Careers Information
Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance
The Careers Programme at Sale Grammar School is designed to equip every student with the knowledge, skills, experiences and confidence to make informed decisions about their future. We have developed a carefully planned programme of careers education, employer engagement and personalised guidance linked to a full programme of meaningful encounters with higher education and the workplace. Through this programme we support students develop the ambition and determination to thrive and succeed in their lives beyond Sale Grammar School, whether this is through higher education, apprenticeships or employment.
Our policy statement sets out Sale Grammar School’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to students at the school. This complies with the legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education act 1997 (the ‘Baker Clause’).
The aims of our Careers Programme at Sale Grammar School are to:
- Raise aspirations and broaden horizons, inspiring our students to explore a wide range of higher education, apprenticeship and career opportunities
- Develop decision-making by enabling students to make well-informed choices at key transition points (GCSE options, post-16 pathways, university, apprenticeships and employment)
- Preparing our students for future success by developing employability skills including communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, resilience and adaptability
- Connect learning to future careers by helping students understand how their subjects relate to careers and labour market opportunities
- Provide meaningful employer encounters by giving our students opportunities to engage with employers, professionals, alumni and universities
- To ensure every student has at least one experience of a workplace by the end of Year 11 and a further one by the end of Year 13
- To promote equality of opportunity, challenge stereotyping and support inclusion
- Develop career management skills equipping students to research opportunities, evaluate information, set goals and manage career transitions throughout their lives
- Ensuring that every student has access to impartial, personalised careers guidance from our qualified Careers Advisor
- Engage parents and carers by working in partnership with families to support informed career planning and progression and providing up-to-date information on education pathways, labour market trends and recruitment practices
Careers Education, Information and Guidance is co-ordinated by Mrs Grindley who can be contacted by email at jgr@salegrammar.co.uk or telephone 0161 973 3217. Please contact Mrs Grindley if you require any further information about our careers programme.
We are passionate about providing meaningful employer encounters for our students to help them better understand how their curriculum links into future career opportunities. If you feel you can offer anything which will help enhance our students’ ambitions or learning opportunities, please get in touch by clicking the link here and sending a message to careers.
Years 7 and 8
Students in Years 7 and 8 explore the world of work through their Skills for Life Curriculum. Year 7 Students take part in our Enterprise Challenge, where they cover topics such as; enterprise, how to write a business plan and how to effectively deliver a pitch.
Year 8 students get an in introduction to the world of work as it relates to young people and an introduction to Unifrog, a digital platform designed to help students make more informed study and career choices at key moments of choice and transition.
Year 9
In Year 9 a great deal of the careers education, advice and guidance is linked to GCSE option choices. Students decide on their option choices by March of Year 9, and throughout the course of the year they work with both Form Tutors and teachers in arriving at their final decision. Time is spent in Skills for Life lessons discussing personal qualities, interests and goals which help students make decisions. Students also use Unifrog to build a picture of their career aspirations and subject choices, as well as to start to evidence an understanding of key employability skills. Students are given the opportunity to meet with the Connexions Advisor through their year group assembly, and also have the opportunity to do so in Skills for Life lessons and through small group work. Parents and carers are invited to the school to discuss GCSE options and the Connexions Advisor is available to discuss options at this event and also at Parents' Evening.
Year 10
Year 10 students complete a Work Experience Placement in June. This is organised by students and school and is run through Our Futures. Students learn a wide range of transferable skills, enhance their self-reliance and become more confident. They experience the disciplines of going to work and a daily work routine and as a result, are able to make more informed careers choices. Year 10 students also take part in Enterprise Day, a bespoke day built around careers education, and the development of both employability and entrepreneurial skills
Year 11
Year 11 students are given extensive support on Post-16 options through a diverse careers programme. Students and parents are invited to attend a Post-16 Careers Information Evening in October, where presentations are given on A Levels, Vocational Qualifications and Apprenticeships. In October, the school holds a Post-16 Information Evening where faculties deliver presentations about their subject area and A Level specifications. We also ask Year 12 and 13 students to talk with Year 11 students about what Sale Grammar Sixth Form is like and give presentations about new subjects at A Level.
All Year 11 students have an individual interview with the Connexions Advisor in the first term and follow up interviews can be made through their Head of Progress and Learning. Indeed, Year 11 students are able to drop into informal lunch time sessions with the Connexions Advisor. All Year 11 students have individual interviews with members of the Senior Leadership Team in January to discuss their plans for Post-16.
Year 11 students develop their work-based skills within the Skills for Life Curriculum. They use the Unifrog website to research their Post-16 options and develop their personal marketing skills through CV writing and through a soft skill audit. They are also informed through a dedicated POst 16 pathway assembly in the Autumn Term. Open Days and Open Evenings for local colleges and schools are displayed within the form notice board and students have a copy to take home.
