Careers Department
Our dynamic and forward-thinking careers department, led by our own Head of Sixth Form, Mr J Shaw, is dedicated to preparing pupils for life after Abbotsholme, ensuring they are on the right path with well defined career options ahead of them.
Careers education at Abbotsholme School begins for in Year 7 and continues each year through to Year 13. It is meticulously structured to support pupils in making significant decisions which shape their futures. Our careers department provides a wide array of opportunities to pupils, including visits and guest speakers from organisations such as the Armed Forces, Police Force, JCB, Medical Practitioners, Rolls Royce, and an impressive line-up of universities.
Year 7
During the spring term, Year 7 pupils participate in an introductory careers activity called Morrisby Aspiration Online Profiling. This activity helps them explore areas of interest that may influence their future career choices.
Year 8
In the summer term, Year 8 pupils engage in an introductory activity exploring the six career themes and family. They complete a self-evaluation form highlighting the tasks they enjoyed most, and this information is then shared with parents.
Year 9
In Year 9, pupils take the Morrisby Aspirations Psychometric Test and review their career reports with their tutors. The results are then shared with parents and guardians. By the spring term, pupils have interviews with an external careers provider to discuss their reports and potential GCSE options. Additional interviews and guidance from the Head of Careers are available for those who need assistance in choosing their GCSE subjects.
In the summer term, Year 9 pupils participate in our "Go to Work with Parents Day," where they gain hands-on experience alongside their parents in their respective jobs. Afterward, pupils must create a brief presentation reflecting on their work placement, its operations, and its connections to the ten employability skills:
- Initiative and motivation
- Organisation skills
- Working under pressure and to deadlines
- Ability to learn and adapt
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Teamwork
- Negotiation
- Valuing diversity and differences
- Problem solving
- Numeracy & IT skills
Year 10
In the summer term, our Year 10’s can expect to take the Morrisby – Online Psychometric Test, report with access to career and labour market data. This information is then shared with parents and guardians.
Year 11
When pupils reach Year 11, their lessons in the autumn term are completed in PSHE, which are built around the Morrisby report and website. Pupils also have initial careers interviews with an independent Careers Advisor, with notes made during these interviews uploaded onto the Morrisby website and accessible for parents and guardians. By the spring term, they have further careers interviews with the Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form, which may take place in December. By the summer term, Year 11 pupils are given advice and support on their GCSE results day from their Headteacher, Senior Leaders and the Head of Sixth Form.
Sixth Form
All Sixth Form pupils participate in the outside speaker tutorial programme every Wednesday, covering topics such as "Why Higher Education?" apprenticeships, and running a business during the autumn term. Beginning in Year 12, pupils use Unifrog to research courses, apprenticeships, and MOOCs (massive open online courses). Each Wednesday at 10:30am, a tutorial dedicated to this research is held, with support from their Unifrog-trained tutor and Head of School.
In Year 13, pupils complete their UCAS applications with assistance from Unifrog and their tutor, having been educated about UCAS and personal statements during the summer term of Year 12. Additionally, further psychometric tests are available if needed, and termly appraisals include discussions about career progression.
Pupils continue to engage in the outside speaker tutorial programme, which provides valuable insights into various career paths. If necessary, they can schedule career interviews with the Head of Careers, who is accessible through referrals from their tutors and the Head of Sixth Form.
Pupils continue to engage in the outside speaker tutorial programme during the summer term, focusing on essential topics such as personal statements, UCAS applications, and interview skills. Each pupil participates in a mock interview with a university admissions officer, using their first draft personal statement or discussing their chosen area of study or interest. Additionally, pupils have the opportunity to schedule career interviews with the Head of Careers, who can be accessed through referrals from their tutors and the Head of Sixth Form.
Careers Fair
Our Careers Department hosts a Careers Fair every two years in the autumn term. The fair is open to all pupils from Years 10 to 13, where exhibitors display their information and engage directly with pupils, answering any questions they may have about their field. Each exhibitor is given a 30-minute slot to present to pupils who have chosen to learn more about their specific careers.
Exhibitors are selected based on pupil demands and interests, gathered through interviews conducted with Year 9 and 11, with Sixth Form pupils also consulted about their career ideas and any specific exhibitors they would like to see.