Careers Programme

Careers modules are included in the PSHE programme for all year groups. The purpose of careers lessons is to help students consider their own personal and social development, to enhance their decision-making skills and to promote a realistic awareness of the adult world and the changing pattern of work. By the end of Year 11, it is expected that students will have a good grasp of the range of educational, occupational and vocational opportunities available to them.  

Careers lessons include the following:

Year 9

Students will look at personal skills and qualities, subjects available and what the GCSE includes, ways of finding out information about subjects and careers including the careers choices software called Kudos which uses information about individual’s skills, qualities, areas of interest etc. and selects 20 suitable occupations taking these areas into account.

Year 10

Students will have the opportunity to attend a careers interview with Mel Craven (BYA Careers Adviser). In July, the academy organises a Careers Fair where a number of local employers will come into the academy to talk to students about the range of occupations in their companies. This will enable students to start to think about their future and life after Year 11.

Year 11

The Autumn term of Year 11 includes a module on the exploration of progression routes at 16+. Through careful guidance from teachers, careers advisors and parents, students should be able to make informed decisions about their future after compulsory education. Students will be given information about how to apply to a sixth form, including how to write a personal statement and will be shown how to apply for further education at other establishments.

Careers Advice

Our Careers Adviser Mel Craven, is in the academy five days a week and is available at break and lunchtimes to all year groups who may wish to discuss careers ideas. In Years 10 and/or 11 students have an interview with the Careers Adviser who guides them towards realistic careers ideas. She provides up-to-date information and practical help and parents/carers are invited to attend these interviews. In addition, students will be provided with all the information required about choices at Post-16.

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