SENIOR SCHOOL Careers A major objective for teachers throughout the School is to encourage pupils to think beyond GCSEs and A Levels, to the careers that lie ahead. By consistently raising the profile of the careers department within the School, we encourage pupils to plan ahead and build up relevant ‘soft skills’ alongside their academic qualifications. The School encourages pupils to ‘get involved’ to determine what careers they are truly interested in while building their profile and CV to ultimately impress admissions officers or employers. Careers Hot-seating In December, Tettenhall College organised a careers hot-seating day in which 21 friends and Old Tettenhallians joined the School to share insights into their careers and specific industries. Pupils from Year 10 upwards, on a timed circuit, moved from table to table to encounter our notable guests. The day has since been spoken about as being a significant day in their education. Information Platforms Support University and Careers Choices The powerful ‘Unifrog’ programme was launched this year to all Year 12 pupils, which has proved highly beneficial. It enables research into worldwide further education opportunities and apprenticeships in the UK. The pupils from Year 9 upwards have explored two online careers platforms: Start Profile and Fast Tomato, where the pupils have completed questionnaires and indicated their likes and dislikes in order to narrow down and find out about career pathways. Furthermore, many pupils have had consultations with an Independent Careers Adviser. Careers day - Aston University Year 9 also visited RAF Cosford to explore and meet apprentices working at the Defence College of Technical Training and to support Year 10 in identifying choices ahead, an illuminating university campus day at Aston University was arranged. Exploring International Opportunities Anna Birkbeck from Study Overseas presented the opportunities available beyond our shores. This was followed by an afternoon in which 14 universities from Europe, Canada, Australia and the USA visited to promote wider thought and advantages about overseas study. National Citizens Service We hosted representatives from The Challenge, an organisation which promotes the National Citizens Service - a three week course which involves an outward bound experience, a skills week, and a social action project which remains popular with our pupils. The organisation also delivered two Year 11 workshops, ‘resilience and confidence’ and an informal fun afternoon to manage exam stress. Work Experience – Opportunities Required Increasingly our Year 11 and Year 12 pupils are participating in work experience to add to their CVs and future university and job applications. These opportunities form an invaluable bridge between school and the world of work. Many parents and OTs generously offer support in this area and if you are in a position to offer our pupils in Year 11 or 12 the opportunity of work experience, please contact me on ml@tettcoll.co.uk. Mark Leighton, Head of Sixth Form and Careers TC Careers hot-seating day 31
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