If you have any questions about careers, university or your future, please do not hesitate to contact Mr P Stafford.

In Year 7

Careers education and guidance are very important in the early years at school.

  • You will be introduced to Start, an online careers resource. Start will give you all the information you need to make important decisions about future careers and what subjects, courses, and training you can do to reach your career destination. If you are unsure of what careers you might be interested in, Start can give ideas based on what you like and dislike. You can also discover what careers your subjects can lead to. Start is packed with information on what employers are looking for, what you can earn and what qualifications you will need for a particular career.
  • You will be introduced to the Careers Library and learn careers research skills

In Year 8

  • You will continue to use Start.

In Year 9

  • You will continue to use Start.
  • You will have to make your subject choices for GCSE. It is important that you keep as broad a range of subjects as possible over and above the core subjects.
  • You will complete a careers questionnaire to look at your career ideas for the future.
  • You will participate in various activities – e.g., university visits to see what life is like.

In Year 10

  • You will continue to use Start.
  • You will start your preparation for work experience by creating a CV and personal statement.
  • You will undertake work experience for one week in July
  • You will participate in various activities – e.g., university visits to see what life is like.

In Year 11

  • You will continue to use Start.
  • You will be given the opportunity of a one-to-one interview with the visiting Careers Adviser from Connexions Sandwell or Mr P Stafford

Options After Year 11

Sixth Form or College? BTECs or ‘A’ Levels?

There is no right or wrong answer to these questions, just a need to research all options. ‘A’ Levels are academic qualifications which you can study in a number of different subjects and are mainly examination based. Alternatively, BTECs tend to be more vocational and are primarily assessed through coursework.

When deciding where to study, it is important to be realistic and to think about what course and environment will suit your learning style, ambitions and academic ability best. The Sandwell Council website provides information about your choices post-16 on its ‘keep on learning after age 16’ page.

Curriculum Journey

Careers Calendar

Calendar of things to do in Year 11

Autumn Term

  • Start your research and visit open days
  • Research the career in which you are interested. Find out what grades you need and what subjects are most suitable

Spring Term

  • Prioritise your choices
  • Apply for your chosen post 16 options. You can apply online
  • Make a backup plan
  • Be prepared to rethink your plans if your predicted grades change – they could go up as well as down
  • Prepare and attend interviews
  • Speak to your careers adviser if you are looking for an apprenticeship
  • Use www.apprenticeships.org.uk or www.indeed.co.uk to search and apply online for jobs and apprenticeships
  • If you are still unsure what to do, speak to your careers adviser or teachers

Summer Term

  • If you still have no plans, make an appointment to see your careers adviser
  • Check that you have received and confirmed the offer of a place in education or training – you can still apply if you haven’t done so yet
  • Think about getting some work experience or voluntary work in the summer holidays – you may even be able to get a job
  • GCSE results are published at the end of August. Collect them from school and enrol at your chosen place of education