In Figures, we want boys to explore their academic, personal and extra-curricular strengths. As part of our PSHE programme, boys use Unifrog resources to identify their strengths and consider ways in which they may be helpful when entering the world of work. We look at the term ‘career’, and get boys to consider the paths that they have available to them. In PSHE boys identify skills that they have need to be a good employer and a good employee. In the summer term, boys are given the opportunity to showcase some of the skills that they have learnt by taking part in the Careers and Enterprise day, where they are set a business and teamwork challenge.

Boys in Rudiments build on what they studied in Figures, and begin to think about the how future decisions they make can impact upon their lives. They have the ‘Pathways 1’ assembly which takes a tentative look into the different choices that they have coming up and the variety of pathways that can be taken. In PSHE, boys use Unifrog resources to consider what is meant by a successful career and also study career terminology.

On Friday’s boys have a ‘Future Friday’ session during tutor time, this is where they look and listen to those in different sectors of employment and consider Labour Market Information to discuss future job prospects. In the summer term boys engage in an enterprise challenge and see how there are many different components to running a successful business.

In Lower Grammar boys make their GCSE Option choices. They have a dedicated GCSE Options Evening where they hear from subject specialists and have the opportunity to discuss subjects and the benefits of studying these when considering their futures. Those boys who need additional support are offered this by the Head of Line and SEN Department in order to ensure they are making the best decision for their futures.  Boys have PSHE sessions and assemblies to draw attention to those subjects that they may not have studied in Figures and Rudiments.

We are privileged to have Alumni speakers visit to share their experiences and this allows boys to further consider the GCSE Options that they are wanting to take.

Boys in Grammar get their first their experience of the workplace, as in July they embark on a week of work experience. They are supported by our Careers Advisor and have PSHE sessions to ensure they have the skills needed to make a success of their week and are aware of employer’s rights and responsibilities. Parent sessions are also delivered virtually to ensure they are also engaged in this process. Boys also receive a dedicated meeting with our Careers Advisor, feedback about their session and next steps are given to the boys and a copy sent to parents about how they can support their son’s in their future endeavours. We also focus on ensuring that all boys are starting to think about their post 16 choices and have external FE colleges come to visit and we arrange visits for those boys who show an interest in this pathway.

In assemblies and PSHE sessions, boys explore the different routes that are available to them after studying their GCSEs. They have a Sixth Form Open Evening where they learn what Wimbledon College can offer, as well Ursuline High School, who offer a wide range T Level courses including adult nursing, business support and digital production. Boys can get support for any external applications from our Careers Advisor.

Throughout Year 12, students listen to a range of guest speakers from across the spectrum of work. They listen to those who have set up businesses to those who work for global companies. Students are encouraged to ask questions to discover more about their journeys. In the summer term the Sixth Form Team with the help of an apprenticeship provider, deliver a ‘next steps’ presentation to talk students and parents through the UCAS process as well as how to apply for an apprenticeship. A University Day visit is arranged in the summer term, where students are taken to a local University to hear about what University lifer is like. Students also have a week of work experience to help focus them further on the post Sixth Form path they wish to take.  All students also receive a one to one interview with our career’s advisor in school.

In the final year of school, preparations for taking the next steps are usually well under way. There is additional support from our on-site Careers Advisor for those that need it. Those who are a little more unsure of taking their next steps are offered the opportunity to go to a University and Apprenticeship Fair in September and ask questions of those in attendance to try and help them to decide what to do next. As part of the PSHE programme, students continue to learn the importance of managing finances and understanding the rights of employees and employers. There are also ongoing talks from members of the alumni to help inspire future career choices.