Parents can also make appointments with the Connexions Advisor at Year 11 Parents' Evening, and the Connexions Advisor is present at Post-16 Careers Information Evening, Post-16 Information Evening and Exam Results day.
Year 12
As the vast majority of our students intend to study at university after the completion of their A-Levels, throughout Year 12 much attention and focus is placed upon UCAS applications to ensure students select the right course and universities to apply to in Year 13. From the beginning of Year 12, we engage with higher education providers who visit school to speak to students about university life, how to make the most of Year 12 and how to select the right course for them. That said, not all wish to apply to university and we are keen to, and active in, introducing students to the many options available Post-18, whether that be apprenticeships or the world of work.
In recent years, talks and interactive sessions have been run by a wide range of Russell Group universities that can focus on specific university courses, or on the development of wider study and employment skills vital for success at A-Level and beyond. In addition, a number of apprenticeship providers and representatives from a variety of employers have also spoken to students in the areas of, for example, engineering, law and accountancy.
In addition, all students are given the opportunity to attend the Manchester Higher Education Exhibition, organised by UCAS, to explore a wide range of academic and career opportunities in March of Year 12. To encourage students to select the right universities for them, we also allow every student to attend two university open days per term in Year 12 and Year 13 and potential Oxbridge candidates can attend the annual Oxbridge Conference in March. Should a student require a Connexions appointment, the Head of Progress and Learning for Year 12 will always make the necessary arrangements in school to secure a one-to-one meeting with our Careers Adviser.
In June, all Year 12 Students take part in our 'UCAS Day', when students begin their formal UCAS journey. Interactive seminars focus on how to write an effective UCAS Personal Statement and the nuts and bolts of how to log on and complete UCAS Apply. This is then followed up with a UCAS Information Evening for Year 12 Parents, so that all are aware of the process we follow as a school and the information and advice students have been given.
Year 13
In the Autumn Term, every Year 13 Student will have a UCAS Triage Appointment with Mrs Heathcliffe, Sixth Form Administrator and second meeting with Miss Mattox, Assistant Headteacher (Sixth Form) to discuss their UCAS application, course and university choices and Personal Statement to ensure all applications are competitive and carefully considered.
Early applicants are encouraged to arrange mock interviews with a wide range of pastoral and subject staff to help prepare them for the application process. During this term, Year 13 Students are offered a wealth of support from their Form Tutor, Head of Progress and Learning and Head of Sixth Form and the fortnightly Form Period acts as a vital part of this, with Form Staff offering individual support with Personal Statement writing and Post-18 decisions.
Those choosing not to apply to university are given individual support and guidance by the Sixth Form Pastoral team and we aim to continue to provide students with a range of additional apprenticeship and work opportunities so that informed choices are made by all.
The Sixth Form Pastoral Team is also on hand both on and after A-Level Results Day to provide additional support for students to ensure the successful transition from A-Level to Post-18.
Careers Programme Overview: Years 7-13
Careers Programme Overview
Students at Sale Grammar School explore the world of work through Skills for Life lessons, Form Time activities and a range of strategically planned enrichment activities discussing personal qualities, interests and goals to help make informed decisions.
We use the online platform Unifrog to support students through their journey from KS3-5, building a picture of subject choices, career aspirations and key employability skills.
Students also have access to a wealth of advice and experience from Subject Teachers and Form Teachers, as well as from our highly-qualified Careers Advisor. All students in KS 4 and 5 will have an automatic scheduled 1:1 Career Guidance meeting and any student can request at Careers Appointment either directly, or via Parents/Carers, or through a referral from our Pastoral Teams. Parents/Carers are also invited to contact the Careers Advisor for any further information required.
| Milestones and Learning Outcomes Year 7 - Year 11 |
|---|
| Year Group | Education | Guidance and Advice | Key Encounters and Experiences Year 7 - Year 11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 |
SFL To know where to find careers information in school Identify personal interests, strengths, and values. To begin to articulate dreams and aspirations for the future Recognise a wide variety of jobs and sectors (e.g. healthcare, engineering, creative arts) Identify key employability skills (e.g. teamwork, communication, problem-solving). Recognise that jobs are open to everyone, regardless of gender, background, or ability Thinking about what a career is and what being an entrepreneur means. Develop an understanding of a work life balance. Identify careers for the future |
Guidance Form time support through building relationships.
