Career Aspirations

“The outcome of every learning experience is that it is incorporated into our identities: through our learning we are creating our biographies. We are continually becoming…”  - Peter Jarvis

At OVPA, we are deeply committed to providing meaningful experiences that enhance our pupils' cultural capital and broaden their horizons. Cultural capital, defined as the accumulation of knowledge, behaviours, and skills acquired through diverse experiences and opportunities, is central to our career aspirations program. Our aim is to equip our students with the resilience, determination, and practical understanding needed to succeed in life, while demonstrating the real-world importance of education.

Through exposure to a wide range of professionals, industries and experiences, we strive to make our pupils’ world bigger, more inclusive, and closely connected to the wider community, particularly within East Sussex.

2023/2024 Academic Year Initiatives

During the 2023/2024 academic year, we introduced a variety of initiatives aimed at introducing our pupils, in particular year 5 and 6, to diverse career paths and experiences:

• NHS Encounters: Pupils engaged with healthcare professionals, exploring various roles in the sector.

• Hastings Piano Concerto Competition: Pupils experienced professional musicianship and explored careers in music.

• De La Warr Pavilion: Talent Accelerator inspired pupils to consider careers in the creative industries.

• Creative Director Meeting: Pupils met with a female Creative Director for a world renowned black artist. 

• Chess Club: DfE-funded chess club highlighted cultural capital, social skills, and workplace traits.

• Hastings Contemporary: Pupils met art curators and managers, exploring gallery management careers.

• Brighton Football Club: Pupils explored a range of careers within the football industry.

• Dover Castle: Pupils learned history from tour guides and historians through an immersive experience.

• London School of Film: A talk on film-making led by a female director inspired pupils to consider diverse opportunities in the industry.

• Meet the Author: Online talks with authors Sharna Jackson and Joseph Coelho explored literature careers.

• Tech She Can: Encouraged girls and young women to pursue opportunities in the tech industry.

• I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here!: Pupils connected with scientists from universities, fostering a love for STEM.

• Southern Rail Education Days: Insights into rail travel, engineering, and transportation logistics.

Looking Ahead: 2024/2025 Academic Year

Building on the success of last year’s initiatives, the 2024/2025 academic year will see us continue to expand our career aspirations program. We are introducing a new, personalised approach by engaging with Year 5 pupils to tailor trips based on their individual interests. By gathering pupil feedback, we aim to ensure that each visit is meaningful and aligned with the passions and hobbies of our students.

As the academic year progresses the aim is to introduce careers discussions, experiences and learning across all year groups. 

If you have any questions regarding the career aspirations program, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

Thank you for your support,

Mr Newell, Careers Lead