On this page you can access the key careers information that you as parents and guardians will need to consider at each year group for your child.
Choosing GCSE Subjects
In January of Year 9, Mr. Sidaway will outline the available GCSE and Level 2 courses to students.
Choosing GCSE options is an exciting and empowering milestone in the educational journey of our students. That said, making decisions about the subjects to study at GCSE are tricky, requiring careful thought about skills, interests and future career goals.
You will be invited to attend an Options Evening to help these conversations with your son/daughter.
To help make informed choices regarding GCSE Options, please keep the following advice in mind:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
|
Seek plenty of advice from class teachers, form tutors etc. Look into the courses you are thinking about doing in more depth, to ensure it’s a good fit for your son/daughter. The KS4 Options Booklet is updated and emailed out each year. Consider your son/daughters' next steps in their educational journey i.e. A levels or Apprenticeships, and what GCSEs are going to be useful for these courses. |
Base any judgements on subjects or qualifications on your own personal GCSE experiences. |
Post-16 Options
Choosing post-16 options means selecting the courses and qualifications after Year 11.
As a starting point, consider the following questions with your son/daughter:
- Have they already started thinking about their post 16 options?
- What options are realistic based on current attainment?
Here are a few activities you can engage in with your son/daughter to help them make informed decisions:
- Research: Learn about different courses, qualifications, and potential career paths. Your son/daughters Unifrog account is a great way to look at careers and future subjects of study.
- Attend Open Days or Taster Sessions: Get a taste of what the courses and colleges have to offer.
- Seek Advice: Speak to Mr. Orr and Mr. Adey who can offer guidance and support.
- Reflect: Make sure that final decisions are ultimately made by your son/daughter and not by yourselves.
Links
Post-18 Options
Four Parent Information Evenings will take place whilst students are at the Sixth Form, with all events spending time discussing how you can support your child through their Post-18 applications.
| APPRENTICESHIPS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Options | Application Process | Places to look | Deadlines |
|
INTERMEDIARY
ADVANCED
HIGHER
DEGREE |
No universal system – each apprenticeship provider is different.
Colleges usually similar in process to applying for sixth form
Apprenticeships offered by employers tend to be incredibly competitive and rigorous |
Unifrog Apprenticeship Tool
National Apprenticeship Service
Amazing Apprenticeships
UCAS (for information only)
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
|
Sept-August – NOT FIXED |
| EMPLOYMENT | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Options | Application Process | Places to look | Deadlines |
|
PUBLIC SERVICES
LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES
WORD OF MOUTH/CONTACTS
|
Public services are very regimented (as to be expected) but there are recruitment drives.
Application process usually involves submission of CV, Cover Letter etc. |
Job websites e.g. Indeed
Local newspapers
POLICE: https://www.joiningthepolice.co.uk/ways-in-to-policing FIRE SERVICE: http://www.fireservice.co.uk/recruitment/ ARMY: https://www.army.mod.uk/careers/ RAF: https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/find-your-role Royal Navy: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/joining
|
Sept-August – NOT FIXED |
| UNIVERSITIES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Options | Application Process | Places to look | Deadlines |
|
SINGLE HONOURS JOINT HONOURS BACHELOR OR MASTERS DEGREES SANDWICH COURSES FOUNDATION YEAR STUDY ABROAD |
UCAS for UK
Different systems for other countries (see Unifrog Know How Guides for more information) |
Unifrog Universities and Subjects Tools
WhatUni
UCAS (for information and for applying)
|
15 October - Early Applicant Deadline
31 January - All remaining applications |
| GAP YEAR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Options | Application Process | Places to look | Deadlines |
|
OWN ITINERARY TRAVEL
ORGANISATION PLANNED TRAVEL SCHEME
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT
|
No set process |
https://www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/keywords/gap-years
https://www.ucas.com/alternatives/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about |
No set deadlines |
The attached booklet below aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the main components in these information evenings. These include:
- An introduction to Unifrog
- A walk-through of UCAS
- A summary of Apprenticeships
- Gap Year information
- Applying for Employment
Labour Market Information
Labour Market Information refers to data and insights about jobs, careers, and employment trends within a specific geographical area; in this case Dudley. It encompasses information on the skills and qualifications required for different occupations, projections for future job growth, and the demand for specific industries. By being aware of the demand for different job roles, the skills employers are looking for, and the changes in the labour market, our students can better prepare themselves for the competitive world beyond school.
Throughout the academic year, we will be providing students with opportunities to explore different careers, engage in career-related activities, and access up-to-date labour market information. Our wider pastoral team will be on hand to support students in making informed choices about their education and future career paths based on their interests, aspirations, and the information available.
By working together, we can ensure that our students are well-informed and equipped to navigate the ever-changing labour market.
Labour Market Profile: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157188/report.aspx?town=dudley
Use the below widget to find out more information about LMI.
Get Involved
If you are interested in becoming involved in our Careers provision, please look at the form below.
You may wish to get involved in:
- Manning a stall at our annual careers convention
- Speaking to select students in targeted group seminars.
Parental Feedback
This survey is intended to gather feedback from parents and guardians on the careers programme. It gathers parents’ perceptions the support offered to them by OSH and the impact of the careers programme on their child(ren).