Careers

Year 7 

By the end of Year 7 at Kingsthorpe College, students will develop a clear understanding of what a career is and explore a broad range of future pathways, learning about the skills, qualities and values needed for different roles. They will reflect on their own strengths and interests, begin to set early aspirations and understand how these link to their future choices.

Students will learn what it means to be enterprising by practising key skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity and responsible risk-taking. They will also explore what an entrepreneur is and examine ethical and unethical business practices, responsible consumerism and the importance of making safe financial decisions, including saving, spending and budgeting.

Throughout the year, students will learn about equality of opportunity and the importance of challenging stereotypes, broadening their horizons and keeping an open mind about their future. They will also consider how the world of work is changing and how to manage risk-taking behaviour safely and responsibly in school, online and in future situations. 

Year 8 

By the end of Year 8 at Kingsthorpe College, students will deepen their understanding of equality of opportunity in both life and work, learning how fairness and inclusion should shape education and employment. They will explore how to recognise and challenge stereotypes and discrimination, particularly in relation to work, pay and expectations that may limit their future choices.

Students will learn about different types of work, including employment, self-employment and voluntary roles, and begin to set more aspirational career goals based on their developing interests, strengths and ambitions. They will also build their critical thinking and digital literacy skills by learning how to identify biased or misleading information online and how to assess the reliability of different media sources. Through this, students will become more informed, confident and empowered in making decisions about their future pathways. 
 

Year 9 

By the end of Year 9 at Kingsthorpe College, students will develop a strong understanding of their own transferable skills, abilities and interests, and learn how to demonstrate these strengths in different situations. They will explore a wide range of employment types and career pathways, including GCSE and post-16 options, so they can begin making informed decisions about their next steps. Students will learn how to set meaningful, realistic goals for the future and understand habits and strategies that support continued progress. They will also consider the emotions and pressures that can arise when thinking about future employment and develop strategies for managing these feelings.

In addition, students will build key skills for decision making, enterprise and employability, including how to give and respond to constructive feedback. They will learn about young people’s employment rights and responsibilities, and how to manage their personal brand online, recognising how their digital presence can affect future opportunities. Students will also gain confidence in identifying and accessing support for any concerns relating to life online, helping them stay safe and informed as they move toward their future aspirations. 

 
Year 10

 
By the end of Year 10 at Kingsthorpe College, students will be able to evaluate their own strengths, interests and personal qualities in relation to future career development, recognising how these can guide their choices and ambitions. They will explore a wide range of opportunities in both learning and work, including in-person, hybrid and remote working environments, and understand the responsibilities expected of individuals in the workplace. Students will learn strategies for overcoming challenges or adversity, developing resilience and confidence when facing setbacks.

They will also gain practical knowledge about managing workplace problems, including basic health and safety expectations. As they prepare for work experience, students will learn how to evaluate and build on the skills and insights gained from these opportunities. In addition, they will develop an awareness of how to maintain a positive personal presence online, understanding how their digital footprint can influence future education and employment prospects. 

Year 11 

By the end of Year 11 at Kingsthorpe College, students will be able to use feedback constructively to inform their future plans and set SMART targets to achieve their personal and career goals. They will develop effective revision techniques and strategies to support academic success and make informed decisions about post-16 options and career pathways. Students will gain practical skills in navigating application processes, including writing CVs, personal statements and preparing for interviews.

They will learn how to maximise their employability by managing their online presence, seeking opportunities to broaden experience, and understanding their rights, responsibilities and potential challenges when working part-time while studying. In addition, students will develop strategies for maintaining a healthy work/life balance, ensuring they are well-prepared to transition confidently into the next stage of their education or career. 

