Term 5 has been an incredibly busy and rewarding time for Guilsborough Academy Careers, and we could not be prouder of everything our students have achieved. Throughout the term, students across all year groups have embraced a wide range of careers and enrichment opportunities designed to inspire ambition, build confidence, and prepare them for their future pathways.

Inspiring Futures: Year 7 Talk Careers and Ambition

This term, during tutor time careers sessions, our Year 7 students have been exploring the question: What is a career?

They have been learning about the wide range of opportunities available to them and thinking about their own future possibilities.

As part of this, they took part in a “career spotlight” focusing on the role of a finance manager—learning about what the job involves, as well as the qualifications and skills needed to work in this sector.

I had the chance to visit several classrooms and was delighted to hear about the students’ ambitions. Aspirations included becoming a pilot, computer scientist, forensic pathologist, and barber, among many others!

Having a career goal can be a powerful motivator for young people in school. We encourage you to talk with your child about their dreams and ambitions and support them in thinking about the steps they can take to achieve them.

Year 8 Parents Evening

Thank you to those who were able to meet with me at Parents’ Evening. It was great to talk about students’ aspirations and begin thinking ahead to their options choices in Year 9.

For those who were unable to attend, one of the key messages I am encouraging all students to focus on is exploring their interests and future pathways using Unifrog.

Students can log in here using their school email address and password (single sign-on):👉 www.unifrog.org 

Parents and carers can also set up their own Unifrog account here:👉 http://www.unifrog.org/parent

This is a great way to support conversations at home as students begin to think about their future options.

Year 9 Discover ‘Real Life Maths’

Year 9 students recently took part in a series of engaging ‘Real Life Maths’ sessions, designed to show them how maths is used in everyday jobs and why it matters beyond the classroom.

The sessions gave students a valuable insight into how mathematical skills are applied in real working environments, helping to bring their learning to life and make clear links between school and future careers.

We would like to say a big thank you to our visiting employers who delivered these sessions: Kathryn Boyle from Nationwide, Antony Boyle from Harsco, and Chris Marrum of Marrum & Co Ltd. Their expertise and real-world examples made the sessions both informative and inspiring for our students.

Future Ready: Year 10 Take on the Workplace

This week, 210 of our Year 10 students have been out on work experience placements, gaining invaluable insight into the world of work. Students have been placed with a wide range of employers including engineering companies, barbers, primary schools, cafés, libraries, gyms, retail settings, and many more.

One particularly exciting placement saw a student travel to CERN, where they have had an incredible experience working as a scientist. During the week, they have taken part in fascinating activities such as working in the Antimatter Factory and learning how antimatter is created. CERN is the only place in the world where this is possible, and remarkably, it costs an estimated $68 trillion per gram to produce!

Mrs Shirley and Mrs Brennan had the opportunity to visit a number of students during the week. It was fantastic to see them thriving in professional environments and to hear first-hand about their positive experiences, growing confidence, and developing skills.

Employers have now been invited to nominate students for our Work Experience Awards, recognising those who have shown exceptional attitude, commitment, and professionalism. Winners will be announced in assembly before half term.

If your child attended a placement where they received an especially positive experience, we would love to hear from you so we can recognise our employer partners. Please contact us at careers@guilsborough.northants.sch.uk 

Year 11 Careers Support Update

All Year 11 students have now had at least one careers meeting with our independent Level 6 Careers Adviser, Angie Wood.

If any students have since changed their minds about their post-16 pathways, or are feeling unsure about their next steps, please do get in touch with us at careers@guilsborough.northants.sch.uk so we can offer further support and guidance.

Both Angie Wood and Mrs Brennan will also be available on GCSE Results Day to support students with their decisions and next steps.

Post-18 Preparation Begins for Year 12

This term, students have begun to think more deeply about their post-18 options and future pathways.

We were pleased to welcome Sheffield Hallam University, who delivered an engaging ‘Build Your Brand’ workshop. This session focused on supporting students with UCAS personal statements and degree apprenticeship applications, helping them to understand how to present themselves effectively to universities and employers.

Students have also spent time in computer rooms using the UCAS Hub, researching courses and exploring apprenticeship opportunities that match their interests and ambitions.

Those applying for early entry courses have received additional support through a series of targeted workshops, covering topics such as super-curricular activities and UCAT preparation, ensuring they are well-prepared for competitive applications.