Key Stage 4
During Key Stage 4 pupils build on their career related learning through the PSHE curriculum. They also receive termly careers tutorials with the Head of Careers with a particular focus on understanding modern career journeys, exploring the changing world of work and how to make decisions about their own futures. Pupils are encouraged to use the online careers and destinations platform, Unifrog, in lessons and in their own time.
In Year 10, pupils gain an experience of the workplace by undertaking a workplace project designed in collaboration with local employers. They also participate in a Futures Day which includes a speed networking event with a range of representatives from industry, further education, higher education and apprenticeship routes.
In Year 11, all pupils are invited to a 1:1 careers guidance interview in the Michaelmas and Lent terms, to discuss their future aspirations and begin to plan their next steps after school. Pupils also visit a university campus to learn more about Higher Education.
![Careers 2](/Portals/0/adam/Content/P3ozaTK-XUiS395jKQ_UbA/Text/Careers 2.jpg)
![Sixth Form 3](/Portals/0/adam/Content/P3ozaTK-XUiS395jKQ_UbA/Text/Sixth Form 3.jpg)
Sixth Form
In the Sixth Form, pupils continue to explore career related learning through the PSHE curriculum. There is a focus on workplace rights and responsibilities and preparing for life beyond school and employment. Pupils also participate in the Life Skills programme through weekly Life Skills lessons. Careers education is a core component, alongside valuable real-world teaching on topics such as First Aid, basic car maintenance, safe driving skills, drug awareness and financial education. Pupils benefit from a range of speakers including representatives from universities, apprenticeship providers and employers, study abroad organisations and gap year opportunities.
There is comprehensive support available to pupils as they consider their options for Post-18 studies. In Year 12, students partake in a 2-day Higher Education and Futures programme. Time is built into the programme for students to visit a university and hear first-hand how best to prepare for their upcoming applications. A Higher Education and Post-18 Options information evening for parents and carers also takes place annually. Pupils who are keen to apply to early entrant courses are given additional support to understand what they need to do, in order to submit a competitive application.
Pupils are encouraged to think carefully about how work experience, summer schools or academic events/lectures can enhance their application to university or school leaver/apprenticeship programmes. Opportunities are promoted on a regular basis and Year 12 pupils have the opportunity to take part in Work Shadowing in the Trinity Term, supported by the school.
In Year 13, pupils benefit from dedicated UCAS support and advice and guidance on alternative options. Mock interviews are available to help prepare pupils for university or job application processes. Sixth Formers are closely supported by the Head of Sixth Form, Head of Careers and the Sixth Form tutors to make realistic decisions, effective applications and positive transitions to life beyond school.
We measure the success of our careers programme through feedback from our students and destination data and speak with students about what they need to support them with their career planning. Please view our Careers Policy, Careers Entitlement Statement and handy Careers Education Journey Roadmap to discover more about our programme.
Professional careers advice
All students throughout the school are able to access one-to-one careers advice and guidance, with all students in KS4 receiving a guidance interview by invitation. Sixth Form pupils have access to an online booking system to schedule a careers meeting as and when required. The Head of Careers is qualified to Level 7 with a Post Graduate Certificate in Careers Guidance and is a member of the Career Development Institute (CDI). The Head of Careers is available to meet with parents/carers at Parents’ Evenings and Options Evenings from Year 9 – Year 13, or by appointment regarding opportunities for students and how best to support their children with their career planning.