Year 12 

By the end of Year 12 at Kingsthorpe College, students will be able to evaluate their own strengths, skills, interests, and values in relation to future roles and opportunities, using this understanding to set realistic and aspirational goals. They will develop enterprising skills to succeed in both life and work and gain practical experience in preparing effective CVs and performing confidently in interviews for part-time or future employment. Students will explore career opportunities in a global economy and understand their rights and responsibilities in different types of employment, including full-time, part-time, and roles within the gig economy. They will learn how to demonstrate professional conduct, follow health and safety protocols, maintain workplace confidentiality and security, and respond appropriately to bullying or harassment.

Students will also explore the role of trade unions and professional organisations, and develop strategies for overcoming challenges or adversity in the workplace. Additionally, they will evaluate post-18 options, including higher education, further training, apprenticeships, and gap year opportunities, considering the financial advantages, disadvantages, and risks associated with each, including credit, debt, and student loan implications. Finally, students will analyse changing trends in the labour market locally, nationally, and internationally, and learn how to evidence their strengths and skills to maximise opportunities in future applications and interviews.

Year 13 

By the end of Year 13 at Kingsthorpe College, students will be able to evaluate their own strengths, skills, and interests in relation to future opportunities and career development, using this insight to make informed decisions about their next steps post-18. They will explore the implications of the global market for education and employment, helping them to identify appropriate pathways such as higher education, further training, apprenticeships, or gap year opportunities. Students will develop advanced application skills, including writing concise and compelling personal statements, tailoring CVs effectively, and preparing confidently for interviews.

They will also learn how to build and maintain a positive professional identity and online presence, recognising that creating and sharing content online can either enhance or damage their reputation. Additionally, students will develop strategies to challenge online content that may adversely affect their personal or professional image, ensuring they can manage their digital footprint responsibly as they transition to the next stage of their education or career. 

Welcome to the Student Careers Hub 

Our Careers Team is here to help you explore your interests, discover future opportunities, and make confident decisions about your next steps. Whether you're choosing GCSEs, thinking about apprenticeships, or planning for university, this page provides the guidance and tools you need. 
 
If you need individual support, you can speak to our 1:1 Careers Advisor: 
Mrs. Andrea Litchfield 
Email: andrea.litchfield@kingsthorpecollege.org.uk 
Office hours: Thursday & Friday  
 
Alternatively, you can contact: 
Character lead with responsibility for Careers and Living in The Wider World - Miss Cason  
Email:  Laura.cason@kingsthorpecollege.org.uk 
SLT link for Careers - Mrs Griffin 
Email:  Becky.Griffin@kingsthorpecollege.org.uk
 
Overview:

Our careers programme is designed to make sure you are fully supported in your future choices. To help you follow a career path that suits your interests, skills and strengths you will have a dedicated lesson in terms 2 & 6 during your PSHE lessons, careers tutor programme, through drop down days/workshops as well as work shadowing/experience in Years 10 & 12 and the opportunity to go on careers related trips.  
To help you make decisions about your choices for your future careers we have an independent careers advisor from Altogether who you can make an appointment with by speaking to your tutor, Head of Year or Mrs Griffin  
 
What you will learn: 
KC PHSE Curriculum Map KS 3 4

KC PHSE Curriculum Map KS5
 
Labour Market Information:  Labour Market Information

 
Understanding Next steps: Careers Online Flipbook

 
 
FAQs 

What if I don’t know what career I want? 
That’s okay! Book a chat with our Careers Advisor to explore your interests. 

How do I choose my GCSE subjects? 
Choose subjects you enjoy, are good at, and that relate to your future goals. 

How can I improve my CV? 
Use our downloadable template and attend our CV workshop in Year 10. 
 
 

Our Approach to Careers Guidance 

At Kingsthorpe College, we are committed to preparing our students for life beyond school. Our careers guidance program is designed to give every student the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their future education, training, and career paths. 
We believe that career development is a partnership between the school, students, and parents. Our approach is built around the following principles:

1.Personalised Guidance: 
Every student has access to one-to-one support from our qualified careers advisor in Key stage 4 and 5 with an external agent who is Level 6 trained in Careers, who helps them explore their interests, strengths, and potential career options.  

