CAREERS AT THE LAKES SCHOOL

Here at The Lakes School we firmly believe that long-term planning and a clear strategy are vital for the effective delivery of our Careers Programme. Such forward-thinking enables us to stay abreast of evolving job market demands and thereby enables our students to make informed choices in the ever-changing career landscape.

For our Careers Strategy 2023-26, please click here.

Here at The Lakes School, we firmly believe that a well-organised Careers Programme is vital. Effective information, advice and guidance fosters informed decision-making about future pathways and careers options, boosting student confidence and aspirations.

For our Careers Programme 2023-24, please click here.

Here at The Lakes School, we firmly believe that listening to feedback from pupils and parents about the quality of our Careers Programme is crucial. Such feedback ensures that we stay responsive to evolving needs and expectations and enhances the relevance and effectiveness of career guidance.

For pupil, parent and staff feedback on our Careers Programme 2022-23, please click here.

For pupil, parent and employer feedback on our Careers Fair 2023, please click here.

For pupil and parent feedback on our Work Experience 2023, please click here.

Gatsby Benchmark 4 (Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers) states that “Careers and enterprise education should be part of and included in a pupil’s standard lessons, linking curriculum to real-world career paths.”

Here at The Lakes School, we therefore introduced a new initiative in Autumn Term of 2023 designed to address this requirement. Now, in pupils’ everyday lessons, classroom teachers make regular explicit references to a range of careers that are relevant to the specific topic or skills being taught at that particular moment in that particular lesson. Videos are shown, questions are taken and links to the relevant page of the National Careers Service website are emailed home.

With this new addition to our careers provision here at The Lakes School, it is hoped that our pupils will become even more informed about the myriad options available to them and thus be in a better position to explore new avenues and ignite new passions.

For some examples of the careers explored in our everyday lessons in the Autumn Term of each academic year, please click here.

Pupils at The Lakes School have a vital role to play in taking responsibility for their own careers education and shaping their own future paths. Here’s how pupils can actively engage in their own career development:

1. Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your personal interests, values, strengths and aspirations. This self-awareness will help you make career choices that align with your individual passions and goals.
2. Research: Take the initiative in researching different careers, educational pathways and required qualifications. Utilise online resources to gather information about various industries.
3. Seek guidance: Actively seek guidance from the Head of Careers and Aspirations, your teachers and professionals in your fields of interest. Engage in open conversations about career options, educational requirements and potential opportunities.
4. Set goals: Establish short-term and long-term career goals. Break them down into actionable steps, such as acquiring specific skills, gaining relevant experiences or pursuing further education.
5. Take part in opportunities: Participate in part-time employment or volunteer work to gain practical experience and develop transferable skills.
6. Network: Attend career events, connect with professionals and build relationships within industries of interest. Networking can provide valuable insights and potential future opportunities.

By taking ownership of their career education, pupils can proactively explore, plan, and pursue opportunities that will lead them towards a fulfilling and successful future.! So, get to it!

USEFUL WEBSITES FOR YOU AS A PUPIL:

Explore careers – icould

Careers advice – job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

Hello Future – Supporting young people across Cumbria to progress to higher education

Informed Choices | Informed Choices

Apprenticeships

Amazing Apprenticeships

Any questions? Get in touch with Mr Pickering, Head of Careers and Aspirations, at ken.pickering@lakes.cumbria.sch.uk

Parents at The Lakes School play a crucial role in supporting their children’s career education and helping them navigate the path towards their future. Here are some ways parents can support their children in their career exploration:

1. Encourage open conversations: Create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their interests, aspirations and concerns about their future career. Listen attentively and provide guidance and reassurance.
2. Research together: Explore different career options together by researching online, reading brochures and visiting career fairs and open evenings. Encourage your child to investigate various industries and learn about the skills and qualifications required for different careers.
3. Foster self-awareness: Help your child identify their strengths, interests and values. Encourage them to reflect on what they enjoy doing and what aligns with their values. This self-awareness will guide them towards finding fulfilling career paths.
4. Support exploration: Allow your child to participate in part-time employment or volunteer opportunities to gain exposure to different fields and develop valuable skills.
5. Provide guidance on education and training: Help your child research the various educational pathways (such as university degrees, vocational training or apprenticeships) that can lead them towards their desired career.
6. Connect with professionals: Facilitate connections with professionals in fields of interest through networking events or family contacts. These connections can provide valuable insights and mentorship opportunities.

