Ponteland High School has rounded off a fantastic month of careers learning with inspiring talks from David Adeniken of Innersummit, and James Newbigin of Newcastle United Football Club—both alumni of our school—alongside Adam Humphries, a retail manager at Greggs. These final sessions capped a rich programme of 17 Sector Insight Talks, giving Year 9 and 10 students the chance to explore a wide range of industries—from medicine and law to architecture, construction, scientific research, and the creative sector.
Throughout March, students have heard from professionals working in healthcare science, sustainability, veterinary medicine, engineering, interior design, sport, and beyond. Talks offered personal journeys, practical insights, and a real sense of the skills and pathways that exist in each field—often with hands-on or interactive elements to bring careers to life.
Reflecting on the success of the programme, Deputy Headteacher Jonny Greenshields said:
“The students have been brilliant—engaged, thoughtful, and full of great questions. It’s been fantastic to see how much they’ve taken from hearing real stories from people doing these jobs every day. Many of our guest speakers commented not only on how well-prepared the students were but also on the importance of character—things like dedication, resilience, and a willingness to get involved—as essential qualities alongside academic qualifications.”
The programme has emphasised the value of personal qualities, with a strong message from speakers that success often comes from taking opportunities, staying open-minded, and being willing to grow through new experiences.
Ponteland High School looks forward to continuing to connect students with real-world career insights and is incredibly grateful to all the professionals, alumni, and partners who made this year’s Careers Month such a success.
