Slough Grammar School

Melvin Pearce and his team devised a tailored programme staggered over five weeks with 30 pupils being interviewed each week. The programme entailed each group of thirty pupils first undergoing practical tuition from the BT Education Programme’s "Moving On" series of DVDs.

Once all modules had been completed, each pupil completed a specially designed application form and finally attended a very formal one-to-one interview before receiving feedback on their performances from the Volunteers.

“We gave the pupils feedback on just about every aspect of their individual communications skills and techniques,” says Melvin Pearce. “From the way they completed their applications forms and the content of those forms to how they came across at the actual interviews. We were looking for all sorts of things – much of which had been discussed in the "Moving On" DVDs. For example, firm handshakes, looking their interviewer straight in the eye, listening carefully to each question, considered and coherent responses to questions as well as intelligent questions back to the interviewer. All critical components of a real job interview.”

“It’s a pleasure for me to be able to give up a few hours every week to put something back into the school and the community. The staff, pupils and head all make me feel extremely valued - as well as part of their family if you like," Melvin added.