North Oxfordshire Academy > Learning > Personal Development and Careers > Careers

KS3 How Can Unifrog Help Me

There is a comprehensive KS3 PSHE programme around careers that is delivered through the tutor programme. As well as presentations, videos and information, students are asked to engage in class discussion or paired work and complete a careers tutor booklet so that they have evidence of their thinking and reflections.

Careers in the curriculum is vitally important so that students can link their current learning within their subjects to later careers. Around the academy, there are subject specific careers boards that highlight university and local apprenticeship routes, as well as past student successes and how they have used that subject to springboard their careers. Where possible, over the next 3 years, through subject Career Champions, we will be looking to increase the number of subject-specific careers trips and employers into the curriculum.

All KS3 students have access to Unifrog. During careers in tutor, careers lessons or accessed from home, students can engage with exploring the range of career pathways; careers and subject searches; look up universities, courses and apprenticeships; and record their activities, competencies and interactions. There are quizzes to complete to help direct the research and regular themed sessions such as ‘Green’ week and careers in this sector.

Year 7

The year 7 programme is about engaging with careers early so they can make better informed decisions throughout their time at NOA. They will be introduced to the careers library and how to use it as well as engaging in a careers PSHE programme and other activities.

As part of this programme, students will understand that the careers market is constantly changing and that employability/transferable skills is going to become ever more important. They will be introduced to what these skills are and how they can develop them, understand the different types of work and what workplace behaviours are. They will also be encouraged to dispel stereotypes around careers and will be exposed to a broadening of careers perspectives and labour market information.

Students will also have some opportunity to meet with employers and businesses through the ‘Speed Career’ session and via assemblies.

Where applicable, through a referral system, access to 1to1 careers guidance is also possible.

Year 8

The year 8 programme follows on from skills learning with how skills can be evidenced to match career roles and is centred on their goals and motivation. From understanding what type of lifestyle and career they would like, they can focus on what they might like to achieve post 16 or post 18 in terms of both options and pathways. In year 8, the students are encouraged to look at what motivates them and identify their personal strengths and what careers these might be more suitable for. There is also a follow-on session on broadening careers perspectives and students are directed to the careers library to investigate different jobs and careers roles.

Having high aspirations are important and there is a whole year 8 trip to Oxford Brookes university in year 8. This trip involves a tour of the university, various workshops and the opportunity to meet Student Ambassadors.

Where applicable, through a referral system, access to 1to1 careers guidance is also possible.

Year 9

The year 9 programme is important as this is the time that year 9 choose their options. As part of the careers process, students and parents have access to the careers team should they wish to talk about their next steps. Students are also introduced to various careers software (such as SACU) and websites, as well as Labour Market information (LMI).

As part of ensuring the careers tutor programme prepares the students for the option process, the PSHE careers programme looks at the careers and skills relevance of curriculum subjects, the range of option pathways post 16 and post 18 so decisions made now favourable affect future decisions and managing aspirations.

In year 9 there are a range of careers trips that allow for students to maintain those higher aspirations, including the new ‘launchpad’ scheme (new for 2022) that will see every year 9 student have a site visit to a business in an industry area in which they are interested (where possible) and learn about that workplace from an employer. There is also a residential trip to a university and leadership course for targeted students.

In year 9, students can sign up for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award scheme and can opt to visit the Big Bang Show or National Skills Fair, both at the NEC.

Where applicable, through a referral system, access to 1to1 careers guidance is also possible. Oxbridge potential students will start their mentoring programme of workshops.