Preparing pupils for life beyond Trinity

Information for pupils and families about careers guidance, work experience, Post 16 pathways and future choices.

At Trinity Secondary, we want pupils to think widely and confidently about their future.

Careers education helps pupils understand their strengths, interests, ambitions and options. It also helps them see how learning connects with future pathways, including sixth form, college, apprenticeships, vocational courses, A levels, T Levels, BTECs and employment.

Trinity does not have a Sixth Form, so impartial guidance is especially important. We support pupils to understand a broad range of Post 16 routes and to make informed choices about their next step.

Careers guidance at Trinity

Careers guidance is taken seriously at Trinity.

Pupils are supported to explore different careers, understand future pathways and think about the kind of life and work that may suit them.

Trinity has an onsite independent careers adviser who supports pupils through careers information, group sessions and individual guidance.

Pupils receive group careers sessions in Year 8 and one to one careers sessions in Year 10. This helps pupils begin thinking about future pathways before they reach the point of making key decisions.

A personalised approach

We want careers guidance to feel relevant, practical and personal.

Pupils are encouraged to think about:

• what they enjoy
• what they are good at
• what motivates them
• what subjects interest them
• what kind of working environment may suit them
• what qualifications or training they may need
• what opportunities are available locally and nationally

Careers guidance helps pupils connect their current learning with their future choices.

Careers across Secondary school

Careers education builds over time.

Stage	Careers focus
Key Stage 3	Pupils begin exploring different careers, skills and pathways. They are encouraged to think broadly and understand that there are many routes into further study, training and work.
Key Stage 4	Pupils receive more focused guidance as they prepare for GCSEs, work experience and Post 16 decisions.

Careers education may take place through lessons, Family Group time, assemblies, employer encounters, careers events, trips, work experience, one to one guidance and conversations with staff.

Labour market information

Labour market information helps pupils understand jobs, sectors, pay, skills and future opportunities.

Pupils and families can use tools such as LMI for All to compare different careers and explore information about the world of work.

This can help pupils think about the subjects, qualifications and skills linked to different careers.

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service is a useful starting point for pupils and families exploring careers information.

It provides information about job profiles, skills, courses, careers advice and possible pathways.

Year 10 work experience

Work experience is an important part of careers education at Trinity.

Pupils are encouraged and supported to find their own placement. This helps them take responsibility, think carefully about their interests and begin making links with the world of work.

Work experience gives pupils hands on experience and helps them develop real life skills such as communication, organisation, confidence, problem solving, teamwork and independence.

It also helps pupils reflect on what kind of work they may enjoy and what steps they may want to take in the future.

Post 16 guidance

Trinity carefully prepares pupils for life beyond Year 11.

Because Trinity does not have a Sixth Form, pupils receive impartial advice about a wide range of Post 16 pathways. This may include:

• sixth forms
• colleges
• apprenticeships
• A levels
• T Levels
• BTECs
• vocational courses
• Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 courses
• other training routes

Pupils are supported to understand the differences between pathways and to consider which options may suit their strengths, interests and future goals.

College and provider events

Trinity invites a range of Post 16 providers into school so pupils can hear directly about different courses and opportunities.

These events help pupils compare options, ask questions and understand the range of pathways available after Year 11.

Families should also attend open events at sixth forms, colleges and training providers so that pupils can see the settings, ask questions and understand what each route offers before applying.

Applications and next steps

Pupils are supported through the process of thinking about and applying for Post 16 destinations.

This may include:

• researching options
• attending open events
• understanding entry requirements
• preparing applications
• writing personal statements where needed
• preparing for interviews
• considering travel, course structure and support
• making final decisions after offers are received

Families can support pupils by discussing options early and helping them keep track of deadlines.

Provider access

Trinity welcomes contact from education and training providers who can help pupils understand their future options.

Provider access information and related policies are available through the Policies and Statutory Information section of the website.

Employers and providers

We welcome opportunities for pupils to learn from employers, colleges, training providers, apprenticeship providers and members of the local community.

If you are an employer or provider who would like to support careers education at Trinity, please contact the school office.

Useful careers links

Contact

For questions about careers, work experience or Post 16 guidance, please contact the school office and your enquiry will be directed to the appropriate member of staff.

Trinity Secondary
Taunton Road
Lee
London
SE12 8PD

Telephone: 020 8852 3191

Email: admin@trinity.lewisham.sch.uk

Useful links