Student Careers 

At Harris Academy South Norwood, our Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance (CEIAG) programme is designed to align with the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring a high-quality and inclusive careers provision that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in the world of work. Our careers strategy is rooted in our curriculum intent to create work-ready individuals, promoting social mobility and raising aspirations for all students.

Overview of Careers Programme

Our careers programme demonstrates that all students can achieve and excel in the academy and beyond into adult life. We aim to provide a comprehensive and personalised careers education, meeting the diverse needs of every student and ensuring opportunities for personal development and progression.

Guest Speaker Programme

Every two weeks, students have the opportunity to engage with guest speakers from a variety of successful career backgrounds. These sessions are carefully linked to further education routes, including university and apprenticeships. Through presentations, workshops, and Q&A sessions, students learn about professionals' educational journeys, challenges, and achievements. This provides valuable insight into the world of work and helps students connect their learning to future career pathways (Gatsby Benchmark 5: Encounters with Employers and Employees).

Recently, we were privileged to host Simon Lewis OBE, a distinguished communications advisor who has held prominent roles such as Communications Secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Director of Communications and Official Spokesman for Prime Minister Gordon Brown. During his session, Mr. Lewis shared his extensive experience in strategic communications, offering students a unique perspective on public relations and the importance of effective communication in leadership.

Additionally, we welcomed Action Jackson, a renowned motivational speaker and youth coach. As the founder of Fixup Seminars, he has dedicated his career to empowering students and educators across the UK. During his session, Action Jackson inspired our students to unlock their potential and pursue their aspirations with confidence.

Unifrog for Years 7-9

Students in Years 7-9 participate in six tutor-led sessions annually using the Unifrog platform, a comprehensive careers tool that helps them explore their skills, interests, and potential career paths. Through quizzes, activities, and research tools, students gain insight into:

• Relevant career paths aligned to their strengths and passions.
• Local labour market information, including job prospects, salaries, and qualifications.
• Real-life insights from professionals.

Students use Unifrog to log their career exploration journey and inform their GCSE options. Tutors review students' progress and collaborate with Heads of Year (HoY) and the Careers Leader to connect them to tailored career opportunities, including guest speakers and potential work placements (Gatsby Benchmark 2: Learning from Career and Labour Market Information).

Careers Guidance for Years 10-13

Every student in Years 10-13 has access to individual careers meetings with our dedicated Careers Advisors. Advisors are on-site twice a week, focusing on:

• Supporting KS5 students with UCAS applications and post-18 planning, integrated into the Year 12 and 13 tutor programme.
• Conducting careers interviews with identified groups in Year 11, including Looked After Children (LAC) and students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), in partnership with the SENCO and SEN departments.

This personalised guidance ensures every student receives targeted support tailored to their needs and aspirations (Gatsby Benchmark 8: Personal Guidance).

Termly Careers Assemblies and Events

The Careers Leader delivers termly assemblies to all year groups, aligning with government initiatives and national events. These assemblies ensure that students receive up-to-date information and inspiration about career opportunities (Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers). Key events include:

• National Apprenticeship Week (February): Assemblies explain apprenticeships, preparation strategies, and application processes, tailored for each year group.
• Careers Week (March): Assemblies highlight our careers provision and feature first-hand insights from professionals.
• Enterprise Week (November): Focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to support career progression.
• Green Careers Week: Promotes awareness of green careers and the importance of sustainability in the workplace.
• Oxbridge and Russell Group Assemblies: Provide insights into prestigious universities and how to prepare for these pathways.

Careers Fair

Each year, we host a Careers Fair open to all students. This event allows students to interact with a wide range of employers, further education providers, and apprenticeship organisations, providing invaluable networking opportunities and insights into various career paths (Gatsby Benchmark 7: Encounters with Further and Higher Education).

Meeting Statutory Requirements

We fulfil the Baker Clause by promoting apprenticeships widely through:

• Unifrog updates.
• Careers Advisor consultations.
• Events such as National Apprenticeship Week.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Our CEIAG programme is continuously reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of our students and reflects changes in the labour market and educational landscape. By embedding the Gatsby Benchmarks throughout our provision, we ensure all students leave Harris Academy South Norwood with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to succeed in their future careers.

For more insights from Action Jackson, you can watch his keynote speaker showreel below:

Keynote Speaker ACTION JACKSON Showreel

In a recent session, Action Jackson challenged our student, Princess, to sing impromptu in front of 180 of her peers. She accepted the challenge and delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing the confidence and talent we aim to foster in our students. This moment was captured and shared on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the supportive and empowering environment at Harris Academy South Norwood.