Sixth Form Careers Programme
Preparing Students for Post-18 Pathways
Our Sixth Form careers programme is designed to support students in making informed decisions about their future pathways. Through a structured programme of guidance, employer engagement and skills development, students are supported in exploring options including university, degree apprenticeships, apprenticeships and employment.
A Future Skills Questionnaire is completed at the beginning of Year 12 to assess students’ career confidence and readiness. The questionnaire is repeated at the end of Year 13 to evaluate students’ progress and development over the course of the Sixth Form.
Year 12: Exploration and Skill Development
In Year 12, students participate in a PSHCE unit titled “Careers and Post-18 Options.” This unit focuses on developing an understanding of future pathways and includes setting SMART targets and learning how to navigate university choices and applications.
Students also benefit from a range of employer encounters and professional insights. These include guest speakers from industry and participation in a mock assessment centre task delivered by the Financial Services Skills Commission.
During the autumn term, students are exposed to a range of growth sectors through trips, visits and employer engagement opportunities designed to inspire and broaden their understanding of the labour market.
In the spring term, all students attend the UCAS Exhibition at the ExCeL Centre, where they can speak directly with universities, training providers and employers about future opportunities and pathways.
To support students in building confidence and communication skills, we work with the “Take the Lead” programme, delivered by The Old Vic Theatre Company. This four-part workshop develops essential professional skills including networking, introductions, developing ideas, presenting confidently and public speaking.
Students also engage with Investment20/20 and Barclays Skills for Life, gaining valuable insight into the labour market and developing skills required in the workplace.
Work Experience
All Year 12 students take part in a work experience placement between 10 and 14 July.
Work experience plays an important role in preparing students for life beyond school. It provides the opportunity to experience a real workplace, understand employer expectations and develop key employability skills.
Through work experience, students can:
- Gain insight into different careers and industries
- Develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, punctuality and problem solving
- Build confidence in a professional environment
- Strengthen their CV and future applications
To ensure placements are meaningful and appropriate, students receive a one-to-one meeting with the Work Experience Coordinator, Mr Gomes, and have access to Unifrog, the school’s careers and work experience platform. Students record their placement details on Unifrog so that the school can review and approve placements and ensure appropriate safeguarding and health and safety checks are completed.
Throughout the year, students are encouraged to participate in additional work experience and skill-building opportunities. These are shared through the Year 12 bulletin and through push notifications on Unifrog.
Progression Preparation
During the summer term of Year 12, tutor time and PSHCE sessions focus on preparing students for the UCAS application process.
A dedicated Progression Week, held in the final week of the year, prepares students for their next steps. This includes guidance on:
- applying for jobs
- researching degree apprenticeships
- understanding assessment centres
- preparing for interviews
Year 13: Applications and Transition
At the beginning of Year 13, all students have a one-to-one meeting with a Level 7 Careers Adviser to discuss their progression plans and receive personalised guidance. As in year 11, the recommended action steps are shared in the “locker” section of Unifrog.
The “Building for the Future” programme continues from Year 12, with a focus on:
- UCAS personal statements
- researching universities and apprenticeships
- using Unifrog effectively
- target setting
- student finance and budgeting
Careers education remains an integral part of the PSHCE programme in Year 13. Students attend a series of talks from employers and professionals through PSHCE lessons and the tutor programme, including events during National Careers Week and National Apprenticeship Week.
Tutors play a key role in supporting students with applications for their next steps, whether that is university, apprenticeships or employment.
Students are regularly informed about university open days through Unifrog and through organised school visits to universities. These opportunities allow students to gain first-hand experience of higher education and make informed decisions about their future.