What happens after Year 11? Mrs Adam – Careers Advisor Best @ Mayfield What happens after Year 11? Mrs Adam – Careers Advisor

Post 16 Options The options that young people have after year 11 can be confusing. There are many different routes and pathways that young people can take and choices have to be carefully made. Gathering information about different options is an essential part of this process. There are lots of things to think about when leaving school. To help choose what to do next, a young person must think about the following: what career you want to do in the future – some jobs need you to choose certain routes to get into them your predicted grades whether you want to carry on learning how you want to learn – you might enjoy school, and might like to continue; you might prefer more hands-on ways of doing things, so you might want to think about an apprenticeship.   Raising of the Participation Age The participation age was increased until the young person’s 18th birthday. However this does not mean that students have to stay on at school; they can go to college; start an apprenticeship or traineeship or go into employment with training. They can of course stay on at a school sixth form. The government have decided to do this because it is widely recognised that if a young person stays in education or training they will have better career prospects, be less likely to experience unemployment and are likely earn more over the course of their working lives. A more highly skilled workforce will also help the country compete in the world economy. Information, advice and guidance All young people are entitled to impartial careers advice and guidance. At Mayfield School we have our very own qualified Careers Advisor who provides this through careers interviews and drop in session’s available very day. Help with choosing your post 16 options A good place to start planning post 16 options is to think of these three questions. Where am I now? (What qualifications, skills, and interests do I have?) Where do I want to get to? (What would I like to be doing in 5 years’ time – job, living away from home. etc.?) How will I get there? (What course, training or future job is likely to get you where you want to go?) Of course, at 16, young people don't necessarily know the answer to all these questions, but now is the time to start exploring information about careers, jobs and courses.

If you really aren't sure about what you want to do in the future then 'stay broad' - do a broad range of subjects, so that you can decide later!   Different types of qualifications AS/A2 LEVELS: 2 year course and can be studied at a 6th form, 6th form college or a college. Subjects available can be those studied at GCSE’s but also new subjects are available. Need at least 5 A* - C grades at GCSE’s – must include Maths and English. BTEC These are Vocational qualification levels can be compared to other qualifications: Entry level qualifications build confidence and help people prepare for further learning and work. Level 2 qualifications are the equivalent level of grades A* to C at GCSE. Level 3 qualifications are the equivalent level to 2 A levels.  

Apprenticeships You need to be 16 or over to apply for an Apprenticeship.   Entry requirements will depend on the Apprenticeship you want to do. There are three levels available: Intermediate Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes) Advanced Level Apprenticeships (equivalent to two A level passes) Higher Apprenticeships (lead to qualifications at NVQ Level 4 or, in some cases, a Foundation Degree) Depending on your grades in GCSE Math’s and English, you may need to take a literacy and numeracy test.   PRE-ENTRY AND ENTRY LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS These are offered at college for those who have few or no qualifications, they can be a good way to improve numeracy and literacy.

Sixth Form or College? FE College Look at college websites and the college provider pages. Go to college open days – they’re great opportunities to talk to students and tutors.  College is an adult environment where you take more responsibility for yourself and your learning – there's support and guidance available, but it‘s also a chance for you to prepare for work and life post-education. There's usually a range of sport and leisure opportunities – employers and universities look for evidence of your wider interests and achievements, so check out college clubs and activities! School sixth form If you’re already at Mayfield and we offer the course you wish study then why not stay on? You already know the place, the teachers, and peers. Check out what courses are on offer and speak to relevant teachers. Wherever you choose to go, make sure you'll be studying subjects that interest you.

GCSE Maths and English Language It is now compulsory for students to achieve at least grade 4 GCSE grades 9 – 4 (A-C) or equivalent in Maths and English Language. If this is not achieved at the end of year 11 students must study these subjects again in sixth form or a college. Some students will be able to do ‘stepping stone’ courses that help them progress to the required grades or equivalent in these subjects

THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES CAN HELP YOU FIND OUT ABOUT ALL THE DIFFERENT CAREERS OUT THERE AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THEM. Apprenticeships – The National Apprenticeship Service is a government backed website which shows live apprenticeship vacancies.   https://www.getingofar.gov.uk/ Careersbox – External careers website showing videos and clips of difference jobs and careers. http://www.careersbox.co.uk/ National Careers Service – This is the government’s careers website giving valuable and impartial information on different jobs/careers, CV building and skills health check tools. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobfamily/Pages/default.aspx Career Pilot – You can browse over 400 job profiles with a full breakdown of salary, responsibilities and required qualifications so that you can find the perfect graduate job. http://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/your-choices-at-16/help-with-choosing-your-post-16-options Step into the NHS – Find out more about the huge range of careers and opportunities offered by the NHS, one of the largest employers in the UK. https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/ Russell Group –Making Informed Choices. The Russell Group is an organisation which represents 24 leading universities. This document is a useful guide as students consider courses and subjects to study in sixth form or at college.  http://russellgroup.ac.uk/for-students/school-and-college-in-the-uk/subject-choices-at-school-and-college/ www.ucas.com/ucas/16-18-choices/find-career-ideas https://icould.com/ https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide https://university.which.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/what-a-levels-do-you-need-for-the-degree-you-want-to-study https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles https://www.plotr.co.uk/ TAKE THE QUIZ