Our Careers Programme ensures Ryburn students have a bright future ahead of them and the confidence and aspiration to go for it.
Below is an outline of our careers work, an example of the typical programme offered during each academic year at Ryburn. Events vary from year to year, and students will be informed of specific dates and upcoming events relevant to them.
Year 7
Transition programme
Before and after joining Ryburn, we help students make a smooth transition to secondary school without a dip in progress. This includes developing a strong relationship with teachers and their Form Tutor who will guide and encourage them.
iD, iGen and iDays (PSHCE)
The careers section of the curriculum covers self-awareness, challenging gender stereotypes and learning about the labour market. It also encourages students to develop transferable skills such as resilience and communication skills. Annual day in which the normal timetable is suspended to make way for special activities. Some of the activities include a careers and skills focus, and are helped by many external professionals.
Careers Weeks
Three careers weeks through the year give students chance to hear from role models from different professions and learn about the options available to them.
Subject areas
Departments around school involve many careers-related opportunities within lessons and extracurricular clubs. These include lesson content, school trips, subject displays, and meeting guest professionals or alumni in school.
Careers advice and guidance
Students can access information and guidance through C+K Careers in our Library, including booking an appointment with an advisor. It is also possible for parents / carers to book an appointment.
Year 8
High Aspirations
We identify a small group of students who would benefit from additional careers support, focussed on raising aspirations. This includes 'The Buzz' test, a motivational group session and individual interviews.
Careers Weeks
Three careers weeks through the year give students chance to hear from role models from different professions and learn about the options available to them.
iD, iGen and iDays (PSHCE)
The careers section of the curriculum covers self-awareness, challenging gender stereotypes and learning about the labour market. It also encourages students to develop transferable skills such as resilience and communication skills. Annual day in which the normal timetable is suspended to make way for special activities. Some of the activities include a careers and skills focus, and are helped by many external professionals.
Subject areas
Departments around school involve many careers-related opportunities within lessons and extracurricular clubs. These include lesson content, school trips, subject displays, and meeting guest professionals or alumni in school.
Careers advice and guidance
Students can access information and guidance through C+K Careers in our Library, including booking an appointment with an advisor. It is also possible for parents / carers to book an appointment to discuss GCSE options, career options etc.
Parents Evenings
Careers advisors are on hand at the Y8 Parents Evening to offer careers information and guidance to students and families.
Year 9
Options
Students choose their Key Stage 4 subject options in Year 9. There is lots of guidance to help make this choice, including a taster day, and guidance in the careers and life relevance of their choices. Pupils with SEND get additional individual support. C+K are present for Open Evening.
MyDirections
Students have access to the C+K MYDirections website.
Careers Weeks
Three careers weeks through the year give students chance to hear from role models from different professions and learn about the options available to them.
iGen and iDays (PHSCE)
The careers section of the curriculum covers self-awareness, challenging gender stereotypes and learning about the labour market. It also encourages students to develop transferable skills such as resilience and communication skills. Annual day in which the normal timetable is suspended to make way for special activities. Some of the activities include a careers and skills focus, and are helped by many external professionals.
Subject areas
Departments around school involve many careers-related opportunities within lessons and extracurricular clubs. These include lesson content, school trips, subject displays, enterprise competitions and meeting guest professionals or alumni in school.
Careers advice and guidance
Students can access information and guidance through C+K Careers in our Library, including booking an appointment with an advisor. It is also possible for parents / carers to book an appointment.
Year 10
Life After Year 11
Presentations and a questionnaire help all students to understanding the range of post 16 opportunities (we call these MyPlans). 1:1 and/or group guidance sessions support students to explore which options are right for them. All students are able to access extra support where required.
Be Inspired
We work with a targeted group of high-achieving students and their families for group sessions to give them the support and encouragement to aim high.
Careers Weeks
Three careers weeks through the year give students chance to hear from role models from different professions and learn about the options available to them.
iGen and iDays (PHSCE)
The careers section of the curriculum covers self-awareness, challenging gender stereotypes and learning about the labour market. It also encourages students to develop transferable skills such as resilience and communication skills. Annual day in which the normal timetable is suspended to make way for special activities. Some of the activities include a careers and skills focus, and are helped by many external professionals.
Subject areas
Departments around school involve many careers-related opportunities within lessons and extracurricular clubs. These include lesson content, school trips, subject displays, enterprise competitions and meeting guest professionals or alumni in school.
Careers advice and guidance
Students can access information and guidance through C&K Careers in our Library, including booking an appointment with an advisor. It is also possible for parents / carers to book an appointment. In the summer term, some Year 10 students are offered 1:1 careers appointments to discuss their ideas and prepare them for the decisions they will be making in Year 11. Students can request a careers appointment in the library.
Parents Evenings
Careers advisors are on hand at the Y10 Parents Evening to offer careers information and guidance to students and families.
Work Experience
All Year 10 students undertake work based learning in a local industry in the spring term.
Year 11
Get Organised
All students have access to C+K website called MyDirections. Information on Post 16 options in the area is given to every student, through the online brochure 'Get Organised'and assembly, and in form time. Students and parents are invited to the Get Organised event at the Shay Stadium in October. Open events and taster sessions at local colleges and apprenticeship providers are also promoted to students. Information for students regarding 'Foundation Learning' is provided on the website.
