The Futures Team at Arden are delighted to have achieved the national Quality in Careers Standard, using the Career Mark approach provided by Complete Careers. This is the ultimate recognition for delivering an outstanding careers programme. Platinum is only awarded following multiple years of achieving Gold. Through external assessments we fully met the Gatsby Benchmarks and evidenced impact. The Futures Team are passionate about preparing students for work through many and varied initiatives, and providing top-quality personal careers guidance.
Vision Statement - our vision is to empower every student with a strong sense of aspiration, resilience and belonging, by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their own pathway in further study, training or the world of work.
Arden Futures is Arden's careers education programme which is designed to provide students with career insights, meaningful work experiences, impartial advice and personal guidance, and an understanding of the labour market. Guided by the Gatsby Benchmarks, the Futures Team at Arden seek to broaden students' horizons by exposing them to as many job roles and education providers as possible, whilst linking their learning to the world of work. We want our students make informed decisions every step of the way.
Mr Simpson, Assistant Headteacher i/c Student Personal Development
Miss Tipping, Director of Careers
Mrs Butcher-Johns, Careers Guidance Counsellor
If you've every wondered what Arden Futures is about...
“Throughout my time at Arden I was unsure as to what I wanted to do post Sixth Form. Whilst at the Arden Futures Fair in Year 10, I had the opportunity to speak with an Occupational Therapist which reminded me of a prior encounter I had with an OT when I was younger. This led me to speak with my careers advisor and do more research into what the job entailed and what I needed to achieve qualifications-wise to be able to train as an Occupational Therapist.
I enrolled on and completed a virtual work experience course with Allied Healthcare Mentor during lockdown which confirmed OT was what I wanted to do in the future. The work experience gave me the confidence, knowledge and experience necessary to complete the University application and interview procedure.
I received five offers and am now studying Occupational Therapy at Cardiff University, the top ranked University for Occupational Therapy in the UK.”
Anna L
"I knew that I wanted to do something more practical and whilst I enjoyed school, I was ready for a change. I spoke to a number of colleges during our Year 11 College Fair and discovered courses I didn't know existed! This led to me enrolling on an electrical installation course and I am now excited to begin my career as an electrician"
Ben T
"I was so anxious about leaving Arden and meeting new people, but the Careers Advisor supported me and helped me build confidence"
Amy S