We recognise the important role that parents and carers play in supporting and influencing the decisions made by their child in determining their future career. This section of our website is to help you understand the different options available so you can help your child to be better prepared for further study and working life.

AS A PARENT/CARER, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO EXPECT THAT SCHOOL STAFF WILL:

• Enable you to take an active part in your child’s career learning by providing relevant and timely information
• Provide opportunities to seek advice and guidance at Parent/Carer Evenings and other events
• Promote and practice equal opportunities for all young people regardless of gender, ethnic origin, or disability

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Year 9 students will make choices about which subjects they will study at Key Stage 4
• Year 11 students will decide: whether to stay in full-time education, whether to study A levels or vocational qualifications at Sixth Form or College, to complete an apprenticeship or a traineeship or to get a job with training. All young people are required to continue in one of these forms of education until their 18th birthday
• At the end of the academic year, after their 18th birthday, students can decide to stay in full-time education at College or University, to complete an apprenticeship or get a job

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

• When choosing subjects for further study, focus on those that your child enjoys and shows some strength in. Some careers may require specific subjects at GCSE and A level so take this into account also but, we would not advise students to pick a subject for this reason alone
• Learning style is important. If your child struggles in exams, but does much better in classwork and homework, they may suit a vocational course better where the grades are not based solely on exams
• When applying for Sixth Forms and Colleges, attend as many open events as possible to help you decide the best option for your child. Remember you can apply for as many different places as you like and we advise that this is completed before the end of the Autumn term
• Sixth Forms, Colleges and work-based learning providers all have 16-19 Bursary Funds you could apply for depending on individual circumstances
• There are also a number of loans, grants and bursaries available to support with Higher Education costs

WHO CAN HELP:

• Mr M McCurdy, Careers Leader, can be contacted on MMcCurdy@raynespark.merton.sch.uk and is available at parent/carer events for Years 9 – 13. Students can also request appointments via their Form Tutor or Head of Year
• Students in Years 10 to 13 will all receive a careers guidance interview with the Independent Careers Adviser
• Teachers can also offer advice on studying their subject at Key Stage 4 or Key Stage 5
• Form Tutors and Heads of Year can offer advice about achieving well and making positive choices

Useful Resources

Start Profile

Start is a free, online careers platform designed to connect 11-18 year olds with their future career potential. It combines the most comprehensive source of information with a personalised experience and career planning tools, helping our students to make more informed decisions about their future study and career options, as well as developing their employability.

Start includes:

• A student profile: students build their profile and access personalised study and career information
• Modules: activities to guide students through the information on Start at the right time
• Up to date information: engaging content on what to study, where to learn and the world of work
• Locker: an online record of achievement to evidence skills for future applications and CVs
• Employability action plan: Students can set goals and stay in control of their career planning

For guidance on how to use Start Profile, please see here.

Careermag for Parents
Careermag for School Leavers

Careermag for Parents connects students and their parents to the latest career and qualification routes available.

Amazing Apprenticeships Parent Pack - These are filled with the latest advice and guidance, supported by the National Apprenticeship Service

For information on Apprenticeships please click here

For the Parent Guide to UCAS please click here

The Parental Guidance website contains a wealth of information for parents and carers

Volunteering Opportunities

We are always happy to hear from parents/carers who are willing to give our students an insight into their organisation or personal career journey. If you would like to get involved, please email MMcCurdy@raynespark.merton,sch.uk