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Aspirations
. . . . . a hope or ambition of achieving something.
Huntington school’s core purpose is ‘To inspire confident learners who will thrive in a changing world’ – to which careers education, information, advice and guidance is key. We have a fully resourced Aspirations Centre providing information on nearly 800 career ideas and tools to identify careers that haven’t even been invented yet!
Students have access from day one in year 7 right through until the end of year 13. Student drop in sessions run every morning from 8.15am throughout registration, break time, lunch time and after school up until 4.30pm. The service is staffed by Mrs Nelson – just call in – no need to book an appointment – and no question too large or too small!
In addition, students can book impartial 1:1 careers information, advice and guidance appointments with a school Careers Adviser. We also have external Advisers supporting students with their progression as follows:
- Students with EHCPs : Learning & Work Adviser, City of York Council
- Year 11 and 13: Prospects Services
- Year 12: Careers Advisers, Aspire-IGEN
Alternatively students aged 13+ can access remote careers information, advice and guidance with National Careers Service Advisers by using the following link:
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/contact-us/home
Careers education lessons are delivered as part of the school’s M3 programme and form the foundations of the Aspirations service. Further details are available via the following link:
To complement this work students are given numerous opportunities to experience contact with and gain an insight into external organisations, including:
♦ Aspirations Assemblies (Updated Nov 17)
◊ Thinking about voluntary work
♦ Lunch time Aspirations sessions
♦ Local further and higher education open events
◊ Help with study costs for further education
◊ http://www.yor-zone.org.uk/futures4me : information on local options after year 11 in York and surrounding area, includes sixth forms and colleges
◊ https://www.ucas.com/ucas/events/find/scheme/undergraduate/type/open-day
All opportunities are advertised in a weekly bulletin circulated from Aspirations to form teachers. Also see the Aspirations for Students page with regularly updated information! – To access on the Huntington School homepage, click on ‘Students’ then ‘Aspirations’.
All subject departments promote the link between learning in school with future aspirations – each department has a dedicated noticeboard to instigate thought and discussion by students and staff alike!
The following may prompt further ideas and research:
♦ Careers with Art & Design ◊ Art & Design Poster
♦ Careers with English ◊ English Poster
♦ Careers with Geography ◊ Geography Poster
♦ Careers with History ◊ History Poster
♦ Careers with Languages ◊ Languages Poster
♦ Careers with Mathematics ◊ Maths Poster
♦ Careers with Music ◊ Music Poster
♦ Careers with Physical Education ◊ PE Poster
♦ Careers with Science ◊ Biology Poster ◊ Chemistry Poster ◊ Physics Poster
♦ Careers with Religion Philosophy and Ethics ◊ RPE Poster
Need some more ideas? Try the following links:
♦ startprofile.com : Start is an innovative and easy-to-use careers guidance software helping young people make better and more informed choices about their career path. Connected to live labour market information and course data. Start allows users to create a personal profile which generates suitable jobs, qualifications and new destinations to explore. Ideal for schools and colleges, students and parents, Start is free to use – see following link for registration instructions:
♦ icould.com : icould is the place to be for career ideas, first-hand info and inspiration on what to do next. Explore your options with the real-life career videos, articles and quizzes or get help making choices. Take the buzz test and find out what animal you are?? The following articles will help in deciding on your choices and if A levels are for you, how to choose which subjects:
◊ http://icould.com/article/choices-at-16-what-next/
◊ http://icould.com/article/choosing-a-level-subjects-five-points-to-consider/
♦ nationalcareersservice.org.uk : Career tools – job profiles – profiles on almost 800 different types of job, from gardener to graphic designer. Each one explains which skills and qualifications you need to get into that job. You can also read about what the work would be like, the average salary you could expect and what the career prospects are.
Higher education (HE) offers a diverse range of courses and qualifications, such as first degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), and foundation degrees. It includes any qualification at Level 4 and above. A BA or BSc (Hons) degree is a Level 6 qualification. Going to university is a great way to expand your knowledge, meet new people and enjoy new experiences. Want some more information? Try the links below for some useful websites:
♦ Help with study costs – higher education
♦ Sheffield Hallam University have produced some really useful “How to…” information:
◊ SHU how to – Why go to University
◊ SHU how to Extended Degree Programmes
◊ SHU how to – University vs Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
◊ SHU how to – Applying to HE (Higher Education)
◊ SHU how to – Student Finance
◊ SHU how to – UCAS Tariff Point System
◊ SHU how to – Transition to University
Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to kick-start your career, giving you hands on experience, a salary and the opportunity to gain qualifications while you work – even a degree! All of this with some high quality, prestigious companies in loads of different industries. Use the following links to gain more information:
♦ getingofar.gov.uk : general information on apprenticeships
♦ gov.uk/apply-apprenticeships : general apprenticeships vacancies at all levels
♦ citb.co.uk/bconstructive : construction apprenticeship vacancies
♦ Grow your career with an apprenticeship in York
Taking a gap year There are a variety of things you can do during a gap year. The majority of people who take a gap year do so between A level and undergraduate study, however, it is not uncommon to take a gap year after you graduate. A gap year can include a multitude of very different activities and experiences. Generally gap years will take the form of either travel, volunteer work (charity work) or paid work – and can involve being in the UK, overseas or both. For more gap year ideas see the following links:
♦ https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/life/travel/gap-year/about-gap-years
Other useful websites:
♦ Thinking about work or study abroad
♦ Thinking about work & training
♦ Thinking about working for yourself or starting a business
Aspirations is dedicated to supporting each student in both raising and identifying possible future career options and navigating through the multitude of entry routes. This could be academic, vocational/technical or traineeship/apprenticeship – all equally credible journeys to embark upon in working towards achieving career aspirations.
Our aim is for each individual to make informed and confident decisions.
If you have any queries, need further information or indeed feel that you are able to support our students’ career journeys in any way, please email aspirations@huntington-ed.org.uk.