Archway Careers
A Future without Limits
The aim of Archway’s careers department is to help all students make the right choices when it comes to their futures.
Lesley Ryall is Archway’s internal careers lead. She organises programmes, including work experience, mock interviews, Archway based careers fairs and she manages the diary of the external careers adviser. Lesley can be contacted on LesleyRyall@archwayschool.net or phone 01453 769542.
Fiona Hammond is an independent careers adviser who, in addition to running group sessions around GCSE and post 16 option choices, is also available to all students for 1-1 sessions. These sessions can be requested by using the form in the library or downloading the form below and handing it to student services.
Archway Sixth Form Careers
Students at Archway Sixth Form go on to a range of different destinations, including Higher Education, apprenticeships, employment, and gap years.
These are some recent examples of what Archway Sixth Form students and have gone on to do after Success in their A Level and BTEC qualification:
Taia
BSc Mathematics, University of Bristol
Maths A*, Chemistry A*, Fine Art A*, Extended Project Qualification A*
Talia
BA English Literature, St Mary’s College, University of Durham
Photography A*, English Literature A, Fine Art A, Extended Project Qualification A*
Alex
MB ChB Gateway to Medicine, University of Bristol
Biology A, Chemistry A, Physics A
Lydia
BSc Paramedic Science, University of Gloucestershire
BTEC Health and Social Distinction*, Sociology B, Psychology B
Freddie
Procurement Apprenticeship, St James’ Place Wealth Management
BTEC Business Studies Distinction *, Geography A, Extended Project Qualification A
Harry
Degree Level Apprenticeship in Aerospace Engineering, GKN Aerospace
Biology B, Geography C, Physics, C, Maths D
Hamzah
BSc Computer Science, Aston University
Maths B, Computer Science B, Physics B
Ask the Professional
Careers Plan & Calendar
Careers Plan for 2021/2022
Aim
Archway currently has a high number of students continuing into Education, employment, and Training (EET). 97% continued into EET from KS4 (2020 cohort), 95% continue into EET at post 18 level (2020 cohort). The target for the school is to have 100% in EET and the careers plan will look to support this target.
1.A stable career programme.
We have an embedded programme that has been developed over several years.
All stakeholders know of this programme and can access information via website.
We work closely with gFirst LEP and with employers in the area.
Target for 2021/2022
Explore & embed careers talks into curriculum lessons.
Evaluate impact of career programme, using surveys.
2.Learning from career and labour market information
This occurs on the employer events we run such as the entrepreneur’s day where local businesspeople come in and mentor students through a design project.
Students undertake work experience and gain first-hand knowledge
Target for 2021/2022
Include labour market information into 1:1 career conversation
Encourage external speakers to refer to labour market.
Increase use of LMI for all by teachers in lessons.
3.Addressing the needs of each pupil
CIAEG available at significant time such as Y12 for post 18 choices and Y11 for post 16 options.
We work closely with SGS to identify students who may need additional support in transitions and arrange accompanied visits. We ensure students aspirations are challenged regardless of such things as gender/ ethnicity or PP
Target for 2021/2022
Identify NEETs and other groups using POLAR 4 to hit school target of 100% in EET.
120 1:1 career conversation to be held this year by external advisors.
Increase number of group career conversations by internal Careers Advisor.
4.Linking curriculum learning to careers
We need to improve for Gatsby benchmark 4. LRY and DSA will be working on how careers are currently being addressed in curriculum and how to improve. We are looking at embedding careers lessons in SPACE lessons. LRY is building contacts with various outreach teams from universities to the police and engineering firms to deliver talks / workshops on careers and further education.
Target for 2021/2022
All curriculum plans for every department have a career/real life link. These will be developed, and a careers curriculum plan will be created.
SPACE lessons to have more careers information and external business input.
5.Encounters with employers and employees
We run an Ask the Professional event where local and national institutions attend. Students can talk to employees/HE/FE and ask questions.
We hold mock interviews where students are interviewed by a prospective employer. These employers give advice on what requirements are need for a role and give written feedback to students on their performance. With changes in timetable and the loss of assembly time we are developing links so that employers will be able to deliver talks in SPACE lessons.
Target for 2021/2022
Improve year 7’s encounters with employers and employees.
Careers Fair
6.Experiences of workplaces
Y10 and Y12 students undertake a week’s work placement in July and February.
Last year due to the Covid 19 pandemic work experience was cancelled.
Target for 2021/2022
This academic year we are looking at face to face work experience
7.Encounters with further and higher education
We run visits to universities e.g., Bristol University science department & University of Gloucester study skills days. We participate in the University of Gloucester summer school for Y10.
Target for 2021/2022
Increase coverage (number of students that have access to these opportunities) of higher and further education opportunities
Careers Fair
8.Personal guidance
All advisers both external and internal are qualified (OCR Level 6 diploma in Careers Guidance). Appointments can be requested but are also scheduled at significant times when choices are being made.
