Careers Events

Careers Fair – October 17th 2025

Students from Years 9 to 13 enjoyed our annual Careers Fair, spending an hour exploring a wide range of future pathways with employers, training providers and universities. We welcomed organisations including Google, Tesco, HRC, MBDA, University of Hertfordshire, RAF, Army, Capel Manor, Pharmaron, TikTok and many more. Students engaged enthusiastically, asking thoughtful questions and showing great curiosity. Exhibitors praised their behaviour and engagement, with one RAF representative commenting that our students were “the most well-behaved and most engaged” they had seen in a long time. Students also shared positive feedback, saying they learnt “anything is possible,” discovered “the courses and experiences needed” for future careers, and that “there are many opportunities in life.” We are grateful to all organisations who supported the event. Experiences like this are invaluable, broadening horizons and inspiring students as they plan their future careers.

Year 11 Futures Day – October 8th 2025

We are proud to celebrate the success of our recent Year 11 Futures Day. This important event supported students in reflecting on their next steps after Year 11 and exploring future pathways. The day began with an insightful presentation from our Director of Sixth Form, followed by a two-hour revision workshop delivered by Maximise, helping students prepare effectively for their GCSEs. Students then focused on Post-16 options, exploring A levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and college courses, and taking part in a guided decision-making session tailored to their interests and aspirations. The day concluded with a motivational talk from HRC and the University of Hertfordshire, encouraging students to consider their longer-term goals. Futures Day forms an important part of our careers programme, ensuring students feel informed, confident and prepared for life beyond school.

Year 12 Medicine Support Session – October 2nd 2025

We were delighted to welcome Dr Precila F. da Costa, an Enfield-based doctor currently working at the Royal Free Hospital, to St Mary’s this week, for the first of what we hope will become an ongoing support programme for our aspiring medics. Precila shared her journey through the sixth form and medical school, offering valuable insights into the realities of a medical career. Students found the session extremely worthwhile, gaining inspiration and practical advice to help them as they begin shaping their own pathways into medicine.

With her wealth of experience — from graduating at King’s College London with the Barber’s Company Student of the Year award, to completing a degree in Medical Education at Queen Mary’s, and even international work in Hong Kong and Brazil — Precila was able to provide a unique perspective that students thoroughly appreciated.

It is fantastic to be able to offer such opportunities to our students, and this session marks the beginning of an exciting journey for our promising Year 12 medical cohort as they start Sixth Form with ambitions of becoming the medical professionals of the future.

Year 12 Parliament Trip – October 1st 2025

Our Sixth Form Politics and Law students enjoyed an inspiring visit to the Houses of Parliament. They explored the House of Commons and House of Lords on a guided tour, gaining insight into Parliament’s history and daily workings. Students then took part in a Snap Election Workshop, forming political parties, creating manifestos and presenting their policies before answering questions from their peers. Parties included Restore, The Blue Party, The People’s Party and Fiesta. This trip brought classroom learning to life and strengthened key skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, public speaking and problem-solving. It also helped students see the links between their studies and future pathways in politics, law, public service and beyond.

Year 10 Mock Interview Day – July 2025

On Tuesday 8th July, all Year 10 students at St Mary’s took part in our first whole-cohort mock interview event—a key part of our commitment to preparing students for the world of work. In advance, students were given a job description for a Customer Service Assistant role at Freshmart Supermarket and took part in preparation sessions covering common interview questions, professional behaviour, and employer expectations. On the day, students each experienced a one-to-one interview with a local employer or volunteer, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Students received tailored feedback sheets highlighting strengths and offering personalised tips for improvement—valuable insights they can take forward into future interviews for sixth form, college, apprenticeships, or work. Feedback from both students and employers was overwhelmingly positive, with many interviewers praising the professionalism and potential of our Year 10s. This event not only supported our CEIAG programme and the Gatsby Benchmarks through real employer encounters, but also gave students a meaningful and motivating glimpse into the world beyond school. Well done to Year 10—you’ve taken a big step towards your future!

