Careers

Careers lessons are delivered to all year groups as part of the Personal Development Programme in tutor time. 

Our Personal Development (PD) curriculum and wider school curriculum are designed to help students develop the skills, values, and character needed for success in life and work.

We embed key transferable skills across subjects and PD lessons, helping students understand how what they learn in the classroom connects to the world of work. These include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Resilience
• Leadership
• Creative Thinking
• Decision-making

These skills are taught through our BVGA attributes: Compassion, Resilience, Responsibility, and Respect

And our BVGA competencies: Teamwork, Independence, Creative Thinking, and Aim High

We also promote British values: Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, and Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Together, these elements ensure students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the personal and professional skills needed to thrive in future education, employment, and society.

In Year 10, students will have an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world work experience. This hands-on exposure helps them understand the workplace and develop essential skills.

Careers education continues during tutor time, with lessons focused on interview techniques, employer expectations, and workplace readiness. Each Faculty acknowledges the importance of careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) and regularly audit their curriculum to support progression in key areas from Key Stage 3 through to post-16 education.

Additionally, students will have the chance to connect with Higher and Further Education institutions and engage in STEM, industry, and business projects. They will benefit from employer talks that provide insights into various fields, further broadening their understanding of career opportunities.

All students will experience at least one workplace visit, offering them a practical understanding of different careers and environments, helping shape their aspirations for the future.

All About Workplace Experience film - Amazing Apprenticeships

In Year 11, all students will have the opportunity for a *Tutor Progression Interview* to discuss their post-16 plans and next steps between September and January. In addition, they will be invited to a 1:1 careers advice session with Kiran Hussain, the Careers Advisor and Mrs. Crabtree, the Work-Related Learning Manager. These sessions offer personalised guidance, helping students explore their options and make informed decisions.

Follow-up group sessions will be available depending on individual preferences, covering key topics such as apprenticeship applications, applying to college, and enrolling in sixth forms.

Careers lessons in tutor time will focus on post-16 pathways and how to create strong, effective applications. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of this comprehensive support by booking additional appointments with Mrs. Crabtree or Kiran Hussain to further refine their post-16 choices. Each Faculty acknowledges the importance of careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) and regularly audit their curriculum to support progression in key areas from Key Stage 3 through to post-16 education.

This structured guidance ensures that every student is prepared and confident in taking their next steps toward future success.

Post-16 careers Education and Support

Year 12

All students in Year 12 complete the Progression Module, a structured programme designed to help students explore future pathways, particularly progression to Higher Education. The module includes four units:

• You and Your Career
• Exploring Your Future
• Managing Your Money
• Marketing Yourself

Successful completion earns students 12 UCAS points, recognised by many local universities.

Students also take part in a UCAS Day, where they register on the UCAS platform and explore alternatives to university, including school leaver programmes and apprenticeships, with input from external providers.

To support their development and decision-making, students are offered:

• A 1:1 careers guidance interview with our Careers Advisor
• A mock interview with an external partner
• Opportunities to attend subject focus days at universities
• Access to  and employer talks
• The option to complete in-person work experience or virtual work experience, tailored to their interests.
• Support to attend taster days, UCAS fairs, and summer schools
• Support from our Alumni

Students also complete a leadership qualification in either Sports or STEM, helping them build confidence, transferable skills, and evidence for future applications.

Year 13

In Year 13, students continue with a weekly timetabled careers lesson during the autumn term, focusing on finalising their post-18 plans.

We provide:

• Ongoing support with UCAS applications and personal statements
• Sessions on apprenticeships and school leaver programmes
• Help with Student Finance England (SFE) applications
• Guidance for students not holding university offers, including apprenticeship applications

On A Level results day, our Careers Advisor is available in school to support students with:

• Clearing
• Accepting offers
• Exploring alternative pathways

Our programme ensures students have meaningful encounters with employers and workplaces, helping them understand the expectations of the working world and make informed, confident decisions about their future.

01. Careers programme.pdf