A ‘Waterloo Road’ actor and World Champion Sailor joined parents and members of the local community for Clavering Primary School’s 2nd successful Professional Week (2nd – 6th March 2015).

Pupils heard about a day in the life of Fire Officers, Police Officers, Artists, a Lawyer, TV Producer, TV Editor, Scientist, Pilot, Golf Professional, Confectionary Salesman, Geologist, Drummer and many more. Speakers were invited into school to describe their work routine and daily experiences, answering questions from pupils after the sessions, during last week’s event.

Young actor, Zebb Dempster, from Saffron Walden, spoke to excited Year 6 pupils about his rise to fame in leading BBC drama ‘Waterloo Road’. He described starting out as a child at drama club and in local productions, leading on to his successful audition for the role of Leo Fitzgerald in the final series of the show and leaving home at 16 years old to live with his co-stars on location in Scotland.

Zebb Dempster’s quote:“It was a real privilege and pleasure to be involved in Clavering Primary School’s Professional Week. I was invited to come along and talk to the Year 6 students about my acting career with all its ‘ups and downs’ and ‘highs and lows’. I talked about my journey into ‘Waterloo Road’, from the audition process to finally landing the part and moving up to Glasgow. I discussed my character, Leo Fitzgerald, in the show and his progression throughout the series and described my typical working day on set. We then ended with questions and answers. The children and teacher were very welcoming and attentive and asked some very interesting questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and hope I managed to give the children a true insight into the industry and inspired those who love to act to action their dreams.”

The idea for Professional Week originated from the Parent Forum, supporting the School Improvement Plan, to encourage childrens’ speaking and listening skills, promote home and community relations and introduce male role models to the school community. Children also took part in activities during the talks, which included science experiments, operating a real fire hose on a fire engine and watching a demonstration of a Djembe (Latin-American drum) being played.

Pupils also heard former Clavering pupil and Triple European and World Sailing Champion, Sam Brearey describe his training commitments and how he motivates himself for each competition. Sam’s career started at a very early age after his parents introduced him to sailing and has now become a Dame Kelly Holmes Sporting Ambassador, dedicating his time outside sailing to creating and supporting opportunities for young people in sport.

Sam Brearey’s quote:
“My education started at Clavering Primary School so it was great to go back and share my experiences. Whilst I was there, I never dreamed I would achieve so much in my sport, so it is good to be able to show the children that anything is possible if they work hard for it. It’s always a pleasure to share with school groups, even more special when it’s your old school!”

Parent, Jago Russell, chief executive of charity, Fair Trials International, also took time out of his busy schedule to visit the school to speak to pupils. “My own children certainly wonder what my wife and I are doing when we go to work so it was great to have a chance to speak to the children about what I get up to while they’re at school. I hope they found it interesting.”

Rosalind Allsop, head teacher’s quote:”It’s been a very positive and productive week. Thank you to all the speakers for giving up their time to make another Professional Week at Clavering Primary School such a successful and interesting event. We would also like to thank Jane Chetcuti, one of our parents, for helping us organise the week.”