Holy Family: Your career journey through Year 11 by Cherry Hughes

Pathway Assemblies

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 11:02:57 UTC

At the start of term, every Year 11 Assembly will be delivered by local sixth forms, colleges and an apprentice information provider. Attend every Assembly to be fully informed and fully prepared to make your choice about your career journey after Year 11.

17th October: Apprenticeship Presentation

Pathways Event - 11th Sept 2025

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 11:06:01 UTC

Your parents will be invited to an Event in School on 11th September. Important notices and dates about your GCSE programme and GCSE exams will be shared - including some great tips about how to approach exam revision. Sixth Forms, Colleges and Apprentice representatives will be available to inform you/your parents about your pathway options.

Considering T Level or vocational programmes?

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 11:38:47 UTC

Interested in what is on offer in local colleges? Click on the above article to inform your choice.

Considering apprenticeships

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 11:40:44 UTC

You can apply for apprenticeship opportunities at 16 or after a period in further education. Click on the above article to inform your choice. If you are interested in apprenticeships - ask your family and friends to start asking their companies about apprenticeship opportunities. Can you offer to do some work experience in the holidays with companies who might be interested in you applying to them?

Considering A levels or Applied Diplomas?

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 11:42:09 UTC

Want to find out what local sixth forms have on offer? Click on this article to inform your choice. Bear in mind that sixth form colleges have minimum grade requirements (usually five GCSE grades at 4+). If you have particular subjects in mind that you would like to study, check the minimum requirement with a sixth form website. For example, if you want to study a science or maths subject you need to achieve a grade 6 in your exams. It is a great idea to submit an application to a college course with lower grade requirements, so that you have a fall back option.

Sixth Form/College Open Events

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 11:48:32 UTC

A key part of your decision making, is to visit the place or places, that you may spend time in after your leave Holy Family. It is important to do this before submit an application. The colleges will advertise dates when you can visit with your parents/carers/siblings/friends. You can check out facilities and talk to tutors and current students. The Sixth Forms and colleges like you to book your visit in advance - go to 'Events' on their websites, record your details and time you intend to visit.

Find out what you need to know!

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 11:52:08 UTC

When you visit a college or sixth form or employer, don't stand back - find out what you need to know. Check out the recommended questions in the article attached. Prepare for your visit by locating a college map and identifying the departments you need to visit. Some sixth forms and colleges have virtual tours on their websites to assist this process.

Masterclasses/Tasters

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 11:55:50 UTC

Hopefully, you will have attended a college or sixth form taster in Year 10. In addition, Bury College offers masterclasses in some courses to give you a further insight. Hopwood Hall College offers an Animal Academy programme most half term holidays (check college websites for further details). After you have completed your GCSE exams the colleges offer 'student introduction days' too so you can meet your tutors and potential course colleagues.

Personal Statement

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 11:59:44 UTC

Most Sixth Forms and Colleges ask you to provide a Personal Statement as part of your application or as an introduction to your interview. You will be offered support in PDP to start your Personal Statement. What you include can be added to the C.V. you developed in Year 10. Click on the article to check what to include. This information can be used in applications to apprenticeships or part-time work opportunities too.

Applying for Sixth Form or College

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 12:14:08 UTC

When you have decided which sixth forms or colleges to apply to - check if there is an application deadline. Most deadline dates occur before the end of the first term of Year 11. Bury College and Hopwood Hall College do not publicise application deadlines but have priority application dates. They deal with any applications received before these dates first which gives applicants a better chance of securing a place on the course of their choice. Engineering and Construction based courses receive many applications, so early application (by October half term) is advisable. It is wise to complete your applications before you start intense revision for your mock GCSE exams. All sixth forms and colleges outline their application process on their websites and you submit your application through the sixth form or college website (other than Xaverian or Loreto - please see post below). You can apply to more than one sixth form or college - the application process should inform your choice and make it easier for you to select your preferred step beyond Holy Family. Remember to complete EVERY SECTION of the application, and check your spelling, grammar and use of upper/lower case characters. Your application will present a first impression of you!!

Mock GCSE Preparation

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 12:22:27 UTC

Prepare for your mock exams in December. Make sure you pick up top tips from all your teachers and be in every class session to make sure you've covered all you need to. Poor attendance really does impact on the grades you achieve! Grade surveys report that 95% attendance doubles the chance of you passing at grade 4 or above. The more you work to retain information now - the easier it will be to retrieve the information in your summer exams.

Prepare for interviews

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 13:17:14 UTC

Most sixth forms or colleges will invite you to attend an interview. Bury College may invite you to an interview or ring you at home (after school hours). Hopwood Hall College invite you to a small group interview and tour (after school hours). Rochdale Sixth Form College invite you to an interview which may be held in School. It is crucial you check your emails regularly and your application portal on the college website to make sure you know what has been arranged. You may be required to upload data to the portal if you have one. If your email address changes - update Admissions.

Wellbeing - look after yourself in and around exams

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 13:25:15 UTC

Very few people enjoy revising and sitting for an exam. However, you need something to show the knowledge and skills you have developed through your GCSE programme. Evidence of your resilience through Year 11 will prepare you for your future career journey. Make sure you are well prepared, you have a good positive network of people around you and you look after your health and nutrition. Click on the site above for some excellent tips.