Get Ahead
The 'Get Ahead' booklet on Post 16 foundation learning is provided for students working at Level 1 and below. Students with SEND and their parents/carers are given tailored guidance in their choices with the support of our SEND team and careers advisors.
Ryburn Sixth Taster Day / Alternatives to Sixth Form
In February, we hold a taster day for Ryburn students. They have the option to try out Ryburn Sixth and experience lessons or to take part in a range of activities exploring other options and meeting various Further Education and training providers.
Careers Weeks
Three careers weeks through the year give students chance to hear from role models from different professions and learn about the options available to them.
Careers Fair
All Year 11 pupils visit the Careers Fair, gaining the opportunity to speak to employers, training providers, colleges and HE institutions.
Subject areas
Departments around school involve many careers-related opportunities within lessons and extracurricular clubs. These include lesson content, school trips, subject displays, enterprise competitions and meeting guest professionals or alumni in school.
iGen and iDays (PHSCE)
The careers section of the curriculum covers self-awareness, challenging gender stereotypes and learning about the labour market. It also encourages students to develop transferable skills such as resilience and communication skills. Annual day in which the normal timetable is suspended to make way for special activities. Some of the activities include a careers and skills focus, and are helped by many external professionals.
Careers advice and guidance
Year 11 students all have 1:1 interviews to discuss their post-16 options. Support is available with preparing for applications and interviews, and making alternative plans if they are unsuccessful. Any students who are interested in apprenticeships are given extra support with application forms, CV writing workshops and back-up plans. Students can arrange mock interviews if they would like to practice before the real thing. To ensure all pupils finish Year 11 with a positive offer of learning post-16, we work closely with students who may be at risk of dropping out (RONI). Students can access information and guidance through C+K Careers in our Library, including booking an appointment with an advisor. It is also possible for parents / carers to book an appointment.
Parents Evenings and Open Evening
Careers advisors are on hand at the Y11 Parents Evening and the Ryburn Sixth Open Evening to offer careers information and guidance to students and families.
GCSE Results Day
Careers advisors and Ryburn Sixth staff are on hand on Results Day in August and in the following weeks to offer advice to those who do not get the required grades for their preferred course and to support them to a positive 'plan b' destination.
Ryburn Sixth
Work Experience
All Year 12 students undertake Work Experience in the summer term, with lots of support given in finding suitable opportunities and during the placement itself.
Careers advice and guidance
Year 12 students all have 1:1 interviews to to assess their options and support needs. Targeted support is offered to those choosing to leave Sixth Form early or who require additional support. Support is available with preparing for applications and interviews, and making alternative plans if they are unsuccessful. Fridays are dedicated for our C&K careers advisors to work with Sixth Formers and their families, with appointments available to book or drop in. Students can always find information and guidance through C+K Careers in our Library.
Explore the future
Many activities are offered to enable students to learn about their future options, including university visits and preparation, workshops from visiting HE and training providers, job seekers and employability tutorials. Students are guided to the most suitable opportunities for them, both those organised by Ryburn and outside of school.
Year 12 Information Evening
Each October, we welcome students and families to Ryburn Sixth, with an evening that provides lots of information to help you get the most out of Sixth Form, to decide and prepare for your future paths beyond our doors.
iGEN
In Year 12, our students participate in a range of activities which prepares them for Higher Education and employment. They are guided through how to compose a CV, how best to research different courses and how to budget effectively. Students also undertake a mock interview and are assessed on the delivery of a presentation.
A Level Results Day
Careers advisors and Ryburn Sixth staff are on hand on Results Day in August and in the following weeks to offer advice to those who do not get the required grades for their preferred progression route and to support them to a positive 'plan b' destination.
'Career' describes our journey through life, learning and work. We encourage our students to actively to develop their skills to give them the best opportunities for their future. Career development focuses on learning transferrable skills, as well as gaining knowledge and the developing the right attitude.
Career Development Institute has created a useful guide for career development for each key stage, you can find it by visiting their website below.
HIGHER EDUCATION CALENDAR
For Ryburn Sixth formers planning to go on to university, here’s the calendar of key dates.
| Year 12 | Year 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sept | Exploring your post-18 options | Completing UCAS applications. |
| Oct | External visitors explaining university and apprenticeship routes. | |
| Nov | Building CVs | UCAS applications internal deadline |
| Dec | Exploring Work Experience Options | University offers begin |
| Jan | Exploring specific university courses and apprenticeship opportunities. | UCAS late applications close |
| Continuing to find concrete work experience opportunities. | Apprenticeship applications begin. | |
| Feb | UCAS Extra opens | |
| Student Finance application process begins | ||
| Mar | UCAS Discover (Apprenticeship and University Fair) | Start to apply for student accommodation |
| University visits begin. | Developing Post-18 finance skills | |
| Apr | “Selling yourself” interview skills and developing content for personal statement | |
| May | Writing personal statements. | A level examinations begin |
| Jun | UCAS applications begin | Deadline for accepting university offers – The specific date will vary depending upon when students received their final university offer |
| Presenting your plan for the future. | ||
| Jul | Work Experience Week | A level examinations end |
| Mock Interviews | ||
| Aug | Examination results for External Project Qualification (EPQ), Core Maths and GCSE resits | Examination results for A level and Level 3 BTEC courses |
| Clearing opens. |
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