Youngster scoops top regional prize in national health careers contest
A 10-year-old girl from Woodwater Academy in Exeter has been crowned regional winner of Health Education England’s (HEE) Step into the NHS primary school competition.
Lilly Sparks, who hopes to one day become a nurse, produced an imaginative poster expressing thanks to the NHS to impress the judges and win the South West regional award.
Fellow pupil Lauren Bright was highly commended in the contest.
The Step into the NHS competition aims to raise awareness about the breadth of roles in the health service, raise aspirations and challenge gender stereotypes. This is the first year that Step into the NHS has been rolled out in primary schools, following a successful 10 years’ operating in secondary schools.
A delighted Lilly said:
“I can’t believe I’m the regional winner! The NHS has helped so many different people and I am so happy to be a part of celebrating and thanking them.”
Schools were given free educational resources explaining a variety of NHS jobs, from nurses and surgeons to IT professionals and scientists. Pupils explored the past, present and future of the NHS and its careers, culminating in them designing a piece of artwork expressing thanks to the NHS and its staff.
The 2018/19 national primary school competition received 629 entries from schools across the country.
Professor Ian Cumming OBE, Chief Executive, Health Education England said:
“Inspiring the next generation of NHS staff has never been more important. Step into the NHS supports this by showcasing its fantastic careers.
“I’m delighted to see how many entries the first year of the primary school competition has received. The children have been so creative, and I’m especially encouraged by the grasp they have shown of the wide range of jobs within the health service.
"I’d like to give my thanks to all the pupils who entered this year, and particularly congratulate our national and regional winners.”
All regional winners from across England have been awarded Amazon vouchers.
More information about Step into the NHS can be found at: https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/primary
