Here at the new Mercia Northridge School, we ensure that all pupils are well prepared for future employment opportunities as well as post-16 education. This is achieved by empowering pupils to make informed choices at key transition moments. We also offer one-to-one independent careers interviews in Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11).
Our careers provision is designed to equip pupils with the confidence knowledge and skills they need beyond Mercia Northridge School. Pupils will have meaningful encounters with both education providers and employers from Year 7 through to Year 11, culminating in a Year 11 careers fair. The careers fair will give pupils the chance to discuss aspirations with colleges, universities, employers and apprenticeship providers
Throughout the year, Careers education is delivered to pupils through assemblies, workshops, field trips to different industries and finally personal development lessons. The Gatsby Benchmark holds up our Careers Policy, in addition to regular feedback from pupils, parents and stakeholders. We also work with the company UniFrog to help track data and results for previous pupils. This helps inform our policy making for the upcoming year.
In Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9) pupils and will participate in a one-to-one options interview with senior staff. These discussions focus on future aspirations and help guide pupils towards the most appropriate pathways for Years 10 and 11 and beyond.
Careers opportunities at Mercia Northridge
Throughout their time at Mercia Northridge, pupils take part in a wide range of careers-related activities, including:
- Understanding universities and qualifications, including A levels, degrees, arts and sciences pathways
- Visits to universities, including Sheffield Hallam, The University of Sheffield and Huddersfield University, in Key Stage 4
- Tutor and staff-led discussions reflecting on aspirations and ambitions
- Individual career interviews in Year 10 and 11
- Providers of technical education and apprenticeships access to Years 8 to 11 pupils, through assemblies and the Post 16 Careers Roadshow
- Inspirational careers speakers and meaningful employer encounters
- Access to networking events
- Information on post-16 options through a careers fair
- A full exploration of the local post-16 offers at both sixth form and colleges
How you can support
Parents
If you have contacts or connections that could support our careers programme, including guest speakers, please get in touch. We also encourage parents and carers to explore career options with their child and to discuss aspirations.
Employers
We welcome opportunities to work with employers who are keen to support our pupils. If you would like to host an event or speak to pupils about your career or industry, please contact us.
Post-16, higher and further education providers
We would be delighted to host visiting speakers and events and are keen to engage with post-16 providers as pupils enter Years 10 and 11.
Access will be given for providers to attend during school assemblies and timetabled careers events. Pupils may also travel to visit another provider as part of the trip to be organised by the school careers advisor.
Contact
For more information or to offer your support, contact Dillon Max-Grant at dmax-grant@mercianorthridge.school or via phone on 0114 2322338 Ext: 2144