Pupils develop an understanding of the career options available to them. They have an opportunity, using Careers Software, to discover which careers are appropriate for thier individual skill set. Year 10 pupils can develop a Personal Career Plan, helping them to plan ahead and prepare for life.

During Year 10, pupils learn the value of decision making and how decisions made now can impact their school life and life thereafter. Careers teachers guide and advise pupils at the end of Key Stage 3 assisting them with appropriate choices for GCSE. At this critical time, Careers Advice Sessions are offered with Careers Teachers and with an External Advisor from the Careers Service. These sessions are designed help pupils think ahead, choosing subjects that they not only enjoy, but also those which link with their particular career choice.

Through enrichment pupils receive talks from various organisations including the Army and Wrightbus, they provide information about the range of jobs available in their respective sectors, the qualifications required for work and the salary offered.

In Key Stage 4, the focus is very firmly set on Work Experience and preparing for the world of work. Pupils review their Personal Career Plans (PCPs), set about developing and improving personal statements; they create C.V.s and cover letters for a job of their choice; they explore Health and Safety in the workplace including the completion of application forms and developing their interview skills. In addition, pupils, in collaboration with the English Department, complete a professional interview with external agents. This interview is assessed as part of their English Language Speaking and Listening Controlled Assessment.

During Year 12, students are able to complete one week’s Work Experience. Pupils are encouraged to choose their placement wisely, road-testing a career they would seriously consider for the future. Those students who have opted for a Vocational Route at GCSE, have the opportunity to carry out work experience in June of Year 11 in addition to one week’s placement in Year 12, truly gaining an insight into employment.

To further prepare the pupils in Year 12 they take part in a one-to-one Careers Guidance Interview with a trained professional from the Careers Service. This is to enable them to make informed decisions about their future. A range of Post-16 options are explored including attending Sixth Form or College, applying for Apprenticeships or Employment.

In Sixth Form, pupils begin to think about their options when they leave school. Much time is dedicated to reviewing and improving PCPs; to improving their approach to application forms and C.Vs and to developing interview skills. Pupils in Sixth Form also have the opportunity to speak to an external Careers Advisor on a one-to-one basis, as well as their Careers Teachers about their options.

Students can opt to attend the UCAS Higher Education Convention to explore the range of Higher Education Providers, Apprenticeship and Employment opportunities available. They also attend Open Days at Queen’s and Ulster University.  If considering University as an option, pupils complete UCAS forms in Sixth Form. Speakers from a number of Universities visit the school to inform pupils about course choice and finance, sharing the key facts required to make an informed decision.

University is not for everyone. Pupils are encouraged to explore the range of opportunities available to school leavers including Further and Higher Education opportunities at home or abroad, opportunities for Employment, Apprenticeships or a Gap-Year!

In Year 13, pupils complete one week’s Work Experience, further exploring a particular area of work or investigating a completely different sector from Year 12. They complete a competitive, four-stage Assessment Centre, delivered by eye4education which involves completing an Application Form, an Aptitude Test, a Group Task and Individual Interviews. This programme effectively prepares students for the demands of the recruitment process in the labour market.

The Careers Department has a Careers Library where a vast range of literature is available. Pupils can read up on existing courses at their local colleges, research up-to-date Labour Market Information or they can peruse the many prospectuses available from Universities both here in Northern Ireland and overseas.