2.Early Exposure: 
We introduce students to a wide range of careers and industries from Year 7 onwards through workshops, Job of The Week, talks, and interactive activities, helping them make connections between their studies and future opportunities. We use tools like Unifrog, which offers quizzes and interactive activities to help students discover different jobs, understand their strengths, and start thinking about future career possibilities early. 

3. Practical Experience: 
Students participate in work experience placements, shadowing, and industry visits, giving them firsthand insight into the world of work. Additionally, we host annual careers fairs where students can meet local employers, explore a variety of industries, and ask questions about different career pathways. 

4. Skills for Success: 
Our program includes guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, and employability skills, ensuring students are ready for further education or employment. 

5. Parental Involvement: 
We actively encourage parents to engage in their child’s career journey through information evenings, online resources, and opportunities to meet with our careers advisor. 

6. Continuous Support: 
Careers education is embedded throughout the school, with tailored support at key transition points: moving from KS3 to KS4, choosing post-16 options, and preparing for life after school. 

At Kingsthorpe College we aim to equip students not just to make decisions about their next step, but to build the confidence and resilience to thrive in an ever-changing world. 
 

Careers Exploration and Advice 

Online Flipbook

National Careers Service

Prospects

Career Pilot

Apprenticeship & Vocational Pathways 

Apprenticeships

Amazing Apprenticeships

UCAS

Skills Development & Employability 

Skills for Care

Future learn

Labour Market Information & Career Trends 

Amazing apprenticeships

ONS

Careers Hub - South Midlands  

LMI Information sheet - Midlands

Support & Guidance for students 

Careers Pilot

Unifrog

Amazing Apprenticeships

Welcome 

“We are always looking to build strong partnerships with local businesses to support our students’ career development. By working with Kingsthorpe College you can help students gain real-world experience, develop essential skills, and explore future career pathways.” 

Contact: 

Character lead with responsibility for Careers and Living in The Wider World  
Email:  Laura.cason@kingsthorpecollege.org.uk  Phone Number: 01604 716106 
 
Senior Leader for Careers: 
Email:  Becky.Griffin@kingsthorpecollege.org.uk  Phone Number: 01604 716106 
 
How You Can Get Involved: 
Mentoring & Industry Talks: Share your expertise in workshops, assemblies, or 1-to-1 mentoring. 
Work Experience Placements: Offer students short-term placements to gain hands-on experience in your industry. 
Apprenticeships & Internships: Provide structured programs for students post-GCSE or post-A-levels. 
Sponsorship & Support: Help fund school projects, competitions, or scholarships. 
 
Benefits of Partnering with Us:
Engage with talented young people early. 
Contribute to your local community and support education. 
Promote your company to students and families. 
Recognition on our website and newsletters. 
Resources & Support.
Tips for creating impactful work experiences. 
Links to government apprenticeship schemes and funding opportunities. 
Advice for mentoring and student engagement. 
 
Guidelines & Requirements 
All work placements comply with safeguarding, health, and safety policies. 
Employers must provide risk assessments and follow school safeguarding procedures. We can support with this through our DSL or Career lead if needed.  
Ensure placements are meaningful, educational, and age-appropriate. 
 
 
Provider Access Legislation Policy
 

Quote from Zeb Shahin – Industry Partner for KC

‘I’ve been working with Schools and academies for 6 years now and 3 core themes still drive my interest and energy in this space 
Working with students to help them understand the different work environments and what’s out there, what they want to do, how to enter their world of work and what’s important to make that happen gives me such a buzz. Whether its 1 to 1 or with groups, seeing the penny drop and that smile is priceless. 
Supporting careers staff and teachers to structure and target what they do and how they do it, in class and at events is so important, especially as many staff members have limited knowledge of sectors and job roles.  They need help from wherever they can get it – we all have a role to play. 
It’s easy for employers to sit back and complain about the quality of young new recruits. In a small way, working with schools means I can do something about it.