A SCHOOL is introducing its sixth-formers to the world of work by offering them jobs.

The innovative scheme sees youngsters give up their free periods to do jobs at Chase High, in Westcliff.

The idea came about after staff became concerned about students missing morning lessons because they had been doing late night shifts at their part-time job.

It has now developed, with jobs advertised around the school and candidates taken through an interview process.

Headteacher Victoria Overy, 46, said: “If they’re working here in the day, then they don’t need to work at night.

“A lot of our children come from quite deprived backgrounds and homes where it’s important for them to earn money as well as get an education.

“If I don’t get them ready for the world of work, I have done them a disservice.

“I think you will always do better in your exams if you have got a bit of balance in your life.

“The work scheme also makes our lives easier, because they do jobs which we need doing and seem to have more of an understanding with the younger kids.

“Having so many positive male role models, in particular, is fantastic.”

If the pupils on the work scheme fall behind on class work, then they will be suspended from the job and if they fail to submit required paperwork by set deadlines, they risk not getting paid.

Mrs Overy believes this teaches them the discipline required for the normal world of work.

About 50 pupils are currently involved in the initiative, earning £4.50 an hour for a variety of roles including ICT supervisor, science lab assistant and special educational needs buddy.

Federico Tritora, 18, arrives at Chase High by 7.30am every day to run the morning football sessions.

He hopes to work as a personal trainer when he leaves school and believes this experience will make him stand out from other applicants of a similar age.

He said: “Being in charge of 30 kids can sometimes be hard, but they really look up to you and always ask you questions. The scheme makes you a confident person, by going through the whole interview process.”

With one in three pupils at Chase High coming from an ethnic background and 37 different languages spoken within the diverse school, a host of translation opportunities are also available for older children. Berni Rzepka, 18, moved to Southend from Poland in 2008 and now helps other Eastern European pupils who are struggling to understand lessons as part of her work as an additional language assistant.

She said: “It gives you experience for what you’re going to do in life, because it makes you prepared for future work when you leave school.

“This is my first job and I’m saving up for a holiday, which is great, and my mum is happy because I’m getting experience and getting paid, but still going to lessons.

“I just feel so normal around the teachers now, like they’re my colleagues. I honestly really enjoy it.”