Careers Education

At LRGS, we encourage pupils to make the most of their talents, skills and interests, and we help them to develop the knowledge and confidence to go on to appropriate training and fulfilling careers. We understand how the world of work is evolving at a rapid pace, and we aim to equip our pupils with the tools and aspirations for success beyond school.

We have a stable careers education programme that is delivered through structured, discrete careers lessons embedded within our Values course. These lessons support pupils with identifying their skills and interests, developing knowledge and understanding of themselves and the labour market, and helping them to make informed decisions at each options stage. In addition, academic departments interweave careers-related activities and resources into their lessons, encouraging pupils to explore careers through a subject lens and to make links between what they are learning in the classroom and its application in the wider world.

We have a wide network of contacts who support and enhance this classroom provision, through speaking in assemblies, leading lunchtime talks and presentations, and welcoming groups of pupils for workplace visits. We run regular careers insights fortnights whereby visiting speakers host presentations and workshops about their careers and experiences. In addition, from Year 9, pupils receive a weekly themed careers newsletter to their inbox, covering details about employers, universities, training opportunities and labour market information.

All Year 10 pupils are given the opportunity to take part in a workplace visit to a local business or organisation. 

Every two years, we host our own careers fair which is well attended by a wide range of universities, apprenticeship providers and local businesses. The fair gives pupils the opportunity to gather facts on all progression routes, entry requirements and trends in the current labour market.

In the Sixth Form, all pupils take part in the PuP award, further enhancing their experience and knowledge of the world of work.  

Our careers programme aims to help pupils to: 
 * Develop a broad understanding of the world of work and an ability to respond to changing opportunities. 
 * Use their self-knowledge when thinking about and making choices with regards to options, further / higher education and employment.
 * Develop career management and independent research skills to review achievements, plan future actions, make decisions, present themselves well and cope with change and transition.

Our careers programme is designed in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks, the 8 criteria for effective careers education. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unifrog

We use the Unifrog platform with pupils from Key Stage 3 upwards. Not only does this provide a rich source of information and inspiration for pupils during lessons and through independent research, it also supports them to develop a careers profile and keep a record of careers related activities they have taken part in. Pupils use it to understand more about employability and the skills they will need to succeed and to make informed decisions about future qualifications and careers. It is also used as part of the UCAS application process by Sixth Formers.

Careers Adviser 

Carol Hope is an experienced, independent Careers Adviser who delivers careers support to LRGS pupils two days each week. Pupils have access to impartial information and advice on a broad range of options including apprenticeships, entrepreneurialism and vocational routes alongside A-levels and university, to support informed decisions at key transition points. Mrs Hope offers face-to-face guidance to all Year 11 pupils and to the Sixth Form at key times, or upon request. She gives information on the range of education, training and career opportunities available and works to ensure that every pupil is stretched and able to realise their potential. To book an appointment to see Mrs Hope, pupils should contact Mrs Gibbon in Wyresdale House.  

Enterprise Adviser 

Dr Shorna Pal is an Enterprise Adviser and is supporting students to be happy and healthy world citizens contributing professionally to a spectrum of careers from engineering to animation to research. Shorna’s core professional experience is in programme management. She has managed programmes for public, private and not-for-profit organisations, including North West Aerospace Alliance, Department for Work and Pensions and World Armsport Federation, and across different countries including the UK, India, Sweden, Singapore and Hong Kong. Shorna has been instrumental in supporting our careers insights programme, helping the school to extend its network of contacts to bring in inspirational speakers from a range of fields.

Careers Leader

Ms Sarah Haigh, Deputy Head, is the school’s careers leader. She oversees the school’s careers programme, liaising with key stakeholders linked to the school as well as external partners to ensure a stable and embedded programme.

Helpful Links:

Parents Guide to Apprenticeships

The Parent Perspective Podcast - “The Parent Perspective” is an exciting podcast series for parents and carers, helping them to support their children with careers advice and guidance. 

Another helpful web resource to support families with options decisions here.

Here is a selection of external websites that are useful for researching careers and employers.  

Twenty Ways to Stand Out to Employers After Graduation
UCAS
Speakers for School and the Stream Inspiration Channel
InvestIn - and the Dear InvestIN podcast 
Step into the NHS
NHS
RAF Recruitment
Lancashire Executive Forum
BT
Amazing Apprenticeships
Prospects
Lancashire Careers Hub
.Gov apprenticeships
National Careers Service
Plan it Plus
Careers advice for parents
Tomorrow's Engineers
Cyber Security roles
Beginners Guide to Law
Green jobs
BBC Careers
Medic Portal