The careers programme includes a number of focussed events to support transition. This is underpinned by the work in PSHRE and Unifrog.

Year 7 and 8 – In Year 7 students are introduced to Unifrog in PSHRE and the information and guidance it provides. They will complete a module on life skills and goals – Future planning, management and organisation in Year 7 and in Year 8 on career pathways and preparing for the workplace and employability. Across the year they will gain an understanding of a variety of careers and sectors and reflect on their strengths and areas to improve on. Specific activity days enable students to work on entrepreneurial skills and reflect on the softer skills, so valuable in the world of work. With academic support and excellent first wave teaching students will develop aspirations and academic guidance including a variety of education providers will help in their option decisions in Year 9.

Year 9 – GCSE Preferences/KS4 Preparation Programme: Students undertake a module on ‘Future Pathways and Careers’.  This is supplemented by presentations from Heads of Department on the skills and knowledge in their GCSE and ample opportunities in class to follow up on any questions. There is also a focussed Parent Information Evening and an offer of a 1:1 interview with the Senior Leadership Team to support this transitional stage and equip our students to make informed choices. This is supported by information from a variety of education providers. GCSE courses start in summer term 2 of year 9 to ensure they are on the correct pathway.

Year 11 – Students take part in a series of activities which explain the full range of post-16 options available to them including visits from our local college providers and various apprenticeships available. All students will receive at least one 1:1 careers meeting with an independent careers advisor and when necessary there will be follow up meetings. An individual bespoke support programme is in place for certain SEND students. Our mock results day allows students to pick up their mock grades and discuss their future options with careers advisors and staff on hand to talk over grade requirements at school and college. This is supported by information from a variety of visiting education providers in Year 10 and 11. There is also a focussed Sixth Form Evening with sixth form students again leading the discussions. Initial intentions are made by Year 11 in December and followed up in February with 1:1 interviews with the Senior Leadership Team to support this transition stage and equip our students to make informed choices on their future pathways.

Year 11 – Results Day support: The vast majority of students achieve the requirements for their preferred post-16 pathway. Should this not be the case on results day, support including independent careers advice & guidance, is provided to students and parents.

Year 12 – A Parent Information Evening and a comprehensive induction programme introduce students to the Sixth Form. All students complete a transition questionnaire to enable the Careers Leader to target specific support, including independent careers guidance for students who have not had this prior to joining. All students meet individually with the Sixth Form team. A comprehensive programme of support is in place for students to support their next steps including support with the UCAS process, visits and speakers, apprenticeships and future employment support.

Year 13 – Preparing to move on from school: A series of lectures, workshops and information evenings form the backbone of post-18 transition information support. Staff provide support for all students individually regardless of their chosen pathway throughout their final year at Simon Balle, and independent careers guidance is given to all students. Our mock results day allows students to pick up their mock grades and discuss their future options with careers advisors and staff on hand to talk over grade requirements for university, apprenticeships or employment..

Year 13 – Results Day support: The vast majority of students achieve the requirements for their preferred post-18 pathway. Should this not be the case on results day, support including independent careers advice & guidance, is provided to students and parents.