Year 7 Employability Skills Workshop – July 2025

Our Year 7 students recently took part in an exciting Employability Skills Workshop led by the team at Tesco, giving them an early insight into the world of work and the key skills employers value. The session began with Tesco staff sharing their career journeys and highlighting the importance of transferable skills like teamwork, communication, resilience, and problem-solving—skills that are just as useful in school life as they are in the workplace.

Students then worked in teams to tackle a real-life challenge: designing a brand-new breakfast meal deal. Taking on roles such as Project Manager and Product Developer, they had to manage time, make decisions, and present their ideas to the room—many for the first time. Their confidence, creativity, and teamwork were fantastic to see, with two winning teams chosen from each session. This workshop was a brilliant way to help students develop employability skills alongside academic learning, and we’re grateful to Tesco for delivering such a valuable experience.

International Women in Engineering Day – June 2025

A group of Year 8 and 9 girls recently visited Airbus in Stevenage to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day—an inspiring opportunity aimed at raising aspirations, challenging gender stereotypes, and showcasing exciting careers in STEM. Highlights of the day included exploring the Mars Rover Yard, where students examined prototypes of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover, and taking part in hands-on workshops focused on real-world challenges such as drone design and space debris.

The students demonstrated impressive creativity and teamwork, with one group’s innovative drone concept—designed to monitor illegal logging and plant seeds in the rainforest—earning high praise from the Airbus team. The day ended with inspiring conversations with female engineers and STEM ambassadors, helping the girls to see the possibilities available to them in engineering and technology. We are incredibly proud of the confidence and ambition shown by all involved and hope the experience has planted the seeds for future careers in STEM.

University of Hertfordshire Taster Day –  June 2025

Students attended a Taster Day at the University of Hertfordshire, where they got to experience university life first-hand. Students chose from a range of subject-specific taster lectures, including nursing, physiotherapy, engineering, law, and many more. They navigated the campus independently, attended informative talks, and toured the university’s impressive facilities — giving them a real taste of what it’s like to be a university student.

NHS Careers Expo – April 2025

A group of our Year 10 Health and Social Care students recently attended the NHS Careers Expo at the University of Hertfordshire, in partnership with the Herts and West Essex Health Care Academy. The event offered an exciting insight into the wide range of careers within the NHS, with students speaking to professionals from roles such as midwifery, paramedicine, mental health, and more. One of the day’s highlights was a hands-on patient scenario where each student took on the role of an NHS worker, working together to respond to a medical emergency.

Students also got involved in a range of interactive activities, including trying out chest compressions and practising intubation using simulation equipment. The experience was both engaging and informative, giving students a real taste of life in healthcare and inspiring them to consider future roles in the sector. It was a fantastic day that brought classroom learning to life and helped students see the real-world opportunities ahead.

BAE Systems Roadshow – March 2025

Year 7 and 8 students recently took part in the BAE Systems Education Programme Roadshow, delivered in partnership with the RAF and Royal Navy. This year’s theme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), introducing students to how AI is transforming the world around us. From practical demonstrations to inspiring career insights, the event highlighted how AI is not just a tool for the future, but a technology shaping today’s world. A major highlight was meeting Fluffy, the AI robotic dog, who impressed students by navigating obstacles using advanced problem-solving skills.

Students also enjoyed interactive sessions, including creating their own AI-generated songs and music videos, all while learning about the importance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in tech careers. The roadshow gave students a glimpse into digital engineering pathways and helped them understand how they could be part of the future of AI. It was an inspiring and hands-on experience that sparked curiosity and excitement about careers in STEM and digital technology.

Mock Assessment Centre – February 2025

Our Year 13 students recently took part in a mock assessment centre, designed to help them prepare for the competitive application process for higher and degree apprenticeships. These types of apprenticeships often involve multiple stages beyond a standard interview, including group tasks, presentations, and situational judgement exercises. The event gave students a valuable opportunity to experience these elements in a supportive, realistic setting.

Throughout the session, students worked collaboratively on problem-solving activities, took part in timed tasks, and received feedback on their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. It was a fantastic chance for them to build confidence, understand what to expect from assessment centres, and reflect on how they can best showcase their strengths to future employers. Well done to all who took part-you’ve taken an important step towards your next destination.
Many thanks,