Careers education has always been relevant, underpinning teaching and learning, but never more so than in the current climate.

Although a parent to four children and a teacher with (cough) 25 years’ experience, I was suddenly aware of how little I knew about Post 16 choices when my now 19-year-old had these decisions to make. So, when the opportunity to become careers leader arose in June, I seized the opportunity to learn more. Despite my life experiences and profession, I’ve been amazed by the choices our children are now facing.

Over the past three years there have been, and continues to be, huge changes in provision and opportunities; not only is there a choice of provision (Sixth Form school, college, UTC etc) but the choice of courses is mind-boggling. New this year are T-levels (check out the school website for more information) in addition to apprenticeships, vocational courses, A Levels and many other options. Then comes the choice of post-18 choices – university, higher-level apprenticeships, gap year, work…

Then – Covid!

It has brought turmoil, upheaval, confusion and loss. However, there are some positives we can take as a school community. Encounters with providers have moved online, making it easier to share information with students AND parents. Virtual work experience opportunities are out there, enabling students to have meaningful exchanges with businesses… watch this space as we will be promoting this over the coming year.

As schools we are learning to adapt, we are so incredibly proud of our students and the way they too are adapting, developing skills that will be vital in the world they will live in.

Our greatest wish as a school is for our students to be healthy, happy and successful, whatever their path in life, with a belief that the right job is out there for them.

If you feel your business or profession may be able to support our students and curriculum, please visit our school website – we would love to hear from you.