The Matthew Arnold School careers programme prepares our students for the next steps in their careers. We have developed a structured careers programme for all students in Years 7 to 11. During their five years, students will be equipped with the skills and qualifications needed to reach their full potential and enable them to achieve a fulfilling and happy career.
The Matthew Arnold School Careers Team
Careers Lead: David Trendell
Careers and Enterprise Careers Hub Co-Ordinator: Rosie Roberts
Innervate Careers Advisor: Bethan Clarke
Careers Link Governor: Rupy Sangha
BET Careers Lead: Tom Corry
Contact Us: trendelld@matthew-arnold.surrey.sch.uk
Aims of our Career Provision
We are committed to providing a planned, high-quality careers guidance for all our students, from Years 7 to 11, to develop their understanding and ability to make informed choices. The proposed outcomes are:
- To contribute to strategies for raising achievement, especially by increasing motivation to support inclusion, challenge stereotyping and promote equality of opportunity.
- To encourage participation in continued learning including higher education and technical qualifications.
- To develop enterprising and employability skills in students.
- To significantly reduce to likelihood of any students leaving our educational establishment as NEET (not in education, employment or training).
- To involve all school stakeholders in the careers education of students, including parents and carers.
Application for Provider Access See our Careers Policy
Our Careers Journey
Linking curriculum to careers
- Subject teachers are highly influential – students are 18 times more likely to be motivated to learn if their teachers know their hopes and dreams
- Students feel more engaged in their learning when they perceive the relevance of what they are studying to their own and other people’s lives
- Students are given the opportunity to develop their career thinking and to acquire important career management and employability skills
- Students become more aspirational, understanding that perceived barriers can be overcome and that there are numerous pathways to success
Key Stage 3 (Year 7, 8 and 9)
Students in Years 7 and 8 are introduced to the world of work through a range of PSHE lessons that inspire and excite students to build aspirations and ambitions for their adult lives. There will opportunities for visits from outside speakers, including specialists in careers weeks for example the army and NHS. Students will have the opportunity to meet different organisations in our annually careers fair. We have a successful partnership with Brooklands Museum where students have the opportunity to visit the different academy days that are hosted there. Students are encouraged to see a connection between hard work and having a positive attitude to learning with their success in achieving their own goals.
Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and 11)
Students preparing for their exams also face challenging decisions about their next steps post-16. There are an ever-growing number of qualifications and courses available: we will support students and their families to understand the choices that are available and to make appropriate decisions. As well as a tutorial programme, careers fairs, visiting speakers, guidance, trips and activities, students will have a planned 1-1 careers meeting with a specialist from Innervate careers in Year 10 and in Year 11 with personalised advice and next steps for every student.
Post 16 Pathways
There are many different routes now available after completion of GCSEs and students leave Secondary school. Below is a summary of each of the available qualifications and options available to students, as well as some local providers of further education and their contact details.
A Levels
A Levels are a traditionally academic route, they can require a lot of independent study, reading, essay writing and revision. Levels keep options open and are the usual route into university or higher (degree level) apprenticeships. It is important to make sure that the choice of A-levels is ‘fit for purpose’. Doing research for which A Levels are needed for university courses is important as there are some degrees and university courses which require you to have very specific qualifications.
Places to study A Levels: Woking College, Esher 6th form, Salesians College
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job whilst also studying part time. They are often paid, so offer the opportunity to learn while earning a wage. Apprentices have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff and gain skills unique to the workplace, as well as an increasingly well-respected qualification. They are often completed over a period of one to four years at a range of levels ranging from Level 1 and 2, for school leavers, up to degree and higher level.
Local Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship pathways, Local opportunities
Btec
A Btec is a vocational qualification, which means that it has a career focus and is centred around the world of work. Students would study to gain skills and knowledge in their subject area, putting those skills into practice in real-life situations. They can transition into the world of work, an apprenticeship or university.
