It’s been a busy fortnight at King’s for L6^th Form pupils as they consider their future pathways.

Explorations started with a launch presentation by the Deputy Head - Sixth Form, where pupils were introduced to the vast array of options open to them post King’s. In keeping with the guidance philosophy at King’s, no one route was pushed above others, rather, pupils were encouraged to find their individual best fit, aiming ambitiously for their futures.

This talk set the stage for the annual L6^th Form Careers Convention, organised by the Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Dr Milly Corrigan. With keynote speakers, Old Brutonians from Amazon Logistics and Airbus, parents and pupils were given food for thought in their potential routes forward and challenged to begin their career journeys. They were also treated to some pearls of wisdom on leadership and what skills employers are looking for. Then followed over an hour of pre-arranged seminars with representatives from over 20 different career fields. Pupils were given the opportunity to delve deeper into several different careers, gaining an insight into the day to day roles and the skills and training required. Many were inspired to explore further, whether through work experience or continued discussion with delegates. The King’s Community benefits hugely from the support of individuals that are able to give their time and expertise to support King’s pupils as they plan for their futures, and we are most grateful for the time they gave at this event. The Careers Convention was not just for pupils either, with parents of L6^th Form pupils receiving a briefing on the opportunities available for their sons and daughters, and the ways that all can work together to guide them in stepping onto their best fit pathways.

Flickr album: L6th Form Careers Convention - 31st January 2020 | Height: auto | Theme: Default

With talk of opportunities foremost in the minds of L6^th Form pupils, the following week saw them hearing from representatives of Lancaster University on what to look for when choosing a university and course in the UK.

Meanwhile, the U6^th Form pupils also received a talk on student finance and budgeting, as part of their own enrichment and preparation programme.

Finally, in this fortnight, National Apprenticeship Week saw pupils exploring opportunities in the realm of apprenticeships, with newly-appointed Apprenticeship Advisor, Marie Goffe, challenging the L6^th Form with myth-dispelling activities.

All in, a busy fortnight, but with more to come this term as the Sixth Form hear from international and UK university advisors, regional apprenticeship speakers and gap year/travel safety and responsible tourism speakers, whilst also being given occasions to meet with providers at UCAS Fairs, the National Apprenticeship Show and specialist career events.

It is imperative that Sixth Form pupils are made aware of the many opportunities available to them, whilst also having encounters with employers and universities, enabling them to look to their possible horizons and beyond. This term in the L6^th Form is critical to this investigation, and I am determined that pupils at King’s are given every opportunity to be aware of, and to be able to explore, all possible pathways, so that they can start to appreciate and be guided in finding their best fit for the future.

Will Daws - Deputy Head - Sixth Form