Careers Programme

Hall Cross Academy Careers Programme

Hall Cross Academy aims to provide every student with a positive and impartial careers experience. The careers programme displays the activities that all students take part in, however we also recognise the importance of meeting student’s individual needs and interests and have attached the whole school career activities to evidence the wide support we offer to your son/daughter during their time at the academy. The Careers Page, including the Careers Programme and all policies are reviewed annually to ensure all information is up to date and approved by governors. The next review will be published in September 2023.

Careers Activities for KS3

Year Group Gatsy Benchmark Activity Outcome
Year 7 2,3,4 Exploring Industries using Kudos Cascaid The aim and purpose of this activity is to allow students to explore the different industries that exist and the variety of roles that come under these sectors.
3,7 HEPP:Benefits of HE To gain an initial insight into university and its purpose. The aim is that from finding the benefits of gaining a degree it will help raise student’s aspirations and provide motivation towards their education and future.
2,3,5 Employer Assembly Each year group will have an assembly hosted by an employer allowing students an insight into a different industry. They will learn about roles that exist within that industry and how to achieve those careers. The aim of this is to inform students about the wide range of careers that exist as well as inspiring students we hope that it will allow them to link their education to their potential future career. Employers will be able to provide students with relevant and up to date Labour Market Information.
2,3 Start – Careers Online Activities Each student in Hall Cross Academy will have an account with Start. This is a career programme that can support students in exploring careers, finding those that match their personality and interests. Start provides guidance on employability skills, gaining work experience, university information and much more.
In addition to this, students can keep a record of all activities they have been involved in, whether this be a careers day, work experience or even the school performance.
2,3 Apprenticeship Activity During this week Year 7 students will take part in form time activities that will inform them of what an apprenticeship is and the different careers they can pursue via an apprenticeship.
2,3 National Careers Week Throughout both National Careers Week and students are given form time activities such as independent quizzes, video clips in which they can hear from employers, learn about LMI and dispel any gender stereotypes.
They will be able to explore the huge variety of career opportunities as well as those locally.
Year 8 3,7 HEPP:Choices and Pathways The purpose of this is for students to explore the vast degree opportunities and the routes they can take. Through this activity, students will be able to link their GCSE choices and use decision-making techniques to look at how their GCSE choices could affect their future pathways.
2,3,4,5 Professionals Day Students will rotate round 5 different employers of their choice, learning about their careers and the route they took to achieve this career. Employers make these workshops not only insightful but engaging with relevant activities.
2,3,5 Employer Assembly This year each year group will have an assembly hosted by an employer allowing students an insight into a different industry. They will learn about roles that exist within that industry and how to achieve those careers. The aim of this is to inform students about the wide range of careers that exist as well as inspiring students we hope that it will allow them to link their education to their potential future career. Employers will be able to provide students with relevant and up to date Labour Market Information.
2,3 Start – Careers Online Activities Each student in Hall Cross Academy will have an account with Start. This is a career programme that can support students in exploring careers, finding those that match their personality and interests. Start provides guidance on employability skills, gaining work experience, university information and much more.
In addition to this, students can keep a record of all activities they have been involved in, whether this be a careers day, work experience or even the school performance.
2,3,5,7 We Care Into The Future All year 8 students attend the We Care into the Future, an event organised by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital in collaboration with Hall Cross Academy as part of the Foundation School in Health.
Students are able to see first-hand professionals in action through the simulated corridor. They are able to speak with colleges and universities regarding future choices as well as attending the huge careers fair with over 45 stands from professionals who work within the NHS/Social Care sector. The purpose of the event is for students to consider their options and learn about the wide range of careers available to them and the different routes they can take to achieve them.
2,3 National Apprenticeship Week During this week students will take part in form-time activities on apprenticeships learning more about what they involve, the different levels you can study and complete interactive activities to enhance their knowledge.
2,3,5 National Careers Week Throughout National Careers Week students will not only receive emails with careers information and useful resources they will also complete form time activities such as class quizzes or classroom discussions.
Students will be given the opportunity to take part in a variety of online quizzes to help them explore career ideas and find out which ones match their personality and skills set. There will be plenty of videos from employers who share their experiences and their career journey.
Year 9 3,7 Hull University Visit All students in Year 9 are given the opportunity to attend the University of Hull where they are able to meet with staff and student ambassadors. They are given a campus tour and complete various activities where they can learn about the different courses available, the different opportunities you can take while studying at university and student finance including grants and bursaries.
2,3,5 Employer Assesmbly This year each year group will have an assembly hosted by an employer allowing students an insight into a different industry. They will learn about roles that exist within that industry and how to achieve those careers. The aim of this is to inform students about the wide range of careers that exist as well as inspiring students we hope that it will allow them to link their education to their potential future career. Employers will be able to provide students with relevant and up to date Labour Market Information.
2,3 Apprenticeship Activity During this week students will take part in form time activities on apprenticeships learning more about what they involve, the different levels you can study and complete interactive activities to enhance their knowledge.
3,7 HEPP:Finance and Benefits HEPP (Higher Education Progression Partnership) will deliver a workshop to all year 9 students regarding how student finance works and dispelling any myths around this. They will also focus on the benefits of gaining a degree with this be university based or via an apprenticeship.
2,3,5 National Careers Week Throughout National Careers Week students will not only receive emails with careers information and useful resources they will also complete form time activities such as class quizzes or classroom discussions.
Students will be given the opportunity to take part in a variety of online quizzes to help them explore career ideas and find out which ones match their personality and skills set.
There will be plenty of videos from employers who share their experiences and their career journey.
3 GCSE Option Choices> Students have a programme delivered to them to support them in making their GCSE choices. These include:
Information packs for each students
Options subject evening for students and parents (allows people to ask questions directly to subject teachers).
Careers advisor based at the lower school for a week to allow year 9 students to drop in and ask any questions. They can however book a careers meeting at any time whether this be through the careers page or email.
The careers advisor is also available on the Options Evening event.
2,3 Start – Careers Online Activites Each student in Hall Cross Academy will have an account with Start. This is a career programme that can support students in exploring careers, finding those that match their personality and interests. Start provides guidance on employability skills, gaining work experience, university information and much more.
In addition to this, students can keep a record of all activities they have been involved in, whether this be a careers day, work experience or even the school performance.
2,3,4,8 Careers Interview with Level 6 qualified careers advisor Students receive impartial careers advice and guidance; receive support in looking into all of their options available particularly when students are making decisions for their GCSE option choices.