Target for 2021/2022
Identify NEETs and other groups using POLAR 4 to hit school target of 100% in EET.
Implement careers report for students so they have record of the career opportunities they have had at Archway.
Gatsby Benchmark
Mock Interviews
Archway School places great importance on preparing students for interviews with future employers and further education providers. All Year 10 and Year 12 students are timetabled to have a mock interview; Year 12’s is in the Autumn term and Year 10’s is in the Summer term. The process includes: completing an application form, an interview with a real employer and provision of feedback.
The benefits of mock interviews are 3-fold:
1. They help reduce stress and anxiety about interviewing.
If you’re not sure how to answer typical interview questions, mock interviews provide a great opportunity for you to “test drive” your answers.
2. They help boost confidence.
People who conduct mock interviews will point out an individual’s strengths. By having confidence in knowing their skills, students will perform better in an actual interview.
3. They provide constructive feedback in a low-stress environment.
No one is the perfect candidate, so mock interviews help clarify responses to certain questions and help the student to work on areas where they may have weaknesses.
Post 16 Careers Pathways
Fiona Hammond is an independent careers adviser who runs group sessions for all Year 11s on their post 16 careers options. Throughout year 11 students will be informed of the different pathways that they need to consider post 16, which include: staying on at Archway 6th form, moving to a local college or taking up an apprenticeship.
Fiona Hammond is also available to all students for 1-1 sessions. These sessions can be requested by using the form in the library or downloading the form below and handing it to Mrs Ryall.
Post 18 Careers Information
Year 12 and 13 students need to carefully consider their choices post 18 and there are plenty options to consider.
The choices they make will be affected by many things, such as their financial situation, interests, attitude to study, qualifications, the job market, etc. The post 18 options include (these links are not exhaustive, but give an idea of what is available):
•Advanced, Higher or Degree Apprenticeship
Provider Access Policy Statement
The Real Game
- Research career and job ideas
- Find out what sort of job might suit your personality
- Think about the things that you value in life
- Think about what your future lifestyle might be like
- Learn about different pathways into jobs
Virtual Careers Fair
Virtual Work Experience
Virtual work experience - why it might help you stand out
The parents guide to virtual work experience
What is virtual work experience?
Virtual work experience, also referred to as online, remote, or digital, provides you with the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace, develop skills, boost your employability, and explore new industries and job roles.
Below is a list of some free virtual work experience placements plus careers information/tips Some will give a flavour of a career and some are actual placements where you need to register, apply, and complete work (up to 5-day placement). Other forms of work experience you can demonstrate (if safe to do so) such as volunteering (at a foodbank?) taking shopping to elderly neighbours, dog walking, Extracurricular activities – DoE, Scouts, Guides, Clubs or take up a new skill such as sign language
British Sign Language For as little as a £3 donation you can start a course in BSL online –
https://www.british-sign.co.uk/
Also, look at individual Employers via their website
- https://www.s4snextgen.org/ Speakers 4 Schools are offering a range of areas for the focussed student. You need to register to look at the various opportunities on offer.
- https://www.springpod.co.uk/learn-lounge/ offers students to Live and interactive careers talks, completely free to attend. If you can’t watch live - all talks will be available on-demand. It features inspiring career stories and guidance from experts across different fields – from technology to sport, and everything in between.
- https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-virtual-work-experience/school/virtual-work-experience - You will need to register for this but not only does Barclaycard LifeSkills offer this virtual work experience but also lots of useful information including CVs, building confidence and assertiveness, and tips to progress into the eventual world of work. When you take part or view activities, students gain points to track their LifeSkills progress.
- https://teachfirstcharity.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/External/DEV/EUNzGLsYJXxCnAIanU-raxUBlrdSh_8psz4PFsveYldYtw?rtime=4qtUq1IY2Eg – 5-8 min video clips of Virtual Career Talks from UK companies. Also, there are fact sheets accompanying the films, plus shows subject links. More career talks to add in the future. Some include Architecture, Drama & Theatre, Electrician & Finance
- https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/work-experience-and-internships Information and suggestions to alternatives to Work Experience plus lots of other career & job profiles & information
Virtual Work Experience Opportunities
https://iscaexeter.co.uk/students/virtual-work-experience/
SPECIFIC CAREERS
Medical
https://medicmentor.co.uk/covid-19-student-work-experience-opportunities/ for specific Science-related careers such as Doctors, Dentistry & Veterinary Surgeons
Law
What Job is for Me?
In choosing a job there are a number of things a person can do that can help them to make the best decision. Firstly, get to know themselves – their strengths, values, interests and ambitions. Next, do research on possible jobs - making sure they know as much as they can about what specific jobs are really like.
In addition – get some advice from a professional as there might be other options or funding schemes open that could be overlooked. It is always helpful to have someone impartial as a sounding board to check if you're doing the right thing. Fiona Hammond is Archway’s independent careers adviser who, in addition to running group sessions around GCSE and post 16 option choices, is also available to all students for 1-1 sessions. These sessions can be requested by using the form in the library or down loading the form below and handing it to Mrs Ryall.
