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Key Stage 3 & 4 Careers
The Careers programme in lower school serves to enable students to make informed decisions about their options and how these may impact on their future career opportunities and the depth of study increases as students’ progress throughout the school. Careers education will feature in the assembly rota and key messages will be reinforced by the delivery of Careers modules through the PSHE curriculum.
The programme in Key Stage 3 focuses on 3 key learning outcomes:
- Understanding themselves and the influences on them
- Investigating opportunities in learning and work
- Making and adjusting plans to manage change and transition
The programme in Key Stage 4 becomes more focused as we support and prepare students for progression through an exploration of, and application for appropriate post 16 options. Within this we further aim to further:
- Students’ self-awareness
- An identification of individual strengths and weaknesses
- An increased awareness of occupational opportunities
- A promotion of the notion of lifelong learning
- The value of enrichment opportunities
Year 7
The Year 7 Careers Programme focuses on the theme of “Who Am I…?”
Students will be involved in a range of different activities designed to encourage a reflection on their qualities, skills, strengths, and interests and further develop a positive self-image — the foundation for positive careers planning. They will also cultivate an awareness of the importance of different influences in their lives and how this may influence their decision-making. Activities will reinforce the skills and qualities used in every job and recognise the importance of these in helping each student to achieve their individual potential and/or definition of success.  Students will also be supported to create links between aspirational figures and their own lives.
Year 8
The Year 8 Careers Programme focuses on the theme of “What is Work…?”
Year 8 is a good time for students to start reviewing possible future plans in the context of Labour Market Information and how this employment trends are predicted to change over time.  As part of this they will explore some of the different types of employment together with how jobs are categorised to promote an understanding of how LMI can be used to research different occupations and discover the qualities, skills and qualifications needed across them. Students will use their occupational knowledge to investigate a range of careers and develop an awareness of the opportunities available in their local area and those which may suit their educational and personal goals.
Year 9
The Year 9 Careers Programme focuses on the theme of “Preparing for Progression…”
During Year 9 students will receive advice and guidance from the Careers Department to help them make informed decisions when choosing Key Stage 4 options. They will spend time exploring the courses available to them in Key Stage 4 and beyond and will be introduced to careers digital programmes which they can use to access and research career and study opportunities
Students will also once again engage in activities to review their skills, qualities, and preferences and understand how this together with access to robust Labour Market Information can impact the career planning process. They will also begin to consider the modern workplace and how focusing on the development of transferable employability skills such as teamwork, punctuality, and a willingness to learn is essential to support future plans.
Key Stage 4 Courses Booklet 2025
Year 10
The Year 10 Careers Programme focuses on the theme of “Preparing for Work…”
In Year 10 all students will have the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience in the summer term to help inform their future academic and career choices. The work experience programme will provide firsthand experience of the world of work, helping students to explore career options, develop essential workplace skills, and further understand the modern professional environment. It will also support students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and build networks and facilitate a closer examination of the future of work and changes within the labour market.
Year 10 students will participate in careers activities which may also involve an examination of:
- Employability Skills, Self-Promotion, and Positive Image
- Employer/Employee Rights and Responsibilities
- Applications for Employment and Competition for Jobs
Year 11
The Year 11 Careers Programme focuses on the theme of “Moving On…”
During Year 11 students will receive advice and guidance from the Careers Department to help them make informed decisions about their post-16 destination, whether this is sixth form, college or an apprenticeship.
All students will be offered an individual careers appointment to help them consider their options. Parents and carers are welcome to attend these careers appointments.
We organise Year 11 assemblies focused on decision making and post 16 options, some of which will be led by local colleges and employers. Students are also invited to lunch time industry and insight talks, as appropriate, that organise throughout the year.
Selection of Local Post 16 Providers
University Technical College, Leeds
All students are welcome to visit the Careers Department during break time and lunchtime, when the careers staff will be on hand to offer guidance and answer any individual queries. Individual guidance appointments can also be arranged, and parents and carers are welcome to attend. Please contact us to arrange a suitable time by emailing careersstaff@staidans.co.uk.