Careers Plan – Year 9 (2024-25)
YEAR 9 CAREERS AIM: to build aspirations and allow students the opportunity to explore careers opportunities in more detail, including challenging stereotypes.
RATIONALE: This year builds on the work in Year 7 and 8, but recognises that they are approaching a transition point so a focus is on exploring opportunities within different sectors. An important part of this is challenging stereotypes so that we can empower students to make decisions according to their own desires and ambitions, not the expectations of others.
Term 1
- .CAREERS SESSIONS: Stereotypes in careers
In their fortnightly careers sessions, Year 9 students will explore their preconceptions about careers sectors in advance of choosing their GCSE options. They will explore the impact of stereotypes on individual career choices, as well as understanding that a range of careers can exist within a sector beyond the ones they may initially think of.
Continue reading → - ASSEMBLY: The British Army
Officially the top apprenticeship provider in the UK for 2024, the British Army have over 100 different roles including combat; engineering; HR, finance and support; intelligence, communications and IT; medical; logistics and support; and music. They are also the largest provider of apprenticeships and technical training in the country. They are going to talk to our Year 9s about what apprenticeships are and how/when you would apply for one, and also a bit about what it’s like to study an apprenticeship.
This event forms part of our provision to meet Provider Access Legislation.
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Term 2
- .CAREERS SESSIONS: Exploring career sectors
In their fortnightly careers sessions, Year 9 students will have the opportunity to explore the different careers within specific sectors that related to the GCSE subject options on offer. This term, they will talk to two STEM Ambassadors about their jobs, their own GCSE choices, and then how they use their GCSEs within their careers. In 2024-25, we will be talking to a pilot and a games developer. Then we will use one session to explore the wide range of roles within the TV and film industry in Kent.
Continue reading → - COMPETITION: Maidstone United Kit Design
In Art, Year 7, 8 and 9 students are invited to take part in a kit design competition set by Maidstone United FC. It opens on 31st October and closes on 10th November. With the support of the Art department, students get experience of working to a brief in order to satisfy a client.
“We’re throwing down the challenge to see who can come up with the winning design for the next two seasons. Whether it’s an original idea or inspired by a shirt from yesteryear, your design must be true to the club colours of amber and black. You’ve got until Sunday 10 November to email your design, which must be in jpeg or PDF format. If you’re not expert in Photoshop (other design packages are available), you can download ‘My Macron Kit’ from your app store and create a shirt using the step by step guide. The winning designer will receive one of the first shirts off the production line, which will be signed by next season’s squad. Send in your design to info@maidstoneunited.co.uk by 6pm on Sunday 10 November.”
Continue reading → - WORKSHOP: BIMA Digital Marketing Day
An invited group of Year 9 students will be out of lessons for a day to participate in the National BIMA Digital Marketing Day event. This event is a unique opportunity for our students to join schools across the country in a national challenge that will put their digital marketing and creative skills to the test. Throughout the day, students will work on developing a campaign to support a cause, company, charity, or event, refining their ability to craft engaging projects that inspire public interest and support. This experience not only enhances their digital and communication skills but also fosters teamwork, innovation, and strategic thinking.
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Term 3
- .CAREERS SESSIONS: National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Year 9 students will take part in a range of activities during progress time where they explore what apprenticeships are, the different levels that are available and get some advice on how to choose an employer.
Continue reading → - Launch Work Shadowing Day
Work Shadowing Day is in Term 6 and offers our students in Year 8, 9 and 10 the opportunity to accompany a family member to work for a day to gain an first-hand experience of a workplace. In this session, students are introduced or reminded about what the day involves and parents/carers are informed of this valuable opportunity for their child.
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Term 4
- .CAREERS SESSIONS: Exploring careers sectors
In their careers sessions, Year 9 students will have the opportunity to explore the different careers within specific sectors that related to the GCSE subject options on offer. In term 4, this includes STEM, languages, IT and digital.
Continue reading → - Careers Fair 2025
Wrotham School’s Careers Fair has gone from strength to strength, building on our relationships with local and national employers, apprenticeship providers, colleges and universities. The fair will feature specialised activities to support our Year 9, 10, 11 and Sixth Form students to make informed decisions about the important transitions they face.
This year, we again welcome our neighbouring school Grange Park School to join our careers fair. Grange Park is a specialist school for children and young people with autism spectrum condition (ASC) from 9-19.
If you would like to find out more information, please visit the ‘Careers Events’ page.
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Term 5
- .CAREERS SESSIONS: Rights in the workplace
Building on their character work on the importance of communication and integrity, Year 9 students explore disability rights, and what support is available if we are treated unfairly at work, including arbitration services like ACAS. These sessions support their PSHE sessions on conflict resolution.
Continue reading → - FSQ: Careers Student Voice
On computers, students will complete two evaluations. One is of their current knowledge of careers and post-14 and post-16 destinations – that helps us to identify any gaps in their knowledge and to plan sessions that will help in the future. The second is of the careers programme at Wrotham School – we’d like to hear what they’ve enjoyed and what they’d recommend more of for our upcoming Year 9 students next year.
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Term 6
- .CAREERS SESSIONS: Planning for transition
In term 6, Year 9 prepare for the next stage in their career journey and the transition to Key Stage 4. Sessions include a more in-depth look at how they will be supported through their GCSEs, what happens after GCSEs and also have the opportunity to complete some action plans around their career goals on Morrisby, our online careers platform.
Continue reading → - Work Shadowing Day/Enterprise Challenge Day
