Careers mapping

The aim of our Careers Programme is to equip all students with the tools they need for a successful future. We offer a variety of opportunities for students to investigate different career options and progression pathways. Our programme focuses on cultivating the skills and values essential for thriving in the professional world. We promote open dialogue and encourage students to explore all possibilities, confident that with the right education and guidance, they can make well-informed decisions about their long-term goals.

Year 7 - Understanding Careers

Key Questions:

• What are your core values and priorities?
  • Consider what truly matters to you in life, such as family, career, personal growth, or community involvement.
• What are your short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals?
  • Think about what you want to accomplish in the near future, in the next five years, and in the next decade. This could include educational achievements, career milestones, or personal aspirations.
• What potential challenges or barriers might you encounter?
  • Identify any obstacles that could hinder your progress, such as financial constraints, lack of resources, or personal limitations. Consider how you might overcome these challenges.
• What resources and support systems are available to assist you?
  • Explore the various forms of support you can access, such as mentors, educational programs, financial aid, or community services. Determine how these resources can help you achieve your goals.

Year 8 - The Purpose of Work

Key Questions:

• What are the advantages and potential difficulties of having a job?
  • Consider the positive aspects of working, such as financial independence, skill development, and personal fulfillment. Also, think about the challenges you might face, like work-life balance, job stress, and career progression.
• What obstacles might you face in pursuing your chosen career, and how can you address them?
  • Identify any potential barriers, such as educational requirements, competition in the field, or lack of experience. Explore strategies to overcome these obstacles, such as further education, networking, gaining relevant experience, or seeking mentorship.
• How do career opportunities and paths evolve over time?
  • Reflect on how career options can change throughout your life due to factors like technological advancements, industry trends, and personal interests. Consider how you can stay adaptable and continuously develop your skills to keep up with these changes.

Year 9 - Exploring Career Options

Key Questions:

• What career paths and opportunities are open to you?
  • Explore the various career options that align with your interests, skills, and qualifications. Research different industries and roles to understand the opportunities available and what they entail.
• How can you effectively prepare for entering the workforce?
  • Consider the steps you need to take to be ready for the world of work. This might include gaining relevant qualifications, seeking internships or work experience, developing a professional network, and understanding workplace expectations and culture.
• What skills do you possess, and how can they be applied to various career options?
  • Identify the skills you have developed through education, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences. Reflect on how these skills can be transferable to different career paths. For example, communication skills are valuable in roles such as marketing, customer service, and management, while technical skills might be essential for careers in engineering, IT, or healthcare.

Year 10 - Making Career and Life Choices

Key Questions:

• How can you actively shape your future?
  • Consider the steps you can take to proactively manage your career and personal development. This might include setting clear goals, seeking out learning opportunities, building a professional network, and staying informed about industry trends. Taking initiative and being proactive can help you steer your future in the direction you desire.
• What are your key priorities in a career?
  • Reflect on what matters most to you in a job. This could include factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, salary, opportunities for advancement, company culture, and alignment with your values and interests. Understanding your priorities can help you make informed career choices that lead to long-term fulfilment.
• How can you effectively prepare for your future career?
  • Identify the skills and qualifications you need for your desired career path. This might involve pursuing relevant education and training, gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs, and developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Additionally, staying adaptable and open to learning new things can help you stay prepared for future opportunities.
• How can you build resilience through setting achievable and inspiring goals?
  • Set realistic and motivating goals that challenge you but are attainable. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to track your progress and celebrate achievements along the way. Building resilience involves learning from setbacks, staying persistent, and maintaining a positive outlook. Surround yourself with supportive people and seek inspiration from role models who have overcome challenges to achieve their goals.

Year 11 - Preparing for the Future

Key Questions:

• How can you better equip yourself for life's challenges?
  • Think about the skills and knowledge you need to navigate life's various situations. This might include financial literacy, time management, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities. Engaging in continuous learning, seeking advice from mentors, and staying adaptable can help you be more prepared for whatever life throws your way.
• How can you effectively manage the balance between pressures, opportunities, disappointments, and rewards?
  • Learn to prioritise and manage your time effectively to handle pressures and seize opportunities. Develop coping strategies for dealing with disappointments, such as seeking support from friends and family, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining a positive outlook. Recognise and celebrate your achievements to stay motivated and balanced.
• How can you strive to be the best version of yourself?
  • Focus on personal growth and self-improvement. Set realistic and meaningful goals, seek feedback, and be open to learning from your experiences. Cultivate healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest. Surround yourself with positive influences and engage in activities that align with your values and passions.
• What steps should you take next to achieve your goals?
  • Identify the specific actions you need to take to move closer to your goals. This might include further education, gaining work experience, developing new skills, or expanding your network. Create a plan with clear milestones and deadlines to keep yourself on track and motivated.
• What brings you joy and fulfilment?
  • Reflect on the activities, people, and experiences that make you happy. Consider how you can incorporate more of these elements into your daily life. Pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in meaningful work can contribute to your overall happiness and well-being.

Year 12/13 - Defining Your Future in Sixth Form

Key Questions:

• What are your core values and priorities as a sixth form student?
  • Reflect on what truly matters to you at this stage in your life, such as academic success, career exploration, personal development, or community involvement. Understanding your values can help guide your decisions and career choices.
• What are your short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals as a Year 12/13 student?
  • Identify what you want to achieve by the end of this academic year, in the next few years, and in the long term. This could include achieving specific grades, gaining work experience, applying to universities or apprenticeships, and setting personal growth milestones.
• What potential challenges might you face in achieving your goals during sixth form?
  • Consider any obstacles that could hinder your progress, such as balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities, financial constraints, or personal challenges. Think about strategies to overcome these challenges, such as time management techniques, seeking support from teachers, or accessing financial aid.
• What resources and support systems are available to help you succeed in sixth form?

  • Explore the various forms of support you can access, such as guidance from career advisers, mentorship programs, academic support services, financial aid, and community resources. Determine how these resources can assist you in reaching your goals and making informed decisions about your future.