Careers-Curriculum (ID 1019)

• Year 8
  Year 8

  Year 8 is a decisive year as students will be choosing their GCSE subjects. In order to support Year 8 in this decision making process, there is a dedicated day in the Autumn term to introduce pupils to a wide range of career pathways.

  Pupils will have the opportunity to have encounters with employees from many different sectors such as medicine, retail, law and the charity sector. In previous years we have had Morrison’s, Martin House Hospice and Walker Morris LLP join us for the event.

  All students will also follow a careers education programme within the PSHE curriculum to explore their skills, qualities and the decision making process.

• Year 9
  Year 9

  Year 9:

  Autumn:

  During the Autumn term, Year 9 will be developing their awareness of transferable skills needed for the workplace by identifying their existing skill set and recognising how skills developed at school can become effective in the workplace. They will then assess the goals they have set for themselves previously and refine these to set meaningful, realistic goals for the future as well as exploring how to work towards these aspirations effectively. They will then take place in a decision-making workshop and consider how to manage feelings relating to employment through activities aimed to alleviate the stress and worry that can be caused when making decisions about the future.

  Spring:

  During the Spring term, National Careers Week will see students exploring a range of careers options and other activities linked to the world of work and employability skills. These activities will be enhanced through the continued curriculum links to employment. The school careers adviser will introduce herself to the students and work with them at various points throughout the year, they will have an assembly delivered on labour market information and external speakers will be brought in where possible. She will work with small groups during National Careers Week to provide further support in refining goals for the future. Within form time, Year 9 students will participate in a series of discussion-based activities focusing on examples of careers and raising awareness of some more unusual jobs!

  Summer:

  Through the Summer term, students will become aware of their online footprint and support will be provided to allow students to understand how to manage their ‘personal brand’ online. This ties in with the focus on developing professionalism and mock interview practice, providing students with skills needed for enterprise and employability. Year 9 will also attend a Careers Fair in the summer term, providing them with further opportunity to engage with employers and develop their awareness of the many careers options available to them. They will be provided with the opportunity to participate in industry workshops where possible. Students will have access to the Careers Fair and engage with a range of professionals.

• Year 10
  Year 10

  Year 10: Autumn:

  In the Autumn term, students will focus on the financial element of CEIAG. They will develop their existing knowledge of how to budget effectively with further importance placed on the importance of budgeting and saving money. Students will then evaluate savings options to prepare them for financial independence in the future. Students will be introduced to data collection and the influence of targeted advertising with the aim to raise awareness of the implications of this. Students will also explore how to manage risk in relation to financial activities and explore the laws around illegal financial activities, including fraud and cybercrime. In doing this, students will be alert and aware of ways they can stay safe online.

  Spring:

  During the Spring term, National Careers Week will see students exploring a range of careers options and other activities linked to the world of work and employability skills. These activities will be enhanced through the continued curriculum links to employment. The school careers adviser will introduce herself to the students and work with them at various points throughout the year, they will have an assembly delivered on labour market information and external speakers will be brought in where possible. She will work with small groups during National Careers Week to provide further support in refining goals for the future as well as providing 1:1 support for specific students. Within form time and assemblies, students will be introduced to FE/Sixth Form colleges and provided with information about apprenticeships to ensure that students are aware of the opportunities available to them for post-16 study.

  Summer:

  Across the Summer term, the careers adviser will continue to offer focus group sessions for Year 10 students, focusing on industry and vocation. Year 10 will also have access to the Careers Fair in the summer term, providing them with further opportunity to engage with employers and develop their awareness of the many careers options available to them. They will be provided with the opportunity to participate in industry workshops where possible. At the end of the year, Year 10 students will participate in a Work Experience day followed by a Careers Day; this will allow students time to reflect on their aspirations and identify achievable steps to reach their goals as well as developing transferable skills required when entering the world of work.

• Year 11
  Year 11

  Year 11:

  Autumn:

  Year 11 will begin the year with a series of form time activities focusing on their next steps. They will explore the various qualifications available at both post-16 and post- 18 in order to identify how their choices at post-16 can impact the choices they will make at post-18 study. In doing this, their awareness will be raised about the steps needed to achieve their career aspirations. They will also participate in a study skills day that will allow them to refine their transferable skills even further and set specific goals for the future. Our careers adviser will begin working with students on a 1:1 basis, helping students to make well-informed decisions about their careers goals based on balanced, impartial guidance.

  Spring:

  During the Spring term, National Careers Week will see students exploring a range of careers options and other activities linked to the world of work and employability skills. These activities will be enhanced through the continued curriculum links to employment. The school careers adviser will continue to work with students at various points throughout the year, they will have an assembly delivered on labour market information and external speakers will be brought in where possible. She will also support students who are considering alternative pathways at post-16, such as apprenticeships and guide them through the application process. Students will receive sessions centred around building for the future, specifically focusing on writing an effective CV and personal statement in order to develop their employability and professionalism. Interview technique will also be refined to further prepare students for the wider world of employment.