YEAR 11
If you would like a careers guidance interview, please book an appointment in person via Mrs Pipe in the library or you can email CPipe@alechunter.com
The qualifications you get will affect what you do in your future, and we are here to help with college or sixth form applications and searching for apprenticeships.
If you have not yet done any work experience/volunteering in Year 10, then now is the time! (See the Year 10 page for more information)
By now, all year 11 students should have completed a personal CV in a Learning for Life lesson. This needs to be constantly updated with any new skills or experience. If you have not yet got a CV, see your Learning for Life teacher or Mrs Pipe in the library.
Options after Year 11
Before choosing your next steps, you need to think about a few things:
- How do you learn?
- What kind of person are you?
- What are you good at?
- What are you interested in?
- What exam results are you likely to get?
If you don't know the answers to these questions, don't worry. Use the information here to start you thinking and talk to the people that know you, or make an appointment to see the schools Careers Adviser.
Raising the Participation Age (RPA)
It is a government requirement that young people stay in some form of education or training until their 18th birthday. More information can be found here. This can be any of the following:
- Sixth Form
- Further Education College
- Apprenticeships / Traineeships
- Employment (with training)
- Volunteering (with training)
Remember it's important to make sure you choose subjects that you like and are good at!
If you would like a careers guidance interview, please book an appointment in person via Mrs Pipe in the library or you can email cpipe@alechunter.com
Timing is Important
Not sure when to start? Our Year 11 Timeline will help you to start planning and ensure you don't miss those important deadline dates..
- Pick up Sixth Form and College prospectuses from the school library
- Attend Sixth Form and College open events
- Check out how to apply (either online or paper application form)
- Check out when the deadline date for applications is and ensure you apply in time!
- Start revising for your exams – remember, the better your GCSE grades, the more choices you will have in the future!
College & sixth form Open Events
Please click the button below to view the latest Open Event dates:
CHOOSING SUBJECTS
What you study at Sixth Form or College can affect your options at university and your future career. If you don't know what degree subject you want to study it's important to understand all the options available to you with your chosen A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications).
The traditional facilitating subjects are Maths, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Modern Languages. These are highly respected and useful for almost any degree, but they are often required or highly recommended for competitive degrees (especially at Russell Group universities). However, students are encouraged to use the Russell Group's Informed Choices website as it provides course-specific guidance and enables you to check the entry requirements for your specific university and desired degree.
- Checking specific course requirements: Many degrees, especially in STEM fields, require specific A-levels (e.g., Medicine requires Chemistry and Biology; Engineering often requires Maths and Physics).
- Keeping options open: If you are unsure what you want to study at university, choosing subjects that provide a strong academic foundation can keep a wider range of courses available to you.
- Prioritising interest and strength: Choosing subjects you are passionate about and are likely to achieve good grades in is often more important than selecting a "preferred" subject you struggle with.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a real job with training which allows you to earn a wage whilst you learn. You will gain a nationally recognised qualification in whichever sector you choose to work. If you need help in making applications, you can make an appointment with the careers adviser in school.
You can search and apply using this link: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
(For further information on how to navigate this website and create a successful application, please download the document 'How to write a winning Apprenticeship application gov.uk', below.)
For information on what you can earn as an apprentice go to: https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions
Click here for resources: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/
STEM CAREERS
The Government is encouraging more young people to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) related subjects because they will give you the skills you will need for a wide range of career choices in the future. Have a look at these useful websites:
MEDICAL AND DENTAL CAREERS
Students seeking guidance on enhancing their medical and dental applications can access a range of enriching extracurricular opportunities aimed at bolstering their skills and providing unique experiences.
Free NHS Virtual Work Experience
Free Volunteering Placements with the ‘You Okay Doc?’
Free National Study Skills E-learning
Free Virtual Medical/Dental Society Webinars
Free Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion E-learning Course for Healthcare Professionals.
Students can access these extracurricular opportunities by signing up for a free student portal:
Medical: https://medicmentor.org/the-medic-mentor-portal-2/
Dental: https://dental-mentor.org/the-medic-mentor-portal-2/
Careermag for School Leavers
Careermag is a high-quality careers magazine which connects students, graduates, their parents and educators to career support and guidance. Careermag is all about helping young people unlock their full potential through telling stories, dispelling myths and misconceptions and sharing insights into employment and qualification routes. Each issue features top employers, hints and tips to help you with your job search, inspiring case studies and sector spotlights so you can make a well-informed decision on what is right for you.
https://careermap.co.uk/careermag/
Labour Market Information:
Identifying where the jobs are now and where they could be in the future is called Labour Market Information. Researching this will help you choose your options and future career pathways.
www.parentalguidance.org.uk/labour-market-information
For further information, advice & guidance please visit the Directions IAG website, which is packed full of useful information for students, parents and carers using this link: https://directions-careers.co.uk/