Places to study Btecs: Brooklands College, Richmond College, Strodes College
T Levels
T Levels are equivalent to 3 A Levels, they run over 2 years with the intention to deliver content that meets the needs of the industry and prepares students for work, further training, or study. They offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience by providing an industry placement while on the course.
Places to study T Levels: Salesians College, Brooklands College, Richmond College
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) aim to provide more options for practical learning, this means they are less classroom-based than more traditional Al Levels, they have been designed to encourage more young people to continue studying. They are ideal for those who are aiming to work in a specific and specialist industry.
Places to study HND: Richmond College, West Thames College
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a work-centred way of learning, it is carried out at a college, school, or sometimes workplace. Each NVQ level involves a range of on-the-job tasks and activities that are designed to test you on your ability to do a job effectively and ultimately qualify you for that role.
Places to study NVQ: Richmond College, West Thames College, Kingston College
Traineeships
Traineeships are skills development programmes that include work placements. They can last from 6 weeks up to a 1 year, most traineeships last for less than 6 months, followed by employment at the end.
Colleges and Sixth Forms
Brooklands College (Ashford 2km)
Offers a wide range of vocational and apprenticeship courses to suit any starting point or qualification.
Date(s) of Open Event: N/A
Times:
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.brooklands.ac.uk
The Bishop Wand Sixth Form (6km)
Offers a range of A-Levels and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 17th October 2024
Times: 18:00 - 20:00
Application Deadline: Dec 2024
Website links: www.bishopwand.surrey.sch.uk
St Paul’s College (7km)
Offers a range of A-Levels and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 2nd October 2024
Times: 18:00 – 20:00
Application Deadline: November 2024
Website links: www.st-pauls.surrey.sch.uk
Strode’s College (9km)
Offers A-Levels a range of vocational and technical qualifications and apprenticeships with excellent transport links
Date(s) of Open Event: 4th July 2024 15th October 2024
Times: 16:30 – 19:00 16:30 – 19:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.windsor-forest.ac.uk
The Logic Studio (9km)
Offers a range of A-Level and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 28th September 2024
Times: 18:00 - 19:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.logicstudioschool.org
Salesian College (10km)
Offers a range of A-Levels, BTecs and T-Levels
Date(s) of Open Event: 12th Setember 2024
Times: 17:00 - 19:00
Application Deadline: 20th December 2024
Website links: www.salesian.surrey.sch.uk
Elmbridge Sports College (11km)
A specialist college offering courses relating to sports coaching.
Date(s) of Open Event: Spring 2025 TBC
Times:
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.elmbridgesportscollege.com
Three Rivers Academy Sixth Form (11km)
Offers a range of A-Levels and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 10th October 2024
Times: 17:00 - 19:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.threeriversacademy.org
Turing House Sixth Form (11km)
Offers a range of A-Level and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 17th October 2024
Times: TBC
Application Deadline: 10th January 2025
Website links: www.turinghouseschool.org.uk
St Mark's Sixth Form (11km)
Offers a range of A-Level and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: October 2024 TBC
Times:
Application Deadline: December 2024 TBC
Website links: www.st-marks.hounslow.sch.uk
Waldegrave Sixth Form (11km)
Offers a range of A-Level and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 24th October 2024
Times: 17:00 - 19:00
Application Deadline: 13th January 2025
Website links: www.waldegrave.richmond.sch.uk
Brooklands College (Weybridge 12km)
Offers a wide range of vocational and apprenticeship courses to suit any starting point or qualification
Date(s) of Open Event: 9th October 2024 12th February 2025
Times: 16:30 - 19:00 16:30 - 19:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.brooklands.ac.uk
The Heathland Sixth Form (12km)
Offers a range of A-Level courses
Date(s) of Open Event: Feb 2025 TBC
Times:
Application Deadline: 31st March 2025
Website links: www.heathland.hounslow.sch.uk
Heathside Sixth Form (12km)
Offers a range of A-Level qualifications.
