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Year 7
Year 7
Futures is our brand name for all things careers-related. Our careers programme begins in Year 7 with students’ introduction to Unifrog (they will be provided with log in details in due course). Unifrog is a fantastic platform for finding out about jobs in vast online careers libraries, and will even suggest jobs linked to a student’s personality, interests and skills. When your child receives their log in details, we really recommend you take a look at Unifrog with them – you’ll be very impressed. You can find out more about Unifrog here.
We also encourage Year 7 students to start thinking about their strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes and interests in order to start those career cogs turning, as often these can be a good indicator as to what job or job sector they should consider. We want our Year 7 students to be curious – asking questions like what do you do on a daily basis; what do you like/dislike about your job; what skills do you need; is there a demand for your skills; how much money could I earn… Understanding how subjects relate to jobs is also very useful and we aim to embed careers into the curriculum making learning more meaningful and relevant and, in turn, making students more engaged and motivated.
You can browse this website for careers information and we would recommend you starting dinner-table conversations at home about careers and skills in general – after all, what is the point of school but to prepare students for adulthood and the workplace.
Most Fridays we run a Future Friday session where a professional, employer or skilled person comes into school during lunchtime to talk about their job. This is a very informal talk with students having the opportunity to ask questions and be inspired. This is very unique to Arden and we would ask you to encourage your child to attend – even if they are only a little bit interested; they literally don’t know what they don’t know! Our overriding goal is to broaden their horizons and expose them to as many career ideas as possible. Please look out for our Future Friday and Career Insight email notifications.
If you would like to get involved and take part in a Future Friday, or any careers event, please complete our no obligation registration form.
Year 8
Year 8
We continue the work of the previous year, building on labour marketing information and introducing skills knowledge. Students are encouraged to explore their own skills and gain an understanding of how these link to employability skills.
Year 9
Year 9
Year 9 presents students with the opportunity to choose what they want to study. Throughout Year 9, students are supported through this options process and given time and resources to ensure they make the right decision. Students are encouraged to explore how they feel about subjects, what they particularly enjoy, what they're good at and how subjects are used in careers.
To find out more about the Options process, including subject choices, deadlines, etc., please click HERE. In the meantime, students can take a look at how subjects are used in careers by visiting the Cadbury Building and checking out the "Options Wall" pictured below. Oftentimes, understanding which careers subjects link to, can be a deciding factor.
Year 10
Year 10
Year 10 kicks off students' KS4 journey where GCSE and vocational study begins. This is a step change and students are now actively encouraged to consider their future and the impact of their actions and decision upon it. In Futures, we use this year to look at the world of work and students begin to formulate ideas and thoughts on their post-16 journey. Perhaps they will develop a strong interest in a particular career pathway, or not. Either way, students are encouraged to explore further and higher education, and careers, whilst maintaining an open-minded approach and an understanding of how their strengths and weaknesses should guide them.
Students also get to experience the world of work through our Work Experience Programme. This is a powerful opportunity to apply the skills they have learnt from school and observe employability skills in action.
They also have their first meeting with post-16 further education providers during our annual College Fair which takes place in Arden Academy.
To find out more, click HERE
Year 11
Year 11
As students enter their last year of secondary school, Futures sessions and activities aim to support students in deciding what they want to do after Year 11. We guide and assist them in exploring the different pathways, where they can lead to, and the individual benefits and drawbacks for each student.
Students have the opportunity to engage once more in our College Fair and we actively encourage them to visit alternative providers' open events.
Students are also given the opportunity to speak to our Careers Guidance Counsellor, Mrs Butcher-Johns to get bespoke guidance on their next steps.
To find out more, click HERE
In July 2023, Arden Academy achieved the Career Mark Gold Award.
This award looks at the whole student careers experience including individual advice and guidance, the curriculum and the wider Futures initiatives available.
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