At FSG, we see all education as career education. Qualifications are the hard currency of education and, indeed, of the job market. A strong portfolio of academic qualifications is  undoubtedly and universally vocational, but employers want more! As the world changes ever faster, students leaving FSG must be adaptable in the workplace, learn new skills quickly and network effectively to create opportunities. We must prepare our girls to flourish in a world of fewer jobs for life and where careers continually evolve.

So, as vital as they are, exam results only take us so far. Our girls will get outstanding qualifications, but those qualifications do not define who they are and will play only a part in shaping the people they will become. They'll get them to interview, but they don't get the job! While exam results don't define us, a lack of confidence can! Those who need more confidence don't join in, sign up or participate. They settle! Opportunities are missed. Options narrow.  Doors close. 

That lack of confidence starts to chart their course for the future and to define the person they become - but working together, parents and school can tackle that. We want our girls to realise they can do more than they know. So, our ambition for our girls goes beyond solely the academic to focus efforts on personal development & character education, cultural capital, emotional health, a global dimension & international outlook, the hidden curriculum and much broader educational outcomes; we call this the FSGBacc. Our focus is not league table positions or a relentless focus on grades alone. Instead, our curriculum goes far beyond the specifications to affect change on the whole child/every child. Our girls will leave us with a strong portfolio of academic qualifications, highly developed interpersonal skills, and a broad range of interests, experiences and memories. They will be well prepared to pursue varied and fulfilling careers and to take on the world. They will join in, sign up, take part, and stand out at interviews in employment and life. 

A 2018 Government commissioned report for the Industrial Strategy Council highlighted the need for '21st-century' skills, especially:

interpersonal skills, leadership skills, critical thinking and decision-making,a dvanced communication and negotiation skills ("soft power") . The 2019 Skills Matter report by KPMG agreed, concluding, "Many of the skills that we suspect we might need more of to keep the economy moving forward (inter-personal skills; customer service; leadership and management; empathy) are rather pejoratively tagged as "soft skills". These are not 'soft' skills; they are as essential as good academic qualifications and should be a central part of any curriculum offer. The Institute of Leadership & Management agree; "Employers want new recruits to be work-ready with professional management skills and behaviours. Leadership and critical thinking skills are throughout the school curriculum, particularly via extracurricular activities." The 2023 World Economic Forum's 'Future of jobs' Report provides further evidence concluding that 60% of the most desirable skills surround 'self-efficacy' and 'working with others.'

The FSGBacc, our personal development and character education programme, aims to develop a range of essential skills and attributes (problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, communication, social & emotional skills & behaviours and resilience): highly transferable skills and qualities everyone needs and employers want.

The world is full of opportunities, and we want our girls to be able to grab these (with both hands) and create them! Our curriculum considers that all education is careers education, and we commit fully to the CDI Career Development Framework with its 6 learning areas.

• Grow throughout life by learning and reflecting on yourself, your background, and your strengths.

• Explore possibilities open to you and learn about recruitment processes and the culture of different workplaces

• Manage career actively, make the most of opportunities and learn from setbacks.

• Create opportunities by being proactive and building positive relationships with others.

• Balance life and work with your wellbeing, other interests and your involvement with your family and community.

• See the big picture by paying attention to how the economy, politics and society connect with your own life and career

We achieve this through

• An extensive personal development & character education offer in The FSGBacc, incorporating our new FSGAmbassadors scheme.

• GoLD journals & personal statements for regular self-reflection culminating in The Ivy House Award post 16.

• "A curriculum rich in OOCLEs leading students to develop personal responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills"

• A future-focused academic curriculum, going far 'beyond the specifications' to look at the significant issues of our time.

• International links allow our girls to understand and be proficient in the use of 'soft power'

We are proud of our careers provision, which meets the  Gatsby benchmarks of Good Career Guidance, but we believe we go further; that our entire school curriculum focuses on the six learning areas described in the CDI's Career Development Framework.

This site aims to provide all the resources to support our students in developing those aspirations and ambitions for the future and to find access to a wealth of information about careers and routes into these. You can navigate between resources relevant to you using the menu. 

Please see "Curriculum and Provider Access" for further, detailed information regarding our compliance with Statutory Guidance (Updated January 2023).

Mr M Lester

Headteacher