EMPLOYERS and further education colleges descended on a Plaistow school to help Year 11 students to take their first steps in the world outside its classrooms. Around 260 pupils attended Lister School s annual transition day which aimed to offer both the

EMPLOYERS and further education colleges descended on a Plaistow school to help Year 11 students to take their first steps in the world outside its classrooms.

Around 260 pupils attended Lister School's annual transition day which aimed to offer both the insight and experience for school-leavers to make an informed decision on their future.

Newham Education Business Partnership brought in prospective employers and colleges to help the pupils weigh up their options.

They included Genesis Housing Group, Newham Health Authority, London City Airport, BT and the Metropolitan Police.

Activities in the classroom were combined with Actorshop, which put on interactive performances to provoke the thoughts of the students even more.

Natalie Frimpong, 15, said, "I got a clear idea of what qualities and qualifications are needed for different occupations.

"It will help me to make up my mind on what I will want to be."

Another student, Amber Eve, 15, also felt the day was worthwhile.

"I am undecided about my future", she said.

"Today's sessions will let me think carefully about what courses I need to go for. I also learned what to do and what not to do at interviews, very useful if you want the course or the job."

Careers co-ordinator at Lister, Yasmin Abendin, added: "At a very critical time in our students' life, this offers them guidance for making right career choices. We all felt it was a very successful day. The students carried on talking about future decisions as they left for home.