Year 10 Next Steps Careers event

On Tuesday 18th March, The Royal School welcomed a number of visitors as part of the year 10 ‘Next Steps Event’. The event was aimed at increasing pupils' understanding of the options available to them once they had reached different stages in their education.

We welcomed a range of exhibitors into school including former students Dan Fletcher who works for the Coop, Rohin Chagger who is employed by CROWE Accountants and Jeevan Bains from the Ministry of Defence who all spoke to students about their companies and degree apprenticeships. Georgia Cunnison from Walsall College and David Handy from King Edward VI College spoke to pupils about studying at College and the courses that are offered to students. Lydia Runham from Aston University and Ankita Yakkundi from Keele University gave students an insight into university life and the courses that are offered. Pupils also had an opportunity to listen to a talk about employment and degree apprenticeships from staff at the NHS and Laura Bennett-Allcock and her team from Collins Aerospace. Julie Platt from DWP and Dan Birch spoke to students about apprenticeships, where to find them and how to apply for them. Our very own Mr Estell concluded the event and discussed the advantages of staying on in our Sixth Form and the range of subjects students can select to study.

The event was a great success, and we are grateful to everyone for giving up their time to speak to our year 10’s and giving them a greater understanding of the options available to them. These are just some examples of what pupils thought about the event.

‘’Today has given me a clear insight into what university is like and what they expect.’’

‘’I used to have a clear thought of what I wanted to do, after this event I realise there are more things I can do.’’

‘’ The event has given me more options and opportunities for me to explore’’.

‘’I wasn’t sure whether to continue education at college or 6th form but now I have more of an insight into what 6th form has to offer and I want to continue to study at The Royal’’.

The ‘Next Steps’ event has given pupils plenty to think about for their future and has given them a better understanding of the different pathways available to them as they move into the world of work.

We were also very fortunate that Lydia Runham from Aston University and Ankita Yakkundi from Keele University offered to stay to talk to year 12 as they continue to explore their futures beyond Key Stage 5.

For more information about careers please visit our website, www.theroyalschool.co.uk. On the careers pages you can also find lots of information regarding the local labour market. This information gives pupils an idea of the job opportunities in the local area and beyond. There are also links to find out more information on apprenticeships and universities.