Work Experience
All Year 10 and Year 12 students are required to have a week’s work experience. Year 10’s week is the last week of the summer term, while Year 12’s takes place in February.
Archway places great importance on work experience as it can add considerable weight to a student’s CV and if they are thinking of applying to university, some professional credibility will look great on their UCAS personal statement.
If a student already knows they want to pursue a particular career in journalism, for example, they should try and get work experience at a local paper or magazine. The more relevant to their future career the better.
However, if a student is not sure what they want to do then they should select a sector they think they might be interested in and use their work experience to find out whether that line of work is for them.
Parents are encouraged to be proactive in helping their child secure a fulfilling work experience placement.
Careers Information for Parents
Careers information for Parents and Guardians
A website for parents produced by the Careers Writers Association.
Looks at applications, HE advice, LMI, making choices and more.
https://www.parentalguidance.org.uk/
Advice for parents to help support and understand their children’s future choices.
From looking at loans to choosing the right course, University, Gap year etc.
http://www.parentadviser.co.uk/
Advice for parents on helping sons/daughters in choosing university and some courses.
https://parentinfo.org/articles/education-and-the-future/all
UCAS advice on helping your son and daughter through the University Process.
A parent’s guide to Apprenticeships.
Which? guide to University.
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/choosing-a-course
Careers Twitter
gfirst LEP Careers Coach
Talking Futures
Archway School are an early adopter of Talking Futures which is a suite of resources to help educators in England support parents to have constructive careers and education conversations with their children.
Virtual Work Experience Y10/11
What is virtual work experience?
Virtual work experience, also referred to as online, remote, or digital, provides young people with the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace, develop their skills, boost their employability, and explore new industries and job roles.
It’s a broad term and can include any opportunity which provides young people with an insight into what it’s like to work in an industry or job role while at home. Most virtual work experiences range from half a day to one week, but some may last longer depending on the nature of the work experience and the age of your child.
Not all virtual work experience is the same. Some are open to everyone and provide a platform for students to discover more about the job, view pre-recorded videos on what it’s like to work with the organisation, go on virtual tours and possibly take part in some live Q&A sessions. Others may require your child to go through an application process and offer regular online meetings with a supervisor, individual project work, networking sessions, training opportunities and video tutorials.
What are the benefits of a virtual work placement?
Think global!
Virtual work placements are open to everyone and location does not need to be a limiting factor. This opens many possibilities for your child to explore new jobs and industries in areas that may not have been possible under face-to-face arrangements.
It’s free
Most virtual work experience placements are free, although some employers charge for the opportunity; working from home will also mean your child will not incur any travel related costs.
Future proof
Remote working is likely to be important to many businesses in the future and learning how to conduct business and work online will develop extremely valuable skills for the modern workplace.
Transferable skills
It’s not always easy working from home and taking part in virtual work experience placements will help your child develop those soft skills that all employers are seeking, such as organisation, time-management, and self-motivation.
Knowing what’s right (or what isn’t)
Understanding what a job or a career entails might help your child make decisions about whether that role is right for them in the future.
VIRTUAL WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR Y10
Medicine
Years 10 - 12. Work experience in medicine, vet science and dentistry. Use the code Elev8Careers for free places.
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Age 13+
Law
Age 14-19, as well as opportunities for University undergraduates and graduates.
Age 14+. A programme which offers real work experience as you will complete tasks to gain legal analytical skills, develop legal knowledge of the insurance industry, and learn critical legal communication, research, and drafting skills.
Health and Social Care
Age 13+ A free course with the Open University and helpful resource for those interested in Nursing, Healthcare and Allied Health Professions.
Springpod Virtual Work Experience
Age 14-19. An online platform with opportunities in a range of different vocational areas including Healthcare.
Open Learn - Free Learning from the Open University
Age 13+. Resources for those interested in finding out about different areas of work including Psychology, Childcare, Social Work, Teaching, Police and Forensic Science.
Early Years and Childcare Virtual Work Experience
Offered through CACHE, again might be more suitable for 14–16-year-olds with making choices.
Finance
Age 14-18
Computing, Technology and Digital
Barclays Life Skills Work experience with a digital transformation agency
Age 14-19
Age 13-18
National Cyber Security Centre
Age 11-19
Teach First's Work Experience Programme
For age 15+, Teach First is working with companies to provide virtual work experience to pupils nationwide, Companies will give pupils the chance to experience their industry, and gain insight into the digital workplace. Pupils will develop awareness of the world of work and different career options.
No age range specified. Design your own Video game through practical quests delivered by some of the UK’s biggest games studios, with live masterclasses, free software and a supportive online community.
Age 14-18. This Software Engineering Virtual Internship provides an opportunity to explore what life is like as a Software Engineer.
Creative
Halliday Fraser Munro ARCHTECTURE AND DESIGN
Age 13-17
Hunter Bevan DESIGN AND MARKETING
Secondary School Students
