Careers Guidance

Students can be assured that they will receive expert support and guidance in helping to choose either a career, or a Higher Education institute for further study. Students will receive independent and impartial guidance from Year 12 onwards, which will be delivered through workshops and at least two individual 1:1 meetings with our full time Careers Co-ordinator.

Careers events and university visits will form part of Sixth Form life and students will have opportunities for high quality and relevant work experience placements in the summer term of Year 12. We have forged good working relationships with leading universities which enable our Sixth Form students to access advice for their future higher education. Students are allocated a personal tutor, who will guide them through the UCAS application process and how to complete the personal statement. If an apprenticeship or employment route is of more interest to you however, Alderbrook has strong links with local businesses and organisations, through our ‘Life Ready’ Programme so there will be equal support for these pathways too.

Alderbrook invest in an award winning ICT platform called ‘Unifrog’, which parents and students have found an excellent resource. The programme, which can be accessed anywhere, provides additional support in researching and selecting Post 18 courses and live apprenticeship opportunities.

Once a fortnight students benefit from the ‘Power Hour’ Lecture series – a collection of future pathway explorations delivered by either highly successful individuals or leading University faculties. Notable guests to date include, Alexander Campbell, Principal Dancer of the Royal Ballet; Neal Coupland of Wasps RFC; Phil Neale of Britain’s Got Talent fame; Clare Connor OBE, Director of England Women’s Cricket and Graham Short, famed micro-artist. These personalities are counterbalanced with lectures by Birmingham University’s College of Medicine and Dentistry and the University of Warwick’s Law School.

At Alderbrook our ‘Life Ready’ Programme also contributes significantly to preparing Sixth Form students for life beyond A Levels and education. For three days per year the curriculum is folded and students partake in a range of activities tailored to their needs. In Year 12 these days have included: Certified St John’s Ambulance First Aid courses, Political Engagement, University Open Day visits and workshops. In Year 13 the focus shifts to interview technique, so that students are empowered to perform well under pressure. Motivation and goal setting in preparation for exams are also covered, as well as ‘Next Step Survival’ – a day of budgeting, basic cooking skills and personal safety.

Our Sixth Form team will continue to be available to support students in the practical steps after they have received their A Level results.