Our Careers Programme

The careers programme at Soar Valley College starts in Year 7. During their five years in secondary school, we aim to ensure that students have,

  • Opportunities to think about they kind of person they are
  • What makes them who they are
  • What they enjoy
  • How they learn best.

Through encouraging self-discovery and reflection and providing opportunities and career-based encounters, we believe students will have the skill set to be able to make decisions on their career journey at key points during their secondary school education.

Careers education is taught across all curriculum areas with a specific focus embedded within our pastoral curriculum and within PSHE lessons. Unifrog is our careers platform that we use and all students have the chance to explore this to learn more about themselves as they progress through secondary education.

All students will have the chance to hear from a local college or training provider, alumni and local employers as part of their career journey at Soar Valley College. All year groups have the chance to take part in competitions and activities relating to careers and all receive assemblies as part of National Careers Week and National Apprenticeship Week.

One to one careers advice with our inhouse careers advisor is provided for all KS4 students. Students can request an Information and Guidance (IAG) appointment at any point throughout their time at Soar Valley College.

Year 7

For Year 7, our pastoral curriculum, focuses on helping students to understand they kind of person that they are. We introduce students to key vocabulary surrounding careers to enable them to begin to communicate their thoughts in an informed way. Students consider ways to make a good first impression with staff and professionals from the world of work.

 

Year 8

The pastoral curriculum for Year 8 helps students to identify their skills, qualities and interests, thus supporting their upcoming key decision making moments in Year 9. By identifying skills and qualities early, we believe that students will be better equipped to understand themselves in relation to the world of work. Year 8 also explore the idea of gender stereotypes. We aim to encourage students to consider the impact of gender stereotypes and feel less restricted in terms of what they can go on to achieve regardless of their gender and academic ability.

 

Year 9

Year 9 focusses on their GCSE option choices. For Year 9 we build upon their prior learning in Year 7 and Year 8 and encourage students to reflect on their personal skills and qualities to enable them to make informed decisions about their future. As part of their pastoral careers strand, students continue to explore some key vocabulary relating to the world of work and labour market information.  We work to provide a range of opportunities for students to meet with employers from the world of work to ensure that they are gaining an insight into different aspects of the work place. The opportunities provided for students are to enable students to feel in control of their career journey with expert advice and guidance every step of the way.  

  

Year 10

Year 10 students all have the chance to take part in Work Experience during the summer term. In preparation for this 5-day placement, students will write a CV, further explore our online careers platform, Unifrog, research Post 16 options and further develop understanding of Labour Market Information. All Year 10 students will receive a mock interview from an employer which is designed to help them articulate their thoughts on their future and receive personal feedback for self-reflection. The Year 10 programme has been designed specifically to help students move confidently into Year 11 and beyond.

 

Year 11

From September – January, we support students with their college applications. Students have in school tutor periods to guide them through writing their personal statement, identifying the correct level of entry at Post 16, searching for courses and making applications. Students have additional input on apprenticeships, T levels, V levels and are all invited to attend our annual Post 16 Options Evening which brings in a wealth of Post 16 providers for students to speak with.

 

If you have any questions regarding our careers programme, please email careers@soarvalley.aspirelp.uk