Careers and the Future

Working out, or confirming, what you want to do in the future, and making plans towards that, is an important part of your time in sixth form.  Students are often at different stages and whilst some start off with certainty, many are not sure what they want to do.  Even if you are certain, we’d advise you to keep an open mind and make sure you research broadly so you can be confident of your decision. For some students you might love a subject, and want to study it in the future, but you find the emphasis on working out your career path to be stressful.  Plenty of students do go to university to study a subject they love, without being sure of a career, so that is fine.  However, we want you to be able to carry out good research, because you will be in a better position at university if you have been used to researching careers beforehand.

Obviously for those who are looking to go straight into an apprenticeship, it is important that you have researched your career area well.  You will also need to understand how to sell yourself and work through the application process. There are a variety of sources of advice to help below. We will also be looking at lesser-known career areas.  Everyone has an idea of what a teacher or nurse does, or what our parents or family members do.  However, do you know what jobs in property look like, or what an actuary does if you don’t know someone in that career?  We will therefore look at some of those jobs over the course of Year 12.

Your work experience, or the work experience programmes available at school, should also help.

Sources of Research, Advice and Different Starting Points

The Unifrog platform is a key starting point for careers and university choices.  You will be introduced to it early in Year 12, and use it, during form times. Parents can also access it and we will be messaging you with information about how to do that.

Unifrog can also help you think about work experience, volunteering and all the options available to you after school, from going abroad to university, to gap year possibilities.  It will help you with advice on apprenticeships and applications for them.  This might include building up your skills and competencies, or preparing your CV and covering letter.

Beyond Unifrog, you might also want to look at the ideas below, depending on what your question is. The UCAS website has also become a comprehensive source of advice and information – for careers and apprenticeships as well as university, so look there too.

Social Media and Employability

Remember that at some point, social media may increase or decrease your chances of getting a job. Have a look at this advice, and bear it in mind during Sixth Form, and after you leave school.

Higher Education Programme

In the summer term, the Higher Education Programme will include:

• a visit two different universities (which are likely to be the University of Birmingham on Friday 20 June 2025 (date tbc) and Lincoln University or Nottingham Trent University in early July).
• a Higher Education Evening on Thursday 12 June 2025.
• UCAS Day when we will have returning students to talk with you, as well as other advice on applications and research
• the opportunity to carry out more research and plan your personal statements.

During the pandemic we created a Higher Education Evening online.  If you miss the evening in person, there is still some relevant information here: Higher Education Evening online

Local outreach programmes from Sheffield and Nottingham Universities

Local universities set up programmes where students go in to the universities for a few days over the course of a year, to experience university life, go to some lectures and talk with existing students. These are primarily targeted at students who come from families where parents have not been to university, or where household income is low, but some extend to comprehensive schools more generally. Over the last few years students have gone on to Medicine, Dentistry and Social Sciences courses, but others exist, for example in Engineering.

University of Sheffield

The Discover programme supports participants throughout Year 12 and 13 in raising aspirations and exploring Higher Education study. As well as general workshops and events, the programme is split into six subject and career pathways that offer a unique experience and specialist support. Discover Arts and Humanities, Discover Law, Discover Social Sciences, Discover STEM, SOAMS (Sheffield’s Outreach and Access to Medicine Scheme). Applications open in October. Click here for more information.

University of Nottingham

Ambition Nottingham is a free two year scheme for Y12 students and provides post-16 support as you progress through sixth form on to higher education. The activities support progression and application to a university of your choice. Examples of past activities: Course taster events, revision skills, subject masterclasses, workshops.

Applications for Pathways to Law, STEM, Medicine and Banking & Finance are also available to build essential knowledge, skills and confidence required to go on to higher education and the world of work. All programmes offer work placements, mentoring and networking opportunities.

Ambition Nottingham Applications open October 2024 and close early December 2024 Nottingham University and Sutton Trust Pathways Programme Applications open in September and close in October. Click here for more information.

Sutton Trust Summer Schools

Applications open Early January 2025 Selective applications – based on background and achievement.  Free places in July and August Apply individually – school verify applications afterwards. Based at Cambridge, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Imperial College, Kings College St Andrews, UCL, Royal Veterinary College and Nottingham University Wide subject range: English, Maths Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Music, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Law, Maths, Computer Science, Engineering, History, Geography. Click here for more information.