By actively supporting and engaging in your child’s career education, you can help them make informed decisions, explore their passions and confidently navigate their future career paths.

Parents can find our current Careers Strategy elsewhere on this webpage.

USEFUL WEBSITES FOR YOU AS A PARENT:

Careers advice – job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

Hello Future – Supporting young people across Cumbria to progress to higher education

Informed Choices | Informed Choices

Apprenticeships

Amazing Apprenticeships

Any questions? Get in touch with Mr Pickering, Head of Careers and Aspirations, at ken.pickering@lakes.cumbria.sch.uk

Teachers at The Lakes School have a unique opportunity to integrate careers into their teaching and help students connect their learning to real-world applications. By incorporating career-focused activities and discussions into their lessons, teachers at The Lakes School inspire their students and make learning more relevant. Here are a few ways teachers can integrate careers into their teaching:

1. Regular career-related discussions: Engaging students in frequent conversations about the relevance of particular skills to future employment opportunities can prove an invaluable means of developing their understanding of the explicit connection between the world of education and the world of work.
2. Short career-themed projects: Assigning projects that require students to research and present on specific careers can help them explore different industries, develop presentation skills and understand the requirements of various professions.
3. Guest speakers: Inviting professionals from different fields to speak to students about their career journeys and the skills needed in their industry can provide valuable insights and inspire students to pursue their passions.
4. Visits: Organising visits to workplaces or places of further and higher education can give students first-hand insight into the many varied pathways and opportunities that lie before them.

By integrating careers fully into their teaching, teachers at The Lakes School can ignite their students’ curiosity, broaden their horizons and provide them with the necessary tools to navigate the world of work successfully.

USEFUL WEBSITES FOR YOU AS A TEACHER:

ESSENTIAL: My Learning My Future | CEC Resource Directory (careersandenterprise.co.uk)

ESSENTIAL: Explore careers – icould

careers_in_the_curriculum_report_what_works.pdf (careersandenterprise.co.uk)

Any questions? Get in touch with Mr Pickering, Head of Careers and Aspirations, at ken.pickering@lakes.cumbria.sch.uk

It goes without saying that employers have a hugely significant role to play in supporting schools with careers education, contributing to the preparation of future talent. Here are some ways interested employers might help us at The Lakes School:

1. Offer workplace experiences: Provide opportunities for our Year 10 students to engage in work experience or keep us informed of part-time employment opportunities. This hands-on exposure allows students to gain practical skills, understand industry expectations and make informed career choices.
2. Act as guest speakers or visitors: Participate in our annual Careers Fair or offer a lunchtime talk to interested pupils, sharing insights about your industry and career paths.
3. Forge links with departments: Collaborate with us to develop curriculum content, ensuring it aligns with current industry trends and needs. Provide us with input on the skills, knowledge and competencies required for different careers.
4. Invite our pupils to your workplace: Organise visits to your workplace, enabling students to observe professionals in action and understand the work environment. This exposure helps them connect classroom learning to real-world applications.
5. Run skills workshops: Contribute to skill-building initiatives by offering workshops or training sessions focused on essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking.

By partnering with us here at The Lakes School, employers can bridge the gap between education and the world of work, empowering students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for a successful transition into their careers.

Employers can find our Provider Access Policy elsewhere on this webpage.

Employers can find our Careers Strategy elsewhere on this webpage.

Any questions? Get in touch with Mr Pickering, Head of Careers and Aspirations, at ken.pickering@lakes.cumbria.sch.uk

Here at The Lakes School, we firmly believe that it is crucial for pupils and parents to be familiar with their up-to-date local Labour Market Information (LMI).  

PUPILS: Understanding the local job market helps pupils make informed decisions about their education and career choices. By being aware of growth sectors, skill requirements and future trends, they can align their educational pursuits accordingly, increasing their chances of securing employment. 

PARENTS: Parents, too, need to stay updated on the local LMI in order to guide and support their children effectively. In the light of current local trends, they can provide valuable insights, offer relevant advice and assist in making informed decisions about higher education, vocational training or apprenticeships. 

The website below, developed by Start in collaboration with Cumbria Careers Hub, will provide you with an invaluable starting point. Get exploring! 

Start – Careers Information for Cumbria (startprofile.com)

Provider Access Policy – June 2023