Careers for Everyone!

Key Stage 3 (KS3) is from Year 7 to Year 9 when pupils are aged between 11 and 14. In Year 9, students are given an opportunity to choose their GCSE subject options which they will start in Year 10 (Key Stage 4). Further information regarding all option choices that are being offered in the next academic year will be communicated to students during the autumn term and can be discussed further with their tutor and subject teachers during the Year 9 Options meeting in the early spring term. This process helps Year 9 students work through the options and make an informed decision. It is important that students choose the right subjects or pathway that are appropriate for their proposed career. Students should talk this through with their parents/carers so that there is a shared understanding of what the student’s plans are and what is needed to achieve them.

Kingsley Academy will offer the following careers support and guidance for all students within KS3. They will all receive the following :

■ Access to impartial advice and guidance from a dedicated careers adviser.

■ Allotted time through ‘Tutor Time’ for Personal Development focusing on preparing confident and well informed students for life beyond Kingsley.

■ Understanding careers and careers planning assembly.

■ Visit to a local university as part of our Making Choices package to support Year 9 options choices.

■ Targeted opportunities with external organisations to challenge stereotypes.

■ Pre-Options Evening.

■ Assemblies and other information on KS4 options including vocational and alternative courses.

■ Enrichment and Enterprise activities take place on whole school Drop Down Days.

■ A better understanding of their strengths, achievements, weaknesses, and support to evaluate how these might inform future choices in learning and work.

■ A better understanding of the full range of 14-19 opportunities for progression.

■ An understanding of some of the qualities, attitudes and skills needed for employability.

■ Received appropriate advice and guidance on Key Stage 4 options.

Key Stage 4 is known as Year 10 and Year 11, when pupils are aged between 14 and 16. Year 11 is an important year and crossroads for many students. This is the year where students have to decide on whether they will stay on at school or leave school to pursue another pathway.

Kingsley Academy will offer access to impartial careers support and guidance for all students within KS4. They will receive the following:

• Career interviews for Year 11 students with SMART Action plan to plan their next steps

• All students will have access to an impartial dedicated careers adviser.

• Regular bespoke Bite size career talk throughout the year during tutor time by a professional careers adviser

• College presentations

• Visit to a local university

• Information on college open days

• Support with applications

• Targeted work with vulnerable students

• Enhanced their self-knowledge, career management and employability skills.

• Used key websites and other resources to investigate and explore future choices and progression routes.

• Understand the full range of post 16 options available to them.

• Clearer understanding of apprenticeships.

• Been provided with the resources to complete the post-16 application process, including CV’s, personal statements, and preparation for interview.