Careers

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance at Hellesdon High School

At Hellesdon High School, we are committed to providing all students with a high-quality, comprehensive Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme that supports them to make informed choices and successfully navigate their future learning and career pathways.

All students are entitled to a planned and progressive careers education programme from Year 7 through to Year 13. The programme is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and values needed for lifelong learning, career development and personal success in a rapidly changing world.

Careers education is delivered through a wide range of learning experiences, including PSHRE lessons, the tutor programme, house assemblies and conferences, employer encounters, workplace experiences, and additional workshops and educational opportunities. This varied approach ensures that careers learning is meaningful, inclusive and relevant to all students.

A Strategic and Measured Approach

Our careers provision is underpinned by the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, which form the foundation of our Careers Strategy. The effectiveness of our programme is regularly evaluated using the Compass Careers Benchmark Tool, audited by the Careers and Enterprise Company. This process enables us to analyse our provision, identify areas for development and ensure continuous improvement in line with national best practice.

Hellesdon High School is also a proud member of the Norfolk and Suffolk Careers Hub, which provides additional support, guidance and collaboration opportunities to further strengthen our careers offer and ensure it meets the needs of our students within the local context.

An Inclusive and Aspirational Careers Programme

We are extremely proud of the Careers education and guidance that our students receive. At Hellesdon High School, there is no tension between academic achievement and personal development. We recognise the importance of educating students not only to achieve their potential academically, but also to develop the character traits, values and employability skills that will benefit them throughout their working lives.

While many students progress from Year 7 through to Year 13 and on to higher education, we place equal value on all post-16 and post-18 pathways. Through carefully planned careers delivery at key transition points—particularly in Years 11, 12 and 13—students are fully informed about the wide range of options available to them. These include further education, apprenticeships, training with independent providers, and direct entry into employment.

The CEIAG Curriculum

The CEIAG curriculum at Hellesdon High School is comprehensive and fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks. In Years 7 and 8, careers learning is embedded within PSHE lessons. In Years 9, 10 and 11, students receive dedicated careers lessons that support option choices, raise aspirations and promote access to all career pathways. In the Sixth Form, careers education is delivered through our Conference programme, and via targeted guidance in Years 12 and 13, preparing students for successful transitions to higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance is a core entitlement for every student at Hellesdon High School. Through a wide range of learning experiences and meaningful employer encounters, we help students understand how their curriculum learning connects to future career opportunities and empower them to make confident, well-informed decisions at key points in their lives.

We are passionate about working with employers, training providers and the wider community to enhance our careers provision. If you are able to support our programme or provide opportunities that could inspire and raise aspirations, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Our Careers Programme

Year 7 & 8

We believe that informed choices make empowered futures. As a UEA Partnership School, students in Year 7 take part in the Future Stars programme. By equipping young people with the information and skills they need, we support them to realise their own aspirations, whatever path they choose. Students will also attend an employer-led assembly/workshop that challenges misconceptions and stereotypes within the labour market.

In Year 8, students will take part in our Enterprise Day, with the winning group representing Hellesdon High School at the National Careers Competition in July. Students will also attend an employer-led assembly/workshop that highlights ‘curriculum to careers’.

Year 9

In Year 9, a significant part of our careers education, advice and guidance is linked to GCSE option choices. Students decide on their option choices by March of Year 9, and throughout the course of the year they work with both their form tutor and teachers in arriving at their final decision. Time is spent in PSHRE lessons discussing personal qualities, interests and goals, which help students make decisions. Students are given the opportunity to meet with our Careers Advisor through their year group assembly, and for a 1:1 meeting if desired. Parents and carers are invited to the school to discuss GCSE options and our Careers Advisor is available to discuss options at this event and also at Parents' Evening. Students will also attend an employer-led assembly/workshop that looks at the ever-changing labour market.

Year 10

Year 10 students complete a Work Experience Placement in May. Students learn a wide range of transferable skills, enhance their self-reliance and become more confident. They experience the disciplines of going to work and a daily work routine and, as a result, are able to make more informed career choices. Year 10 students also attend a Pathways to Work assembly, delivered by Norfolk County Council.

Year 11

Year 11 students are given extensive support on Post-16 options through a diverse careers programme delivered during PSHRE lessons. Information is given on A Levels, Vocational Qualifications and Apprenticeships. In November, the school hosts its annual Sixth Form Open Evening where faculties deliver presentations about their subject area and A Level/BTEC specifications. A small, targeted group of Year 11’s will also be invited to the Future Careers Expo, which aims to connect students with local employers.

All Year 11 students have an individual interview with our Careers Advisor, and attend a Pathways to Work assembly, delivered by Norfolk County Council. Parents can also make appointments with the Careers Advisor at Year 11 Parents' Evening and Exam Results Day.

Year 12

All Year 12 students receive an introduction to Unifrog, a digital platform designed to help students make more informed study and career choices at key moments of choice and transition.

Through our Conference programme, we engage with higher education providers who visit school to speak to students about university life, how to make the most of Year 12 and how to select the right course for them. That said, not all of our students wish to apply to university and we are active in introducing students to the many options available Post-18, whether that be apprenticeships or the world of work.

