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Our Year 10s at The Westwood Academy swapped the classroom for the clinic this week when Medical Mavericks came to visit, bringing a taste of NHS life straight to school.

There was plenty to get stuck into. Students had a go at taking blood (using a fake arm!) , tried their hand at simulated keyhole surgery with real surgical instruments, and practised stitching on synthetic skin. They tested each other's hearing, peered through pathology goggles to see the world through different eye conditions, and, in what was easily the star attraction, used an ultrasound machine to scan their own bones and find out whether they're still growing.

Along the way, students discovered just how many careers the NHS has to offer. Everyone knows about doctors and nurses, but plenty were surprised to learn about roles like sonographers and audiologists too.

It's safe to say the hands-on approach was a hit. Learning about careers is one thing but actually holding the instruments and having a go yourself is quite another. A brilliant addition to our ongoing careers programme, and one the students won't forget in a hurry!