Careers Activities for KS4

Year Group Gatsy Benchmark Activity Outcome
Year 10 3,4,5,6 Work Industry Visits This academic year we aim to provide all students in year 10 with a valuable work industry visit.
A google form will allow an understanding of each student’s career goals or career interests and their visit can then be tailored to this.
The aim of the visit is to allow students to gain a real life insight into the workplace, speak with employers and learn more about that industry and the job roles available in it.
2,3,5,7 Careers Morning There are 3 workshops: Careers Fair/Post 16 Options, Apprenticeships and Sixth Form opportunities. The outcome of this careers event is to ensure students know of all the opportunities available to them after Year 11 so that they can make an informed decision about their post 16 plans.
2,3,5,7 Opportunities Doncaster – Careers Fair @ Doncaster Racecourse ‘Designed to inspire, enthuse and motivate young people to think about prospective careers available to them and the relevant progression routes they can take to achieve their ‘Dream Job’’.
2,3,5 Employer Assembly This year each year group will have an assembly hosted by an employer allowing students an insight into a different industry. They will learn about roles that exist within that industry and how to achieve those careers. The aim of this is to inform students about the wide range of careers that exist as well as inspiring students we hope that it will allow them to link their education to their potential future career. Employers will be able to provide students with relevant and up to date Labour Market Information.
2,3 Start – Careers Online Activites Each student in Hall Cross Academy will have an account with Start. This is a career programme that can support students in exploring careers, finding those that match their personality and interests. Start provides guidance on employability skills, gaining work experience, university information and much more.
In addition to this, students can keep a record of all activities they have been involved in, whether this be a careers day, work experience or even the school performance.
3,7 University Visit This year we aim to offer all students in year 10 the opportunity to visit Lincoln University. Hall Cross Academy has developed a new formal relationship with the university and one of our activities is to provide students in year 10 the opportunity to visit the campus and take part in university activities.
2,3 Apprenticeship Activities As a part of the national apprenticeship week students are given different activities throughout the week to complete with their form tutor. The aim is to make students more informed and to dispel any myths surrounding apprenticeships.
2,3,5 National Careers Week Throughout National Careers Week students will not only receive emails with careers information and useful resources they will also complete form time activities such as class quizzes or classroom discussions.
Students will be given the opportunity to take part in a variety of online quizzes to help them explore career ideas and find out which ones match their personality and skills set.
There will be plenty of videos from employers who share their experiences and their career journey.
2,3,4,8 Careers Interview with Level 6 qualified careers advisor Students receive impartial careers advice and guidance; receive support in looking into all of their options available post 16 and 18 as well as future career goals. Students are provided with various career resources for additional careers guidance.
Year 11 3,7 Careers Day Students will opt into an activity of their desired post 16 destination gaining an experience of what it would be like to do either an apprenticeship, A-Levels or Btecs or attend a college. The aim of this is to ensure students know what to expect from their post 16 destination and provide enough information to help them make an informed decision.
2,3,5,7 Future Pathways Evening The Future Pathways Evening is open to both Year 11 and Year 12 and their parents.
We have universities, employers including the NHS and apprenticeship providers come into the school to provide a careers fair that allows students and parents to get information to support both post 16 and post 18 plans.
2,3 Apprenticeship Activities As a part of the national apprenticeship week students are given different activities throughout the week to complete with their form tutor. The aim is to make students more informed of opportunities both post 16 and 18, and to make them aware of the higher level and degree apprenticeships available.
2,3,5 National Careers Week Throughout National Careers Week students will not only receive emails with careers information and useful resources they will also complete form time activities such as class quizzes or classroom discussions.
Students will be given the opportunity to take part in a variety of online quizzes to help them explore career ideas and find out which ones match their personality and skills set.
There will be plenty of videos from employers who share their experiences and their career journey.
2,3,5 Employer Presentation A large employer will come into school and complete a presentation to our Year 11 students about the potential career opportunities with their company. Students will learn about both apprenticeships and graduate schemes along with what it is they look for in their employees.
Hearing directly from an employer will enable our students a different insight and perspective when it comes to future employment and different aspects they need to consider i.e. Labour Market Information.
2,3 Start – Careers Online Activities Each student in Hall Cross Academy will have an account with Start. This is a career programme that can support students in exploring careers, finding those that match their personality and interests. Start provides guidance on employability skills, gaining work experience, university information and much more.
In addition to this, students can keep a record of all activities they have been involved in, whether this be a careers day, work experience or even the school performance.
2,3,4,8 Careers Interviews with Level 6 qualified careers advisor Students receive impartial careers advice and guidance; receive support in looking into all of their options available post 16 and 18 as well as future career goals. Students are provided with various career resources for additional careers guidance.

