SIX years before they leave school, 150 primary age children have been given a career boost they will never forget.

A project launched at Crook Primary School, in County Durham, launched ten and 11-year-olds on to an adventurous path leading to the world of work.

Headteachers from Parkside Comprehensive's feeder schools, in the Crook and Willington area, brought along their year six classes to a day-long session of raising expectations and learning new skills.

It was a learning experience for both staff and pupils and was so successful that it could be used as a model to be copied around the country.

Two of the organisers, Crook head Antonella Lupton and Ginny Williams, partnership development manager for Durham Business and Education Executive, are leading a workshop in November at a National Education and Business Partnership conference in Harrogate.

Ms Williams said: "This could be something that is taken up by other schools in County Durham and around the country.

"It is about raising children's expectations and stimulating their interest in their future career.

"We have a problem in County Durham that young people have low expectations from life after school.

"Many of them come from families with a history of unemployment, and this is an opportunity for them to see that there are loads of opportunities on offer.

"This is about preparing children for real life and showing them that there is a lot more to life than Sats results and exam results.

"At the same time it teaches them the discipline and motivation to make the most of their studies."

The day featured problem-solving exercises with the Kingsway Adventure Centre, drama workshops with Steven Elliott from King James I Community College, a falconry display from Durham Constabulary's wildlife liaison officer Sergeant Eddie Bell, European opportunities with Durham County international officer Joy Grenyer and sessions with business ambassadors and staff from the Construction Industry Training Board.

Business ambassadors visited all the children in their own schools yesterday for more talks about their career hopes and plans.