On 10 June, Year 8 students welcomed a Ms Geraldine Johns to share her legal career path. Ms Johns was a special visitor for two reasons - firstly, she progressed to an exciting career as a judge; secondly, she attended Springfield (when the school was called Manor Court).

 

Ms Johns gave Year 8 the message that success and finding the right route does not depend on school - she left at 16 to study Drama and did not consider university or a career in law. It was only after she had needed to take advice herself as a single parent and then started to do volunteer work helping others that she realised she had the potential and interest to attend night school and then study for a law degree. Ultimately, she finished her career as a judge presiding over mental health tribunals. This involved working with two other judges to decide the future of people detained under the Mental Health Act, and whether they were well enough to be discharged. Ms Johns finished by encouraging Year 8 students to keep an open mind about the future, as you never know where your interests can lead you or how you can develop after you have left school.