In addition, all students are given the opportunity to attend the Norfolk Higher Education Exhibition, organised by UCAS, to explore a wide range of academic and career opportunities in June of Year 12. Students will also attend a bespoke day for Hellesdon Sixth Form students at the University of East Anglia (UEA), and the Future Careers Expo, which aims to connect students with local employers.

As a member of the Higher Aspirations Scheme, Year 12 students also have the opportunity to attend visit days/workshops provided by a range of universities and employers, most recently Anglia Ruskin University, Queen Mary University of London, and Sizewell B.

Year 13

Year 13 Students are offered a wealth of support from their form tutor, Head of Year, and the Director of Sixth Form. Our twice-weekly form periods are a vital part of this, with form tutors offering individual support with Personal Statement writing and Post-18 decisions. Those choosing not to apply to university are given individual support and guidance by the Sixth Form team, and students are provided with a range of additional apprenticeship and work opportunities via the Google Classroom. Students who decide not to apply to university will also attend the Future Careers Expo, which aims to connect students with local employers. All students are encouraged to meet with our Careers Advisor.

The Sixth Form Team are also on hand both on and after A-Level Results Day to provide additional support for students to ensure the successful transition from Hellesdon Sixth Form to their Post-18 pathway.

Our Careers Team

Mrs Victoria English
Careers Leader
As Careers Leader, Mrs English holds strategic oversight of Careers across the curriculum, Careers Guidance, Higher Education Advice and Work Experience across the school.

Mrs Rosie Warnock
Mrs Warnock's role is to provide impartial information, advice and guidance, supporting our students to make appropriate choices about their education, training and work. She is qualified to Level 6 in Careers Guidance.

One to One Guidance

All students are entitled to one to one guidance during their time at Hellesdon High School. You can get help and advice about your future at any time while you are in school. Whether this be for help with your choices after GCSE/ 6^th Form, work experience or advice during the options process. Parents are also able to access support for their son/daughter using the same processes.

Mrs Warnock is in school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during term time and can be contacted by emailing her on: rwarnock9nr2@nsix.org.uk or students may ask their tutor to make an appointment on their behalf.

Post-16 Pathways

After finishing GCSEs at age 16, young people in England must continue in education or training until they are 18. There are several different pathways available, designed to suit different interests, learning styles and career goals.

One option is A Levels, which are academic qualifications usually studied over two years at a school sixth form or further education college. Students typically choose three subjects and study them in depth. A Levels are mainly assessed through exams and are particularly suited to students who enjoy academic learning and may be aiming to progress to university or other higher education. They are also valued by employers for roles that require strong analytical and subject knowledge.

Further information about Hellesdon Sixth Form can be found here.

Another pathway is T Levels, which are technical qualifications equivalent to three A Levels. They are also studied over two years and combine classroom-based learning with a substantial industry placement of at least 45 days. T Levels are designed to prepare students for skilled employment in specific sectors such as digital, health, education, construction and engineering. They can lead directly to work, apprenticeships or higher education related to the chosen industry.

Vocational qualifications, such as BTECs and other applied courses, focus on practical and work-related learning. These courses are usually assessed through a mixture of coursework, practical tasks and some exams. They are well suited to students who prefer hands-on learning and want to develop skills linked to particular careers. Vocational qualifications can lead to employment, apprenticeships or university, depending on the level and subject studied.

Apprenticeships allow young people to work for an employer while studying for a qualification at the same time. Apprentices earn a wage, gain real work experience and develop job-specific skills. Apprenticeships are available at different levels, from intermediate and advanced apprenticeships through to higher and degree apprenticeships. This pathway is ideal for students who want to enter the workplace early while continuing their education.

Traineeships are short programmes, usually lasting up to a year, for young people who are not yet ready for an apprenticeship or full-time employment. They focus on developing essential workplace skills, improving English and Maths if needed, and gaining work experience through placements. Traineeships are often used as a stepping stone into apprenticeships, further training or employment.

Finally, some young people choose to move into employment while continuing part-time education or training. This route is less common but is allowed as long as the education or training element meets government requirements. It can suit students who want to earn money and gain experience while still working towards a qualification.

T-Levels - Parent/Carers Guide	What are the T-Levels?
End Point Assessment Explained	What is an Apprenticeship?
Foundation Apprenticeships	Apprenticeship Levels Explained
What is a degree apprenticeship?	GCSE Grades Explained
How do I write a CV?	How to write a covering letter

Management of provider access requests

A provider wishing to request access should contact Mrs Victoria English
Tel: 01603 424711 / Email: venglish9brq@nsix.org.uk

We have Careers assemblies for individual year groups to facilitate students’ knowledge of available pathways. If a provider would like more information on this please contact the careers leader.

Norfolk Labour Market

Do you wonder what work will be like as you get older and the types of jobs on offer?

Researching the labour market can help you to plan your future career.

When people use the term ‘labour market’ they’re usually talking about job opportunities and the people available for work. Labour Market Information (LMI) can tell you the number of people working in different jobs, how much they earn, what’s likely to happen to those jobs over the next few years, and more.

In Norfolk, we can expect these sectors to grow: