If the ORA programmes are about only one thing, it’s giving students a chance to experience new things, things which the future may even hold in store for them. With that in mind, no excursion could have been better suited to our students that the one that our St Mary’s cohort had on Wednesday!

The students travelled to London, to visit the incredible KidZania! KidZania is a mock indoor city, which allowed the students to pick a job, undergo training and then ‘work’ in that profession. There was a range of jobs on offer, from Pilot to Police Officer and Spy to Surgeon, there was something for everyone!

Everyone got stuck into their jobs, having great fun serving customers, delivering packages and exploring the ‘city’ with their friends. KidZania also has its own currency, ‘Kidzos’, which the students could choose to either save or spend in the various shops in the city.

The whole experience was great fun, but also a good practical lesson for future life. By starting a ‘job’ and training for it, the students were able to gain an insight into the world of work, whilst KidZania’s mock currency allowed them to understand budgeting and money management – and they can even use the Kidzos in KidZania cities around the world!

Above all, the students had a fantastic day, with the option to try out their dream jobs and gain practical experience alongside their friends.