Advice Form time Learning from labour market and sector information. Introduction to the Unifrog platform and the interests/quiz profile. |
Condover Trip Young Green Britain Challenge Future Skills Questionnaire - starting secondary Careers fair Subject specific trips and workshops |
| Year 8 |
SFL Reflect on personal strengths, interests, values, and how these relate to career ideas Understand how subjects studied at school relate to real jobs and future careers Challenging stereotypes within the world of work. Understand how jobs are changing due to technology, globalisation, and environmental concerns |
Advice Form time Learning from labour market and sector information. Unifrog: subject specific exploration (subject library)
Guidance 1:1 interviews arranged on referral from pastoral staff. |
Careers fair Subject specific trips and workshops Future skills questionnaire |
| Year 9 |
SFL Understanding skills, what comes after school and taking control of your career journey. Know the key differences between GCSEs, A-levels, vocational qualifications, T Levels, and apprenticeships. Revision skills – preparing for GCSE. Understanding of Employability skills – what they are and why they are as important as academic grades. |
Guidance 1:1 interviews arranged on referral from pastoral staff. Group guidance arranged to support the options process.
Advice Form time Learning from labour market and sector information. Unifrog: Exploration of employability skills (Skills Quiz) |
School Camp Inspiration learning Group careers day – NatWest Challenge Careers Fair Duke of Edinburgh Options assemblies Options evening Subject specific trips and workshops. Future Skills Questionnaire: Transition from KS3 |
| Year 10 |
SFL Knowledge of the main post-16 routes and the qualifications, skills, and grades required. Understand key sectors with skills shortages or strong growth potential. Health and safety in the workplace. |
Guidance Make a well-informed and realistic post-16 decision based on personal goals, skills, and qualifications Guidance interviews arranged on referral from pastoral staff. 1:1 guidance interview’s arranged from the summer term (including targeted groups).
Advice Form time Learning from labour market and sector information. Unifrog: researching and recording work experience placements and skills developed. Unifrog: virtual work experience |
Work experience Army Skills day Careers fair Apprenticeship Support Duke of Edinburgh Future Skills Questionnaire Subject specific trips and visits |
| Year 11 |
SFL Identify and evaluate a full range of post-16 options (e.g. sixth form, FE college, apprenticeships, T Levels, traineeships). Understand entry requirements, application processes, and deadlines for each pathway. |
Guidance Make a well-informed and realistic post-16 decision based on personal goals, skills, and qualifications 1:1 guidance interviews with a trained careers advisor.
Advice Form time Learning from labour market and sector information. Unifrog used to compare post-16 options and plan open day visits. Unifrog: online work experience and subject specific courses. Exam Results day support. |
Apprenticeship Assemblies College talks Post-16 information afternoon/evening Careers fair Personal guidance meeting Post 16 interview and guidance Future Skills Questionnaire Subject specific trips and visits |
| Milestones and Learning Outcomes Year 12 and Year 13 |
|---|
| Year Group | Outcomes 1 | Outcomes 2 | Key Encounters and Experiences Year 12 and Year 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 12 |
Living in the wider world - Making the most of sixth form. Independence in adulthood/living and traveling abroad. Planning for the future – post-18 options. Health and Well-being – health awareness and charity work. Using Unifrog |
Guidance 1:1 guidance interviews arranged with a trained careers advisor. Relationships – finance (money and well-being) online risks and student finance Living in the wider world - Work experience preparation. CV writing and mock interviews Unifrog – logging interactions and researching options. Advice Careers information shared during form time/SFL/Careers Newsletter/SMHW Unifrog: subject spotlight courses and virtual work experience Unifrog: MOOC’s |
Competitive Universities – Lancaster University Talk Prevent Breast Cancer assembly and charity support. National Apprenticeship Week National Careers Week Enrichment Subject specific trips/ visits/ webinars /workshops University taster and open days Careers Fair Gambling with Lives presentation UCAS mentoring Careers 1:1 guidance interviews CV support Mock Interviews Subject specific trips/ visits/ webinars /workshops Work Experience Activities Post-18 information day: UCAS enrolment and applications Manchester Higher Education Exhibition (UCAS) Northwest Apprenticeship and Careers Expo Two university open day visits Oxbridge Students conference – March
|
| Year 13 |
Living in the Wider world – Being successful/getting university ready/employability skills Relationships – online financial harm/the economy/personal branding Health and well-being – looking after yourself when living away from home. Unifrog – logging interactions and researching options |
Advice UCAS triage appointments Exam Results day support.
Finance – decision making and managing money. Exam preparation – revision techniques. Unifrog – online work experience. Guidance 1:1 and group guidance support offered on request. |
UCAS Mentoring Career guidance 1:1 support on request Making the most of University – Lancaster University Talk Personal Branding – Employability talk Prevent Breast Cancer and Odd Balls Health awareness talk Subject specific trips/ visits/ webinars /workshops Careers Fair Career guidance 1:1 support on request Exam support/Intervention Subject specific trips/ visits/ webinars /workshops |
Recourses for pupils/parents:
GMACS:
Career Pilot:
Careerpilot : Plan your future work & study
Skills for Careers:
Your training options | Skills for Careers
Prospects
Prospects | Job & Course Search | Career & University Advice
National Careers Service:
Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service
National Apprenticeship service:
Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK
Careers Box