Careers Programme
“Careers education is comprehensive which enables pupils to make suitable informed choices about their next steps.” - ISI School Inspection Report, October 2024
All staff at Rossall School are committed to delivering a Careers programme that inspires young people to develop their potential, and which raises our students; aspirations throughout the entirety of their school careers.
In line with national guidance on Careers Education, we use the Gatsby Benchmarks to provide a framework that ensures our Careers provision meets the highest national standards across all key areas including labour market information, personalised guidance, curriculum links, employer encounters, workplace experiences, higher education connections, and individual support.
The Unifrog Platform - Our Digital Foundation
Our Careers provision is underpinned by Unifrog, for which all students in Years 7 and above have a login. Unifrog is used by students to research aspirations and career pathways, and for students and staff to record activities undertaken that support students’ future career development. This platform provides students with access to comprehensive information about university applications in the UK and abroad, as well as apprenticeships and other training providers. Accounts are also available to parents on request.
Progressive Support Through Each Key Stage
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Our Key Stage Three Careers provision begins with students being introduced to their Unifrog account and encouraged to complete personality quizzes to explore their interests and consider careers which may be most suitable and fulfilling for them. Every pupil participates in half-termly Unifrog tutorials delivered by their form tutor.
In Year 7, tutorials focus on what it means to have a career, working culture, and students' individual interests. In Years 8 and 9, tutorials are more tailored towards students; skills and focus on how GCSE options will lead into their future pathway. GCSE Options Support is comprehensive, with pupils receiving extensive assistance in making their subject choices. In February of Year 9, pupils and parents are invited to a GCSE Options Evening featuring talks from senior staff about the relationship between subject choices at GCSE and different entry requirements for Sixth Form, Higher Education, apprenticeships and the world of work.
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Students continue utilising the Unifrog platform with half-termly tutorials that focus strongly on working life and Further Education choices, reflecting the ever-changing working world including shifts towards hybrid and remote working. By the Summer Term of Year 10, students will have a fully completed Unifrog profile to support their pathway decisions beyond Key Stage Four. A key feature is the individual 20-30 minute interview with a member of the Careers team in the Michaelmas term of Year 11, providing opportunities to explore developing interests and skills, discuss work experience opportunities, and receive signposting to career research resources.
The Sixth Form Pathways afternoon in late September helps students choose between IBDP, A-Level or BTEC pathways, with particular focus on keeping broad options open whilst selecting subjects necessary for potential Higher Education, apprenticeship or career destinations.
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Extensive time is dedicated to ensuring all students are fully informed about educational, training and employment options, enabling them to make the strongest possible applications to universities, apprenticeship providers or employers.
Year 12 highlights include:
● UCAS Day where students sign up to UCAS and receive guidance on applications
● Individual meetings with the Director of Sixth Form to discuss aspirations
● Termly catch-ups with tutors discussing future aspirations
● Access to specialist support for competitive courses like medicine, with assigned subject mentors and permission to attend university open days [1]
Year 13 continues this tailored support with comprehensive preparation including:
● Guest speakers from Careers including law, engineering, accountancy, military, business, medicine, veterinary sciences and international relations
● Support for Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and other institution entry tests
● A comprehensive interview programme for Degree Apprenticeships or competitive courses [1]
Key Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Parents are actively encouraged to participate through information evenings at key decision points including GCSE Options and Post-16 Options, alongside regular consultation evenings. [1]
Employers provide work experience opportunities and support Careers-related activities, whilst universities, colleges and apprenticeship providers offer visits, speakers, online learning opportunities and application support. The school benefits from its network of Old Rossallians who contribute as visiting speakers, providing students with real-world insights into various career pathways.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Rossall, we recognise that every learner is entitled to high quality Careers education and guidance as part of their overall education. Our programme encompasses Careers-focused tutorials, one-to-one discussions, research activities, and Careers visits designed to help students explore and refine their aspirations whilst expanding their horizons at national and international levels.
