Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance
Careers education, information advice and guidance are more than just choosing a job – it is a lifelong process that is influenced by their interests, abilities and passion.
We recognise how important it is for pupils to understand and appreciate the options available to them and have the confidence and ability to pursue their own realistic pathways. By helping individuals to recognise their strengths and aptitudes, students are empowered to make their own well-informed decisions with support from the school and their parents/carers.
We are proud that each year a significantly large number of our students are accepted to their first choice of university, and we are equally as proud of those who pursue a different route, such as an apprenticeship.
Our Careers Programme
Our careers education programme is delivered to all students from Years 7 to 13 and has been developed in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks. The school is working towards Career Mark Quality in Careers Standard, a prestigious award that confirming that the school provides an outstanding provision of careers education.
Key Stage 3
During Key Stage 3 the careers programme is embedded within the Personal, Social, Health and Education (PSHE) programme. All of these lessons are delivered by either the Head of Careers or Head of PSHE. Pupils spend time developing their self-awareness including their personal characteristics, abilities, interests, potential and limitations.
All pupils are able to access one-to-one career interviews with the Head of Careers to support them with making subject options in Year 9. All of Year 9 also
complete the Morrisby Aspirations Assessment to provide them with a full understanding of different careers and how subject options can impact different pathways. At the Year 9 Options Evening, pupils are able to discuss with subject specialists and also receive a copy of the ‘options booklet’ to support them with their choices. Towards the end of the academic year, pupils also get to experience a day in the world of work as part of the ‘Take Your Child to Work’ scheme.
All of our pupils use Unifrog to track their careers education and progress. In Year 7 pupils are introduced to Unifrog and how this can be used to track their competencies and skills throughout their education. The focus of the careers programme in Year 7 is personal development and building transferable skills. In Year 8, pupils get to grips with career terminology, learn about the world of work and gain an understanding of employment law. In Year 9, the programme focuses on students choosing their GCSE options, before moving onto an environmental project, which aims to build transferable skills.
Key Stage 4
During Key Stage 4 pupils receive career lessons as part of their PSHE programme. Emphasis is placed on developing key skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, employability and revision skills. Pupils also focus on CV writing and interview skills. In Year 10, all pupils partake in a week of work experience in a company/industry of their choice (covid permitting). In Year 11, all pupils complete the Morrisby Aptitude test to support them with post-16 options. Pupils are further supported with a 1:1 career discussion with the Head of Careers; a 1:1 interview to discuss a variety of pathways with an Independent Careers Advisor; and meet with the Head of Sixth form for discussions around subject options. Click here for the 6th Form Curriculum Information
Sixth Form
In the Sixth Form, students benefit from a programme of speakers including representatives from universities, apprenticeships, and where possible, Study Abroad organisations and Gap Year opportunities. Pupils who are keen to apply to early entrant courses are given additional support to understand what they need to do, in order to submit a competitive application. We run a successful Oxbridge Group for students who are interested in applying to Oxbridge, and we also run a Medical Careers Group to support and prepare pupils for applications into medically related courses.
Pupils are encouraged to think carefully about how work experience, summer schools or academic events/lectures can enhance their application for post-18 options.
We measure the success of our careers programme through feedback from our students and destination data and speak with students about what they need to support them with their career planning. Please view our Careers Policy and Careers Entitlement Statement below for further information.
All students throughout the school are able to access one-to-one career advice where it is appropriate for their future, with all students in KS4 receiving a guidance interview and all Sixth Formers having a further opportunity to speak with an independent careers advisor if they would like to.
Accessing Careers Information
In order to make well informed, realistic decisions about their education, training and careers, students require up-to-date and impartial careers information. In school, pupils are encouraged to use a variety of labour market information sources which are included below. Parents and careers might also wish to access this information to help support their children in making informed decisions.
| Further Education | Higher Education |
| UCAS | UCAS |
| TPS Sixth Form | Whatuni |
| Peterborough City Council Post-16 | The Complete University Guide |
| The Times Higher University Rankings |
Information for Parents and Carers
· Advice on Choosing Options in Year 9: Parent Information
Speakers and Experience
We welcome a range of speakers to come and talk to our students about opportunities in FE, HE or Employment, therefore if you wish to make further enquiries about speaking with our students please contact Dr Laura Fox-Clipsham (Head of Careers) at l.foxclipsham@tpsch.co.uk to discuss timings and venues. We are committed to ensuring that our students are aware of the full range of options available to them.
Jobs and Careers
External providers offering careers advice.
