How Joanne Villis used VR and Work Window to help students explore careers
- craig3033
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
At St Dominic’s Priory College, technology isn’t just something students learn—it’s something they live. Under Joanne Villis, Director of Technology Enrichment, students are encouraged to explore emerging tech, create with purpose, and build confidence to lead in a digital-first world.
Recently, Joanne ran a two-week Work Window trial. Set up in the Conway Space, the school’s hub for STEAM resources, the VR experiences gave students an entirely new way to think about careers.
“Obstacles in career education include coordinating off-site industry experiences, building networks, and securing industry collaboration for school visits. Work Window overcomes these challenges by embedding career exploration into the classroom, extending opportunities, and exposing students to a broader range of careers.”
Career exploration, closer to home
With Work Window in place, teachers brought their classes through to explore careers in VR. Students kept coming back during lunch, curious to try different roles and industries. Joanne’s intent was never to replace what the school already offers, but to add another layer.
“We aimed to provide a different medium for our girls to explore career opportunities.”
Career Exploration with VR: A Year 5 Moment That Stood Out
One of Joanne’s highlights came from introducing Work Window to her Year 5 students. They were wide-eyed, captivated by the sheer variety of careers waiting out there.
“While some question the need for early career education, I believe exposing young learners to diverse opportunities broadens horizons and challenges stereotypes that certain pathways, are ‘best.’”
Even at this age, giving students a way to see their options makes a difference. It invites better questions and opens new doors.
Simple to set up, powerful in practice
Joanne’s advice to other schools considering Work Window is straightforward:
“Give it a go. Work Window is super easy to use.”
And that ease matters. Teachers are busy. Schedules are packed. The simpler the tool, the better it fits, and when it sparks real curiosity, it earns its place.
Thanks to Joanne and the team at St Dominic’s Priory College for showing how VR can fold seamlessly into a school environment and widen horizons for the next generation.
If this story sparks ideas for your own programs, or you’d like to see how others are using Work Window, we’d love to connect.
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