PUPILS in Stacksteads were inspired to consider their GCSE options after taking part in a series of workshops and talks including one from a ‘Secret Millionaire’.

Carl Hopkins, who appeared on the Channel 4 programme in 2008, told Year 9 pupils at Stacksteads Community Sports College about his journey from humble beginning through his often difficult time in education and on to when he decided to follow his artistic dreams, which he then turned into a business success.

His tips for success included not being afraid to fail, always asking people for help and information and not waiting for life to come to you but going out and getting it yourself.

Bob Bower, from Architecture Workshops, also attended to run a hands-on team building creative session where pupils made 3.2-metre tall tetradedron using wooden dowels and elastic bands.

Careers co-ordinator Sara Ashworth said: “The special careers day was for Year 9 pupils who will soon be selecting their GCSE options.”

Christopher Gansler, 14, said: “We have learnt how to make a building sturdy by using tetrahedrons and the session showed how the structure was much better for building than a square or a cuboid.”