Date(s) of Open Event: TBC
Times:
Application Deadline: TBC
Website links: www.heathside.surrey.sch.uk
Fullbrook 6 (14km)
Offers a wide range of vocational and apprenticeship courses to suit any starting point or qualification.
Date(s) of Open Event: 9th July 2024
Times: 17:00 – 19:00
Application Deadline: TBC
Website links: www.fullbrook6.co.uk
Windsor College (15km)
Offers a range of A-Level and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 2nd July 2024 17th October 20234
Times: 16:30 – 19:00 16:30 – 19:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.windsor-forest.ac.uk
Esher College (16km)
Offers a range of A-Level and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 1st July 2024
Times: 16:30 - 20:00
Application Deadline: 30th September 2023
Website links: www.esher.ac.uk
Richmond College (16km)
Offers A-Levels a range of vocational and technical qualifications and apprenticeships with excellent transport links
Date(s) of Open Event: 12th October 2024 16th October 2024
Times: 10:00 - 14:00 17:00 - 20:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing ASAP
Website links: www.rutc.ac.uk
Kingston College (17km)
Offers a wide range of Btec, vocational and apprenticeship courses as well as some GCSEs and functional skill courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 21st June 2024
Times: 11:00 – 14:00
Application Deadline: TBC
Website links: www.stcg.ac.uk/kingston-college
Hinchley Wood Sixth Form (19km)
Offers a range of A-Level and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 10th October 2024
Times: 18:00 - 20:00
Application Deadline: December 2024
Website links: www.hinchleywoodschool.co.uk
Woking College (20km)
Offers a wide range of A-Level and Vocational courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 17th October 2024 11th June 2025
Times: 16:30 – 20:00 16:30 - 20:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing (ASAP)
Website links: www.woking.ac.uk
Bracknell and Wokingham College (24km)
Offers a range of A-Level and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 19th October 2024 20th November 2024
Times: 09:30 - 12:00 16:30 - 19:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.bracknell.activatelearning.ac.uk
St John the Baptist (25km)
Offers a range of A-Levels and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 24th September 2024
Times: 18:00 - 20:00
Application Deadline: 6th January 2025
Website links: w.sjb.school
Farnborough College of Technology (28km)
Offers a range of Vocational studies to suit learners of all starting points, with a focus on technical and engineering subjects
Date(s) of Open Event: 15th October 2024
Times: 16:00 – 19:30
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.farn-ct.ac.uk
NESCOT (28km)
Offers a range of Vocational studies as well as T-Levels
Date(s) of Open Event: 15th October 2024
Times: 18:00 – 20:30
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.nescot.ac.uk
Artemis College of Performing Arts (30km)
A highly sought after musical theatre college
Date(s) of Open Event: 4th June 2024
Times: 11:00 - 12:00
Application Deadline: TBC
Website links: www.artemis.college
Berkshire College of Agriculture (33km)
Offers a range of Vocational studies to suit learners of all starting points, with a focus on horticultural studies
Date(s) of Open Event: 5th October 2024 16th November 2024
Times: 10:00 – 14:00 10:00 – 14:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.bca.ac.uk
Farnborough Sixth Form (34km)
Offers a range of A-Level and Btec courses
Date(s) of Open Event: 22nd, 23rd & 24th October 2024
Times: 16:00 - 20:30
Application Deadline: 6th December 2024
Website links: www.farnborough.ac.uk
Guildford College (35km)
Offers a range of A-Levels, Btecs and Apprenticeships
Date(s) of Open Event: 16th October 2024 9th November 2024
Times: 16:30 - 19:00 9:30 -12:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.guildford.activatelearning.ac.uk
Merrist Wood College (36km)
Offers a range of Vocational studies to suit learners of all starting points, with a focus on horticultural studies
Date(s) of Open Event: 9th October 2024 16th November 2024
Times: 16:30 - 19:00 09:30 - 12:00
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Website links: www.merristwood.activatelearning.ac.uk
The Brit School (65km)
Offers and range of A-Levels and diplomas all centred on performance and creative arts
Date(s) of Open Event: TBC
Times:
Application Deadline: TBC
Website links: www.brit.croydon.sch.uk
Applications and Personal Statements
Your Application
We, as teachers, are always here to help students write and develop applications for post-16 further education. Below are some tips and bits of advice to help students when it comes to writing an application or personal statement.
