Careers Programme
Careers Programme at Sunbury Manor School
A principal aim of Sunbury Manor School’s careers programme is to prepare our students for life beyond school and college. We want to broaden students’ horizons by exposing them to a wide range of different career pathways. Students will have many opportunities to engage with different employers and employees, experience workplaces and higher education establishments in the hope that they will find their passion and pursue their dreams.
This is an outline of our careers programme. Please note that activities are not limited to the below as opportunities do arise throughout the academic year. Furthermore, not all events are available for all students as some external providers can only offer limited places.
We have had to adapt our careers programme due to the implications of Covid-19. We are looking at alternative ways to deliver previous aspects of our programme that are not currently detailed below.
Year group | Activity | Date | Purpose | Gatsby Benchmarks |
Year 7 | External career speakers | 1 assembly per term | To raise aspirations and broaden horizons. Exposing students to a variety of different careers will provide a deeper insight into the world of work. Information given will help inform future decisions. | 1, 2, 5 |
Sky Studios Visits | Various | To inspire students and develop creativity, collaboration and communication. To work with Sky Studios employees to create TV content and experience a workplace environment. | 1, 2, 5, 6 | |
Year 8 | External career speakers | 1 assembly per term | To raise aspirations and broaden horizons. Exposing students to a variety of different careers will provide a deeper insight into the world of work. Information given will help inform future decisions. | 1, 2, 5 |
St Mary’s Sustained Engagement Programme | Term 2 | For students to gain a greater understanding of university and careers. For students to build their confidence. | 3, 5, 7 | |
Innervate Workshop | Term 3 | 1, 5, 8 | ||
Year 9 | External career speakers | 1 assembly per term | For students to gain a greater understanding of where certain GCSE subjects could take them. Information given will help inform future decisions. | 1, 2, 5 |
NHS Production | Term 1 | To raise students’ awareness of the wide variety of roles available within the NHS | 1, 2, 5 | |
Options Workshop | Term 2 | To encourage students to think about the longer-term options linked to each available subject, helping to inform future plans. | 1, 3, 7, 8 | |
Options Evening | Term 2 | For students and parents that explains the content of options courses and offers the chance for questions regarding the KS4 curriculum. | 1, 2, 3 | |
St Mary’s University Summer School | Term 3 | To support students in accessing Higher Education by hosting them for a welcoming and immersive visit at the university. To get a positive first look at university which supports their transition into Year 10 the following autumn. | 3, 7, 8 | |
Smallpeice Trust STEM days | Term 3 | Students participate in hands-on STEM challenges and learn about the career pathways available to them. | 2, 5, 7 | |
Year 10 | Computing GCSE work place visit – Kingston Technology | Term 2 | To gain hands on experience, putting classroom theory into practice. Students develop their understanding of where their GCSE can take them in the real world. | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
Money Management Workshops | Term 2 | To provide education, information and guidance on money matters so students are better equipped to handle their own finances. | 1, 3, 5 | |
National Apprenticeship Show | Term 2 | To interact with over 100 employers and providers showcasing apprenticeship opportunities. | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 | |
Careers Workshops | Term 2 | To explore post-16 options choices | 1, 2, 3, 8 | |
Mock interviews, speed networking and CV Workshops | Term 2 | To provide the opportunity to prepare for and practice interviewing skills in an environment similar to an actual interview. To engage with as many different career backgrounds as possible, developing understanding of different career pathways. To develop students understanding of CV writing. | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 | |
St Mary’s University subject specific taster days | Term 1-2 | To give students an insight into what University is like and to experience a subject at degree level. To interact with lecturers and current students of the University. | 3, 7, 8 | |
College Taster Days – Brooklands and Strodes. | Term 3 | To give students the opportunity to experience further education and gain a deeper insight into the various courses that are available. | 1, 7, 8 | |
Innervate workshops | Term 3 | To give students a better understanding of their post-16 option choices. | 1, 3, 8 | |
College Assemblies | Various | Esher, Strodes, Brooklands, Kingston, Richmond upon Thames. | 1, 7 | |
ASK Apprenticeships | Various | To explore different pathways and options available to students at post-16 level – A levels/BTEC/apprenticeships etc. | 1, 2, 7 | |
Year 11 | One-to-one careers interviews | Various | 1-1 interviews regarding student’s post-16 option choices with an impartial career advisor. | 1, 2, 8 |
Revision techniques | Term 1 | Exposes students to different methods. Develops their understanding of the value of revision and the impact it has on their future. | 1, 3, 5 | |
All Year groups | Careers Fair | Term 1 | The opportunity to meet numerous post-16 education providers so students can gain valuable information and explore their options, whilst asking any questions they have face-to-face. | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 |
Surrey University Visits | Various | Aims to raise the aspirations and educational attainment amongst students. Provides an experience of higher education and a better understanding of what life at University is like. | 1, 4, 7 |
Please note: the activities in bold are offered to the whole year group.