Year 9 Explore Their Future Pathways with Above and Beyond Careers

This module, all Year 9 students had the exciting opportunity to take part in future pathways and careers sessions led by Above and Beyond Careers, an external organisation dedicated to guiding young people towards informed career decisions.

During these interactive sessions, students explored the different options available to them as they begin to consider their next steps. They learned how to make well-informed, realistic decisions about their future, gaining insight into the importance of researching opportunities and assessing reliable sources of information.

Key areas covered included:
✔️ Understanding future options and how choices impact career paths
✔️ How to find and trust reliable information when making decisions
✔️ Completing a structured worksheet to support their learning and self-reflection

These engaging workshops encouraged students to start thinking about their aspirations and the pathways available to them. We hope this experience has provided them with the confidence and knowledge to take their next steps towards a successful future!

On the 11th of February 2025, a select group of our Year 10 students embarked on an exciting journey to explore career opportunities in the maritime and STEM industries. The special careers day was designed to inspire young minds and broaden their horizons by showcasing the vast array of roles available within the maritime sector.

The students had the unique opportunity to hear firsthand from industry professionals about their career paths and the diverse routes they took to reach their positions. These insightful talks not only highlighted the exciting possibilities in the field but also provided valuable guidance on the skills and qualifications needed to thrive in maritime and STEM careers, supporters brought along interactive tabletop activities. These hands-on challenges sparked curiosity and facilitated meaningful conversations about the different types of jobs available, from logistics and engineering to maritime operations and business management.

The event aimed to build the students’ Maritime Capital, nurturing their interest in the sector and helping them develop a stronger connection with maritime businesses. By learning about the industry’s vital role in global trade and transport, our students gained a deeper appreciation of how maritime careers contribute to the world around them.

The day was supported by a fantastic lineup of prestigious organisations, including:

• DFDS

• HMM

• Kuehne + Nagel

• Mitsui OSK Lines

• Plymouth Business School

• Port of London Authority

• Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

• Cutty Sark Ship Keeping Team

We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity. A huge thank you to the organisations involved for their commitment to inspiring the next generation of maritime professionals.

As part of Apprenticeship Week, our Year 12 students were treated to an inspiring talk by Kieran Drew, a Network Engineer and Apprenticeship Ambassador from Amazon. What made this session particularly special was that Kieran is a former Leigh Academies IB student, giving him a unique perspective and genuine connection with our current students.

Kieran shared his personal journey from the classrooms of Leigh Academies to his exciting career at Amazon. By drawing on his own experiences, he provided first-hand insight into the apprenticeship process, including the challenges and rewards of taking this career path. His story not only highlighted the opportunities available through apprenticeships but also demonstrated the incredible potential they offer for growth and development.

During his talk, Kieran offered valuable top tips on how to secure an apprenticeship, from crafting a standout application to excelling in interviews. He also explored the various pathways that apprenticeships can open up, encouraging students to consider alternative routes to traditional university degrees.

Students were engaged and inspired by Kieran's relatable story and practical advice. The session sparked plenty of questions, and Kieran's honest, down-to-earth answers helped demystify the apprenticeship process.

We are incredibly grateful to Kieran for taking the time to share his experiences and expertise. It was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 12s to learn about the world of apprenticeships from someone who once stood where they are today.

We are pleased to invite parents to sign up for Unifrog at https://www.unifrog.org/, our careers and destinations platform, using the sign-in code: LGHAParents.

By logging in, you will be able to:

• Explore career and education pathways alongside your child
  
  

• Access tools to support informed decision-making
  
  

• Gain insights into university options, apprenticeships, and work experience
  
  

• Attend informative webinars hosted by Unifrog, employers, and universities to learn more about opportunities for your child.