Be Ready
Make sure that you are prepared for all of the standard pieces of information that you will need to complete an application:
Personal Details:
- Date of Birth
- Contact number
- Contact email (create a professional email using Gmail or equivalent if you don’t already have one)
- Address
- Parent / Carer contact details
Your predicted grades:
- Currently working at, use your most recent grade collection
- GCSE predicted grade, use your most recent grade collection
Everything else:
- Have a standard personal statement ready
- Specific needs that should be included in your application
- Supporting information
Personal Statement
The personal statement is your chance to show off you, it is an opportunity to make yourself standout from the crowd before you meet someone in person. Use your wordcount wisely and make sure you sell yourself as this will often be your first chance to sell yourself. Below are some pointers and tips to help you get the most out of your word count.
Sell yourself, what makes you better than the next candidate? Be generous but not arrogant.
“I have repeatedly demonstrated through my time at TMAS that I am a hardworking and diligent student, my and feedback from teachers TMAS demonstrate this, I have a close group of friends and thrive in new and environments”.
Make your strengths your strengths and your weaknesses your strengths.
Slow on making notes or coming to decisions? No, you are meticulous and detail orientated.
Sometimes distracted or lack concentration? No, you are an active learner.
Be specific, there are clichés that colleges and sixth forms see year in year out, avoid them.
Instead of “I am interested in studying English Literature” try “I am passionate about reading and have a wide range interests ranging from the classics such as Dickens through to Atwoods’, Handmaids tale.”
Instead of “I have always liked Science” try “The principle of the scientific method is something that I strive to keep the forefront of my mind whenever I face a new or uncertain situation,”
Ensure that you mention that you enjoy the core subjects (English and Maths), even if this is not the subject you applying for as grade 4’s in these subjects are often course requirements.
"I understand that having basic skills in English and Maths are required for the course, however I believe that they also applicable to more than just my next level of education…”
Reference areas of the course that you have previous experience with and why it is that you enjoyed or excelled these areas.
“I have been regularly playing for my local football team for the past 7 years and have found that the balance leadership and teamwork that this requires is something that I am looking forward to develop in Btec Physical Education Level 2.”
Speak about yourself outside of school, sell yourself as someone who has more to offer than just getting grades.
"I have been practicing Karate for the last 10 years and have demonstrated my dedication and skill by participating in international tournaments and receiving a commendation from the British council”
“I have been a member of the Scouts organisation for 5 years and during that time have been awarded for various accolades. More recently I participated in, and completed my DoF Bronze award in which I…”
Post-16 Funding
16-19 bursary fund
You may be eligible for the 16-19 bursary fund, this is to assist you with financial pressures associated with in education. There are eligibility criteria that must be met in order to apply for this funding and it is to be used to for things like transport, school equipment. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund
Discretionary Bursary
You may also be eligible for a discretionary bursary from your educational provider, each college or sixth form different eligibility criteria and can often be found through their websites.
Virtual Work Experience
Springpod
www.springpod.com
Spring pod are offering work experience in a multitude of different sectors over the summer break, which are all free to students within the UK. This is an opportunity not to be missed as some of the industries represented are highly competitive and relevant work experience can be the swinging vote.
InvestIN
www.investin.org
InvestIN offers a wide range of in person or live online events and experiences to suit a multitude of different industries, ranging from Dentistry to Fashion Design.
Alison
ww.alison.com
An industry in within the trades is becoming more and more popular amongst school leavers, the opportunity to train on the job and take home a wage is highly appealing. There is also a relative high job security if you are passionate and enthusiastic about what you do. Alison gives you the opportunity to gain industry recognised qualifications across an array of different industries.
