Programme of Activities

Year Group

Activity

Date

Purpose

Gatsby Benchmarks

Year 12

Induction Day 

Autumn

To introduce the students to their different personality and learning styles and to link these longer term career areas.

1, 3, 5, 8

Attendance at What Career! Event

Autumn

An opportunity for students to meet a wide range of employers, apprenticeship providers and university to stimulate thoughts about potential progression pathways

1, 2, 3, 5, 7

Attendance at UCAS Fair

Spring

An opportunity that gives the students the chance to speak to a wide range of HEIs and to gain an understanding of the number of other students who they will be competing against in the UCAS process.

1, 2, 3, 4, 7

Employability Workshop

Autumn

An engaging and interactive workshop to support students in developing key employability skills for the future

1, 2, 3, 8

Sixth Form Parents’ Evening 

Autumn

Additional 1-1 support offered regarding their post-18 choices and longer term aspirations.

1, 2, 3, 4, 8

Introduction to Widening Participation schemes including Realizing Opportunities and K+

Various

We advertise a variety of different programmes to the Year 12 students from the local universities that are designed to widen participation. They all involve attendance at university events to help them explore their options, get a better understanding of what HE involves and student finance. They also involve some academic work to help prepare the students for the independent study required in HE and, successful completion should lead to a greater consideration of their application, and, usually, a reduced offer. 

1, 2, 3, 7

1-1 Guidance Sessions

Various

1-1 interviews regarding their post-18 option choices. This could be with parents, if requested and includes specialist support during the summer for students deciding not to continue with their 6th Form education

1, 2, 3, 4, 8

Apprenticeships Talk

Autumn

A talk to the Year 12 students on Apprenticeships; what opportunities are available, how they can research them and how they can apply. This talk also includes information on applying for Degree Level Apprenticeships/ School Leaver Programmes and possible HE progression.

1, 2, 3, 5, 7

Employability Talk

Autumn

A talk to students about employability skills and how to develop them

1, 2, 3, 4, 8,

Oxbridge Talk

Autumn

Presentations by Oxford and Cambridge Universities on why and how to apply to Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities

1, 3, 7, 8

Attendance at Oxbridge Conference

Spring

An opportunity to help students better understand the degrees offered at Oxbridge, the differences between Oxbridge and other universities and the competitive application process. 

1, 3, 7, 8

Higher Education Talk

Spring

A talk to the Year 12 students regarding university applications, covering what is important to consider, how to conduct research and what universities are looking for in their applicants. This talk also includes student finance and repayment information.

1, 2, 3, 5, 7

Gap Year Talk

Spring

A talk to the students outlining the costs and benefits of a gap year, and how to organise it. 

1, 2, 3, 5, 7

Access to the Unifrog Careers Platform

Various

To enable students to become more self aware about their own strength and interests as well as the awareness of the opportunities available including through Labour Market Information (LMI).

1,2, 3, 

World of Work Event

Spring

An opportunity for student to meet employers, FE and HE providers and to learn about a variety of progression pathways.

1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8

University Visits 

Spring / Summer

To encourage students to understand the benefits of attending university open days, to explore the university cities and find out more about the universities and what they can offer, in addition to their academic degrees. 

1, 2, 3, 7 

Introduction to UCAS 

Summer

To support students to register on UCAS, start researching courses and to start completing the application form. For students not interested in HE, we will encourage them to conduct research into other FE, Apprenticeship and employment options. 

1, 3, 7

Work Experience

Summer

To give the students a chance to experience the ‘world of work’ and understand the key skills needed to succeed. It should also give the students a chance to explore some of their career options.

1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Summer Schools

Summer

To enable students to participate in specialist subject taster courses  and to experience learning within a HEI.

1, 3, 7

Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award

Various

An opportunity to take part in the DofE, in order to, amongst other targets, further develop the students’ key skills and qualities.

1, 3, 5, 6

Enrichment Programme

Various

To give the students an opportunity to experience a wide range of different activities in order to develop key skills and try new experiences.

1, 3, 5, 6

Website, Dedicate Year Group Google Classroom, Library & Careers Office 

Various

To provide information on useful resources including talks, events,competition and websites on Careers and Progression Pathways including Further Education, Higher Education and Apprenticeship. 

1, 2, 3, 5, 7

Year 13

1-1 Guidance Sessions

Various

1-1 interviews regarding their post-18 option choices. This could be with parents, if requested and includes support for students looking to go into Employment or Apprenticeships

1, 2, 3, 4, 8

Personal Statements & HE application support

Autumn

Extensive 1-1 guidance and support is offered to all of the Year 13 students in order to make a competitive application to the universities of their choice.

1, 2, 3, 7 

Apprenticeships Talk

Autumn

A talk to the Year 12 students on Apprenticeships; what opportunities are available, how they can research them and how they can apply. This talk also includes information on applying for Degree Level Apprenticeships/ School Leaver Programmes and possible HE progression.

1, 2, 3, 5, 7

Mock Interviews

Autumn / Spring

To support the students in their preparation for interviews at university. 

1, 2, 3, 7

World of Work Event

Spring

An opportunity for student to meet employers, FE and HE providers and to learn about a variety of progression pathways.

1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8

Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award

Various

An opportunity to take part in the DofE, in order to, amongst other targets, further develop the students’ key skills and qualities.

1, 3, 5, 6

Enrichment Programme

Various

To give students an opportunity to experience a wide range of different activities in order to develop key skills and try new experiences.

1, 3, 5, 6

Access to the Unifrog Careers Platform

Various

To enable students to become more self aware about their own strength and interests as well as the awareness of the opportunities available including through Labour Market Information (LMI).

1,2, 3, 

Website, Dedicate Year Group Google Classroom, Library & Careers Office 

Various

To provide information on useful resources including talks, events,competition and websites on Careers and Progression Pathways including Further Education, Higher Education and Apprenticeship. 

1, 2, 3, 5, 7

A Level Results Day

Summer

Support for students on A Level Results Day to ensure that all students have a secured place in education, training or employment. 1-1 guidance support available to students and parents.

1, 3, 4, 8

Collation and distribution of Destination Data

Summer

To monitor the destinations and outcomes of students Post-18.

1, 3