Pupil Pathway

Holy Cross pupils begin to consider their future beyond secondary school as early as Year 7 and we have an integrated Careers Programme which meet the Gatsby Benchmarks.  As a school we understand that one of our main responsibilities is to prepare young people for an ever-changing world of work.

All pupils study Careers on Personal Development days that fall throughout the school year.  This gives pupils the opportunity to explore different aspects of careers, become aware of their strengths and weaknesses and extend their career aspirations.

Overview

In Year 7 our pupils are introduced to the wider world and start to consider routes to their dream jobs and their range of post-16 options.

During Year 8 we start to identify individual key skills and think about how these would benefit pupils in their future years.

Year 9 is about raising aspirations for our pupils in readiness for selecting their GCSE options.  Year 9 pupils enjoy “Business Breakfast” with guests from various career paths during tutor time.  There is also the opportunity for the pupils to visit a university and experience what life is like on campus.

In Year 10 we concentrate on future focus.  We help the pupils to use their option choices and extra-curricular activities to increase their employability skills.  Pupils have the opportunity to meet with a variety of post-16 providers and visit some of our local colleges for sampling days.  Pupils can also take part in the “World of Work Challenge” where pupils are encouraged to give up a day or two of their school holidays to gain work experience.

In Year 11, support is given to all pupils to make the right choices and transition successfully to post-16.  We pride ourselves in supporting our pupils on to the next stage of their employment, education and training.  All pupils have guidance appointments with our Independent Careers Advisor.  We have a weekly drop in session in the library so that pupils can access help with finding college courses, figuring out transport and bursaries etc.  Pupils have the opportunity to speak with prospective colleges and employers and we provide help and guidance with the application process, CV writing and much more.

Pupils are free to contact Mrs Love in school or via Satchel One for all careers related queries.

Parents and outside agencies who would like further information about our careers provision in school can contact Mrs Love by telephone or by email to