Careers Department

Pupils begin the Dillon Diploma where they learn key employability skills over 3 years. The Autumn Term focus is Communication and Critical Thinking. The Summer Term focus is Planning and Problem-Solving. Pupils are introduced to careers education on UniFrog and inspired to investigate areas of interest.

Pupils continue to develop their employability skills through the Dillon Diploma. The Autumn Term focus is on Team Work and Lateral Thinking and the Summer Term focus is on Metacognition and Investigation. Pupils build awareness of Labour Market Information and how subjects link to careers.

Pupils begin the final year of their Dillon Diploma. The Autumn Term focus is on Learning Skills, Organisation and Time Management. The Summer Term focus is Business Enterprise and Self Evaluation. Pupils are encouraged to explore the Subject and Careers Libraries on UniFrog for informed GCSE choices prior to parents evenings to discuss GCSE choices.

Pupils begin the first year of their Williams Journal recording examples of employability activities and skills acquired. Pupils take the Morrisby Online, an on-line psychometric test sat at School in the Spring Term to help pupils identify their specific abilities, aptitudes and personal qualities and suggest suitable subjects and career paths.

Pupils begin the second year of their Williams Journal reflecting on where they need to further develop their skills for the world of work. Pupils build a C.V., research open days and record their plans in UniFrog. Pupils are given 1-2-1 personal guidance interviews with the careers adviser. Pupils attend the University Fair in February. Pupils encouraged to undertake work experience post GCSEs.

Students enrol on the Goldhawk Diploma. Students are supported in researching their post-18 options with attendance at a University and Careers Fair and in their weekly Goldhawk Lectures. Students are guided in considering Degree Apprenticeships. Throughout the year students volunteer in the local community developing highly prized soft skills and are able to attend many careers talks covering sectors across the employment landscape to inform their decision making. Students also have access to the extensive Old Lyonian network. During the Summer Term students participate in an Enrichment Week covering university application and life, careers and apprenticeship options, along with many other activities. Aspiring medics also receive weekly support from the Biomedical Club and Coordinator throughout Sixth Form.

Students complete the Goldhawk Diploma helping them to refine their future plans. Students finalise their university and apprenticeship choices drawing on the advice and expertise of the Careers Department and Old Lyonian network and the personal statement and C.V. UniFrog tool. Interview preparation for degree apprenticeship is offered for interested students.