Role Model Week 2023: 9th - 13th October!
Research shows that students who have encounters with four or more business role models each year are five times more likely to be in further education, training or employment when they leave school. But with studies showing that 1 in 4 children do not have role models, our national awareness campaign, Role Model Week. Now in its third year Role Model Week is a great opportunity for both schools and businesses to recognise the importance they play in building careers aspirations and to celebrate the impact they have on young people. We encourage schools to inspire their students by booking role model encounters through the F4S platform, holding lessons to discuss the importance of role models and getting their children to dress up as their role models for the day!
This year we are showcasing the great work being done by our Maths4Girls initiative to enable young people to achieve their potential by giving them insights into careers from men and women who use maths in their current roles across a number of industries. We believe that this will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) based industries because more girls have become the innovators and pioneers of the future
Ways to get involved
For schools
Schools from across the UK took part in Role Model Week 2021 & 2022. Here are some ways they got involved:
- Primary Schools were encouraged to hold a 'Dress as your role model day' where students come to school dressed as what they want to be when they grow up or as someone who inspires them. Students are encouraged to make a £1 donation in support of our work to ensure young people from all backgrounds reach their potential.
Click here to find out what Park Junior School (pictured above) got up to during the week!
“It gave me the ambition to do whatever job I wanted to do." - Holly, Year 6
- Secondary and Primary School educators used this week to discuss why role models are important, what makes
a good role model, and invite a role model from our platform to speak to students about what their job is and their career journey to date.
During the week is Ada Lovelace Day (10th October), an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and aims to encourage more girls into STEM careers. Research has revealed that the number of girls interested in STEM across Europe almost doubles when they have a role model to inspire them, and you can use our platform to find female professionals to achieve this.
“The speakers were brilliant and the idea of a Role Model Week has really taken hold in that the children enjoyed themselves so much, they have asked that we do this every year.” - Dr N Fernandes-Viana, Headteacher at St Joseph’s RC Primary School
For businesses and professionals
Whatever your industry, young people need to hear from you and your colleagues as real-life role models to inspire and educate them on the career pathways available.
Role Model Week is a great time to provide your employees with meaningful volunteering opportunities, all you need to do is encourage them to sign up as a volunteer on our platform during the week to make their expertise and experience accessible to schools to book role model encounters with them in the future.
You can share the word about #RoleModelWeek and your organisation's commitment to young people with your network! Organisations can get creative with other ways to celebrate the week, through organising their own events, raising awareness through their networks, or even holding their own dress up day in the office!