Careers Programme & Careers Bulletins

St Mary’s High School has a comprehensive Careers Education programme.

St Mary’s aims to raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes and encourage students to consider a wide range of progression pathways and careers. St Mary’s believes everyone is equal and everyone deserves the best.

Students from Year 7-11 will have a comprehensive careers programme throughout their time at St Mary’s. This will give them the necessary information and guidance they need enabling them to make informed decisions at key moments in their educational journey.

Sixth Formers start their Post 18 Careers journey early in year 12, using UNIFROG (a complete destinations platform invested in by the school). Students are supported to explore different careers, University courses, apprenticeships and employment.

All Year 12 students take part in a week’s work shadowing. Students are encouraged to source their own placement in a work place that will support their future career, UCAS application and CV.

Year 13 students are guided with UCAS applications and personal statements whilst those not planning on going to University receive preparation for apprenticeships and employment through CV work, LinkedIn and interview preparation.

Careers Programme Overview 2022/23

Year 7

Discovering Careers & Areas of Strength and Areas for development.
Dedicated Careers PSHEE Lessons (focusing on helping pupils explore different careers on Unifrog), Unifrog sessions, National Apprenticeship Week Assembly, National Careers Week Activities, Guest Speaker

Year 8

Careers In the Healthcare Sector.
Guest Speaker, Unifrog sessions, National Apprenticeship Week Assembly, National Careers Week Activities, Dedicated Careers PSHEE Lessons students are introduced to their career journey where they explore the decisions they need to take to help support their chosen career path. Step into the NHS competition.

Year 9

GCSE Options Focus. Identifying skills and Interests.
Careers Carousel, National Apprenticeship Week Assembly, National Careers Week Activities, PSHEE sessions. In PSHEE pupils define their personal goals and identify their interests and skills and how this can relate to future careers to help them research their preferences. Options Evening.

Year 10

Building Employability Skills, Learning about the World of Work and Work Experience.
Careers Carousel, Pre-Work Experience Day (Employment Law, Interview Techniques and Work Life Balance, Health & Safety in the Workplace, CV writing), National Apprenticeship Week Assembly, National Careers Week Activities, Work Experience Assembly, Work Experience.

Year 11

Enhancing Employability Skills and Preparing for Next Steps
Careers Carousel, Careers PSHEE Lessons, Careers IAG Meeting, National Apprenticeship Week Assembly, National Careers Week Activities, Informed Choices Day (a university, college & apprenticeship presentation). College visits.

Year 12

Discovering Post 18 Options
Dedicated Careers PSHEE Lesson, National Apprenticeship Week Assembly, National Careers Week Activities, Enrichment sessions, (A variety of talks from universities, apprenticeship providers and UCAS preparation sessions). Work Experience.

Year 13

Preparing for Post 18 Options
Personal Statement Sessions, Mock Interview, University Visits, Careers IAG meetings, National Apprenticeship Week Assembly, National Careers Week Activities, Employment Preparation Session. Apprenticeship Application workshop and Mock Assessment Centre.