Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance

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

Careers and Finance

In Year 7, students begin by exploring what a career is, understanding basic financial concepts like income and expenditure, and considering how society and the economy relate to their lives. Year 8 builds on this by encouraging personal ambition and resilience, helping students plan for the future and reflect on what success means to them. In Year 9, the focus shifts to making informed choices through the options process, understanding the labour market, and learning about financial contracts. Year 10 deepens this with practical life skills such as managing money, understanding credit and debt, and gaining real-world experience through work experience. Finally, Year 11 prepares students for the next step with progression interviews, and for life after school with employability skills, and a deeper understanding of financial products, pensions, and taxation—ensuring they are ready to navigate adult responsibilities with confidence.

Post-16: In Years 12 and 13, the programme builds on the foundations laid from Year 7 to Year 11 by focusing on applying financial knowledge and career readiness to real-life transitions. After developing an understanding of money, decision-making, workplace behaviour, and financial products in earlier years, students now refine these skills with practical preparation for the world of work, further education, or independent living—ensuring they are equipped to make informed choices about their next steps with confidence and financial awareness. In addition, Year 12 students undertake work experience in the summer term, allowing them to apply their learning about careers and finance.

For more information on our Personal Development Curriculum please visit Belle Vue Girls' Academy - Personal Development

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 2025-2026.pdf

01. Careers Programme Y7-Y13_2025-2026.xlsx