AN East Lancashire high school is leading the way in English by demonstrating its use in real life career roles.

A bomb expert, GP and football club press officer will be speaking to pupils at the Bouncer Lane school about the importance of reading, writing and communication skills.

Witton Park High School's exciting week-long initiative is designed to raise students’ aspirations and demonstrate the importance of literacy and the English language in everyday life. Shanaz Hussain, head of English, said: "We want students to realise that with determination and self-belief anything is possible. This is the first initiative of its kind in Lancashire.

“It is extremely important that students understand how English and literacy are vital to their future success. I have had so much interest from parents, students and other schools about what we are doing here. In the future we intend to take this initiative even further.”

The school has planned a week of exciting activities, guest speakers and trips to raise aspirations and secure further student success.

The event started yesterday with a lunchtime talk by PC Gareth Dixon, a dog handler with Lancashire Police, who was joined by an explosive's sniffer dog.

PC Dixon talked about writing instructions, report writing and the importance of writing accurate descriptions.

He also provided students with information about the grades needed to access a career in the police force.

Students were also taken to Blackburn University to see the courses available to them and to speak to the admissions team about the qualifications they would need to study courses they were interested in.

Today there will be a lunchtime talk by Peter Oliver, freelance sports journalist and club journalist at Burnley FC.

Tomorrow the school will welcome Dr Sheila Bailey, who will talk about the speaking and listening skills essential in the role of a GP. On Thursday Mark Stewart QC from Lincoln House Chambers, Manchester, will talk about his role as a barrister.

And on Friday Rachel Holderness, an ex-student from Witton Park who secured two A grades in English and English Literature GCSE, will talk to students about studying A-Level English.

There will also be a raising confidence and self-esteem workshop.

Headteacher Dean Logan said: “Interest from students has been phenomenal.

“This is a voluntary option for the students and each event is booked out.

“Raising the aspirations of our students is vital to their success.”