Careers
CAREERS SUPPORT
The Careers Service provides a personalised and impartial information, advice and guidance service to students during the relatively short Sixth Form stage of their education. Our qualified staff deliver a planned programme, which is designed to offer the most appropriate support for students at different stages of their Sixth Form life. They are also able to respond to students’ specific enquiries and needs regarding their progression and career planning.
The Careers service at each site has its own dedicated room/library, which is a large, open access space offering a friendly welcome and facilities for one-to-one advice, small group sessions and online and hard copy research activities. Careers staff also work with students in Year 13 groups to provide support for the UCAS process, Apprenticeship and other employment applications.
CAREERS PROVISION
Careers staff are available to assist prospective students with important study programme decisions throughout the application, enrolment and induction processes. We recognise the crucial importance of making the right course decisions in advance, but also that it is sometimes important for young people to change their plans as new career ideas develop or if study challenges need to be addressed.
For Level 1, 2 and Lower Level 3 students, we work closely to raise students’ awareness of the choices open to them post-Sixth Form and to prepare them as fully as possible for these opportunities. This involves a combination of tutorial sessions, presentations, careers events and trips to employer and Higher Education venues. Students can also drop in for advice or book a one-to-one careers interview with one of our Careers Advisers.
For final year students, the Careers Team is involved in direct applications support, including the UCAS process and for apprenticeship/employment applications. Assistance is available through tutorial sessions, a mixture of group work and individual interviews.
Highly experienced staff work with students on the particular challenges involved in making ‘Early Applications’ for Oxford and Cambridge universities, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and other highly competitive Higher Education, apprenticeship and employment opportunities.
USEFUL LINKS
UNIVERSITIES
- UCAS – Comprehensive information on university courses and admissions
- UCAS – Course Search
- UCAS – Information for Parents
- Prospects – A valuable source of information on the links between qualifications and careers
- University Open Days – Check out all the universities’ open days and events for applicants
- Unistats – An official source of data on universities’ performance, satisfaction rates etc
- The Student Room – A blog by students, for students
APPRENTICESHIPS AND OTHER EMPLOYMENT
- Apply Apprenticeships – The official website for all apprenticeship vacancies
- All About School Leavers – Information on all sorts of options for 18+ students
- UCAS – Apprenticeship Search
- Not Going to Uni – Information on all sorts of non-university options
- Student Ladder – Excellent on higher level non-university opportunities
- Get My First Job – Job vacancies for young people
VOLUNTEERING
GAP YEARS
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
CAREERS EVENTS
We hold a number of Careers events during the year, which offer excellent opportunities for students to conduct research, develop contacts and to get their foot in the door for work experience. Below are some of the key events we target or put on to support students:
- Higher Education and Higher/Degree Apprenticeships Fair (Skills London, September)
- UCAS “Early Application” Information Evening With CTK Alumni (January)
- Careers Conference at CTK: University/Employment/Apprenticeships (March)
- ‘Future Pathways Information Evenings’ for Parents (May)
- Regular visits to HE and employer venues (organised with curriculum staff throughout the academic year)
- Support for students and parents at post-16 transition events such as Open Evenings and Preparation Days.
Current opportunities are promoted in a regular Careers Bulletin, which is available on the school’s Moodle and emailed to every student. Topics covered include news about upcoming work experience placements, careers-related webinars, apprenticeship and school leaver schemes, careers exhibitions, taster days with universities and local firms, new resources, like websites and podcasts, and public lectures organised by nearby universities.
EVALUATION
The Careers Programme is constantly evaluated. After every activity, when practical, student, staff and guest feedback is taken and evaluated against the Gatsby Benchmarks to ensure that we are providing the best possible learning activities in terms of our Careers Provision.
IMPACT
The Impact of the Careers Programme is accessed through evaluations, an annual Service Review and our Destinations Report.
Additional information
We are fully committed to the Government’s new strategy for careers guidance (‘Careers Guidance for Further Education Colleges and Sixth Form Colleges’, February 2018) and its eight ‘Gatsby Benchmark’ standards.
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Tony ST MARY'S Grades achieved: A*A*BA Progressed to: Oxford University Course: A Level Maths, Physics, Fine Art and Further Maths
“CTK has always encouraged me to aim high, which has led me to apply to the University of Oxford and I am so pleased to begin my studies there. ”
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Ella Mae ST MARY'S Grades achieved: A A B A Progressed to: University of Sheffield Course: A Level Law Level Psychology A Level Sociology Extended Project
“What I enjoyed about CTK was meeting students from different backgrounds and sharing a desire to succeed. As an Advanced Graduate Programme student, I was given the motivation and confidence to work to the best of my ability. ”
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Chief ST MARY'S Grades achieved: BBB Progressed to: Queen Mary University Course: A Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry
“I really enjoyed my learning at CTK as lessons were relevant, engaging and challenging, whilst cultivating a warm, dynamic atmosphere.”
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Precious ST MARY'S Grades achieved: D*D*D* Progressed to: City University of London Course: BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care
“Studying BTEC Health gave me the best opportunity to realise my dream. I’m incredibly appreciative of all the support and assistance I received throughout my course. From the beginning, the staff recognised my ability and didn’t give up on me.”
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Oluwafoluhanmi ST MARY'S Progressed to: University of Hertfordshire Course: A Level Biology, Chemistry and PE
“Although studying A Levels can be challenging, my teachers make my lessons enjoyable and easier to understand. The teachers at CTK are really friendly and are more than happy to help. I hope to go on to study Physiotherapy at University.”
Chislehurst Road
Sidcup
London DA14 6BE
stmarys@ctksfc.ac.uk