The Open University
www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue
The Open University has a radical and pioneering approach to access. Matching a refusal to place qualifications barriers in front of our own students, we also have a commitment to release and promote free learning content for others, for the benefit of the wider community.
Medicine
www.bsmsoutreach.thinkific.com/courses/VWE
It is vital that students who are interested in going into the world of medicine have the right experience that they can use as part of their application process. It is a highly competitive field and the more you can do to get ahead of the game the better chance of a successful application onto a medical degree.
Law
ww.primecommitment.co.uk/students
www.pinsentmasons.com/careers/graduate/work-experience/virtual
Similar to medicine law is an incredibly competitive field to get into, it will require focus and dedication as well as long working hours, however it can be incredibly rewarding. Gaining experience is a good way to determine whether it is the right option for you and will give you a competitive edge when applying further down the line.
Connecting with Employers
We welcome anyone who would like to donate their time or experience to help us develop our careers provision here at The Matthew Arnold School. Giving our students the chance to encounter the world of work is invaluable in helping them make decisions that will ultimately impact the rest of their lives.
If you would like to get involved, we have identified some of the areas of highest impact that we would welcome your experience. If you would like to be part of any of the below, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form or email directly using trendelld@matthew-arnold.surrey.sch.uk
|
Opportunity |
Commitment |
|---|---|
|
Deliver an assembly or presentation |
30 minutes |
|
CV writing and mock interviews |
1 – 3 hours |
|
Apprenticeships |
30 minutes – 1 hour |
|
On-site visits and work experience |
1 – 5 days |
Parents and Carers
Thinking about and helping guide your students’ future careers can often seem a long way off in the distance, however the more we can speak to them about the positive journey through life a career can offer, the greater the variety of opportunities they will have available to them. It isn’t all about advertising jobs and asking, “do you want to be a police officer when you grow up?”, the conversation you can have with your children can be fascinating and enriching, try asking them why they love the subjects they love, what is it specifically about history that they find fascinating? What skills are they developing while they are in the classroom? It is becoming evident that we are raising a generation who are highly educated, by skilling them up to use their education dynamically is crucial.
World Skills UK
www.worldskillsuk.org/careers-advice/career-skill-demos
World Skills UK is a series of videos designed to break down different sectors into understandable bitesize snapshots of what skills are needed. Each one features an expert Skills Champion attempting to teach what is an everyday skill in their role.
How2Become
www.how2become.com
How2Become is an experienced publisher of some of the best career guides and psychometric testing available, from interview techniques and advice from all sectors and guides on some of the most exciting careers on offer at the moment.
First Careers
www.firstcareers.co.uk
With First Careers you can get behind the scenes of some of the UK’s most interesting jobs and find what’s right for you. Search through over 150 job profiles and discover career opportunities, inspiration and advice. First Careers offers guidance to primary and secondary school students in making decisions about future careers and professions.
PathwayCTM
www.pathwayctm.com
PathwayCTM provides students with huge wealth of opportunity, every CHS student has completely free access to their software which enables to participate in virtual workshops based around CV writing, Interview preparation, Application writing and much more. They are also provided with a live calendar of in person and virtual events which provides deeper industry and employer insights and employment and work experience opportunities.
Additional information
Below are some additional information links, documents and resources for parents or carers that can be used to help guide conversations with your child about their choices and options:
Issue-16-Innervate-Inpsiring-Opportunities-Newsletter-Autumn-Term-2024.pdf
Innervate-Newsletter-Summer-2023.pdf
Innervate-Newsletter-Spring-2023.pdf
Apprenticeships
Support for Parents and Guardians with speaking about apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
https://www.gov.uk/education/further-and-higher-education-skills-and-vocational-training
The national database of apprenticeships and opportunities available from all levels to suit all learner.
National Careers Service
www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.
UCAS
www.ucas.com
A concise collection of the University courses available, what they entail, where to study them and what their requirements are.