Careers Activities for KS5

Year Group Gatsy Benchmark Activity Outcome
Year 12 3,5,12 Work Experience All students in Year 12 are given a week’s work experience. Our work experience lead supports students and ensures relevant preparation is completed before and that students do a reflection piece on their placement allowing them to review what they have taken away from the experience and how it has helped enhance their future prospects.
2,3,5 Future Pathways Week During this week students will take part in work experience and industry visits.
They will begin their ucas application process, or begin their search for an apprenticeship with the support of the sixth form team, careers advisor and academic tutors.
2,3,5,7 Future Pathways Evening The Future Pathways Evening is open to both Year 11 and Year 12 and their parents.
We have universities, employers including the NHS and apprenticeship providers come into the school to provide a careers fair that allows students and parents to get information to support both post 16 and post 18 plans.
3,5,7 What Career Live? Each year we offer all year 12 students to attend this careers fair in order to help them learn more about apprenticeships, speak with universities and employers, enhancing their likelihood of achieving an apprenticeship post 18.
3,7 UCAS Convention Year 12 students are taken to the Sheffield Arena to the ucas convention. At this event, all universities from across the United Kingdom are present giving students the availability to speak with university representatives and find out more about the wide range courses
3,5 Hall Cross Academy Alumni Event n previous years we have bought in an alumni provision from Futures First however moving forward having created a database of alumni which we continue to develop we aim to host a careers event each academic year for our year 12 students.
Students will hear directly from Hall Cross alumni regarding their post Hall Cross experiences and how they pursued their current career. Using alumni to deliver this allows the experience to be more relatable for our students.
3,7 Outreach Programmes Hall Cross Academy has developed various links with universities and other providers over the years which in turn has developed the number of outreach opportunities for our students. E.g. Linacre Institute, Sutton Trust Programme, Next Step York and many more.
2,3 National Careers Week Throughout National Careers Week students will receive emails with careers information and useful resources as well as hearing about the different events taking place whether they be in person or virtual. They will also have a lesson during their academic tutor session to learn more about career opportunities, have a more in depth look at their post 18 plans. If they are uncertain we can implement support to help enable them to make decisions about their next steps.
2,3 National Apprenticeship Week During academic tutor time, students were given different activities to take part in to learn about the pros and cons of apprenticeships and to find out more about the different employers offering higher and degree level apprenticeships.
3,7 University Open Day Visit Each Year there are two visits organised to attend two different university open days. These visits are open to all students in Year 12.
2,3 Start – Careers Online Activities Each student in Hall Cross Academy will have an account with Start. This is a career programme that can support students in exploring careers, finding those that match their personality and interests. Start provides guidance on employability skills, gaining work experience, university information and much more.
In addition to this, students can keep a record of all activities they have been involved in, whether this be a careers day, work experience or even the school performance.
2,3,4,8 Careers Interviews with Level 6 qualified careers advisor Students receive impartial careers advice and guidance; receive support in looking into all of their options available post 18 as well as future career goals. Students are provided with various career resources for additional careers guidance.
Year 13 7 UCAS and Student Finance The Ucas and student finance evening is aimed at Year 13 and their parents, informing them about the ucas process and what to expect and a presentation from student finance regarding the support available to students.
This year the information will be online for parents and students to access and any questions can be emailed into the sixth form team.
2,3,4 1-1 support with post 18 plans Each student in Year 13 receives at least one 1-1 with their academic tutor to gain support either with their ucas application or other post 18 plans.
2,3 Start-Careers Online Activities Each student in Hall Cross Academy will have an account with Start. This is a career programme that can support students in exploring careers, finding those that match their personality and interests. Start provides guidance on employability skills, gaining work experience, university information and much more.
In addition to this, students can keep a record of all activities they have been involved in, whether this be a careers day, work experience or even the school performance.
2,3,4,8 Careers Interviews with Level 6 Advisor Students receive impartial careers advice and guidance; receive support in looking into all of their options available post 18 as well as future career goals. Students are provided with various career resources for additional careers guidance.