learned about the fascinating field of genetics, discovering how sequencing DNA can help in diagnosing diseases and advancing medical research.
Marketing Executive: The marketing expert explained how businesses connect with their customers, using creativity and analysis to develop strategies that promote products and services, but with an ethical mission to ensure integrity and honesty in the products promoted.
Computer Engineer and Software Designer: Our guest from the tech world demonstrated how they create the systems and software that power everything from apps to devices we use every day, inspiring a generation to explore the power of coding.
Veterinarian: The vet shared the importance of empathy, scientific knowledge, and problem-solving when caring for animals and diagnosing illnesses.
Mannequin Designer: Our mannequin designer showed students how design and artistry play a role in creating lifelike figures for the fashion and retail industry, helping students connect creativity to real-world applications.

One of our visitors answering questions from our inquiring students

Reflecting on the Learning Journey

This season of visitors has been a fantastic success, sparking new questions and ideas in our students' minds. They not only learned about different careers but also gained insight into how the skills they are developing now—such as communication, problem-solving, and creativity—are essential for future work environments.

Through this inquiry, our students were reminded that every job has a purpose and contributes to society in meaningful ways. They also recognized that the qualities we nurture in school—being curious, reflective, and courageous—are the same qualities that will help them succeed in their future careers, whatever paths they may choose.