Sixth Form/College Offers

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 13:39:47 UTC

When you have had your sixth form or college interview, the college you have applied to will send you an email outlining if admissions are going to give you a conditional offer or an unconditional offer. Most students receive a conditional offer and this rests on your final GCSE results. DON'T PANIC - if you don't think you will achieve the results, the sixth form or college will try to accommodate you on an alternative course if they can. If there is a chance you won't achieve the conditional offer, apply for an alternative course which doesn't have such high grade requirements. Make sure you read your offer email carefully - some colleges ask you to confirm or reject their offer online or by emailing their Admissions.

Seeking Apprenticeships?

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 14:35:10 UTC

Many apprenticeship opportunities aren't advertised! Companies often select apprentices from current employees who want further training/students on work experience/young people who have got in contact and eagerly asked if there are apprenticeship opportunities available. Don't wait for an opportunity to be advertised - if you know the sort of company you want to work for - approach them or/and follow their social media pages. There are some links to opportunity boards in the article attached. Opportunities are advertised throughout the year so don't just look once/or in the summer term as you are about to leave School. When you see a vacancy advertised on a Board, check the closing date for applications and the anticipated start date (if the opportunity starts after June - Year 11s can apply). It is important to check entry requirements - companies set these and many require Maths and English GCSE grade 4 as a minimum. If recruits are under 18 years old and don't have grade 4 (in English and Maths) resits will be offered as part of the apprenticeship study.

Updating your C.V.

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 14:49:08 UTC

You may remember developing a C.V. for your mock interview in Year 10. You can use this document to introduce yourself to companies that you are approaching about apprenticeships or part-time work. BBC Careers Bitesize(link above) supports you to develop your C.V. and there is a free C.V. template you can use. Remember to download and save your C.V. to a file you can keep returning to. Your C.V. should reference the sort of opportunities you are looking for and what knowledge, skills and qualities you have that make you a good candidate. Keep updating your C.V. as you gain more experience. Ask someone to check your spelling, grammar etc. - preferably someone with some recruitment experience.

Check out the post about LinkedIn below - a employer/employee connection platform where you could upload parts of your C.V.

No Offers?

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 15:07:28 UTC

If you don't receive an offer, or if the application process has exposed that you are not clear about what you want - don't panic! Have a chat with your parents/carers/Head of Year/Form Tutor or/and book a further careers planning meeting with the School careers adviser, Mrs Hughes (ask your tutor or Pastoral to help you with this).

FREE TRAVEL - Our Pass

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 15:16:04 UTC

From May onwards you can apply for an Our Pass. This offers you free travel on buses across Greater Manchester from the beginning of September (there may be concessionary fares on Metrolink too). You will need to pay an administrative fee and provide I.D. documentation. Check if your sixth form or college offers some free transport on their website too.

Preparing for your next step

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 15:19:21 UTC

Most sixth forms or colleges have online resources to support you to prepare for September. You will get invited to a New Starter Day after the GCSE exams have finished (usually end of June and beginning of July). This day prepares you for the start of your next adventure! You meet your tutors, your student colleagues and find out where to go/what to do - including where the cafes & loos are!!

Applying for Apprenticeships?

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 15:24:11 UTC

Check out this guide from Amazing Apprenticeships which contains lots of tips on completing applications and C.V.s The Amazing Apprenticeship site often hosts webinars you can watch - on all things apprenticeships. Make sure the careers adviser knows what sort of apprenticeships you are applying for (check with Pastoral what days Mrs Hughes is available).

Worried or excited about leaving Holy Family? Maybe a bit of both!!

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 15:26:27 UTC

Check out the PADLET that has been written for Year 11 Leavers on the Holy Family website. Best wishes with your future career journey.

Exit Interviews

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 16:46:12 UTC

It is nearly time to say good-bye to Holy Family. Mrs Ames will arrange to have a meeting with you to ensure you are well supported on the next stage of your career journey. Please alert Mrs Ames to any support you need or feel you should have had. That way we can offer help - and make sure that students in the future get the value of your feedback.

Still exploring? Not sure what to apply for?

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 16:54:54 UTC

Uncertain of your next step? Here are a few things you can do. 1. Ask your Head of Year to arrange a further career planning appointment with Mrs Hughes (careers adviser). 2. Apply for several pathways. (Note that some colleges allow you to apply for several courses and you can weigh up your preferences through the application process). 3. Talk/chat to family/friends/teachers about their experience of moving on from school and about their college/apprenticeship experience. Record the positive experiences they tell you about - that might just appeal to you! 4. Use the career quiz linked with this section - remember that you need to recognise your current interests, strengths and passions to figure out your preferences. 5. Use the Deep Dive into a career section in the Year 10 Padlet to get better informed about job roles.

Keep in touch!

cherry000hughes — 2025-01-27 17:36:05 UTC

We are keen that you keep in touch. If you need support, the Positive Steps Careers Adviser, Mrs Hughes, will help (Email: cherryhughes@positive-steps.org.uk or Mob: 07715035543). We would love you to tell us about your experiences once you leave Holy Family - you will be able to help younger students in School approaching their Year 11.

Creating a LinkedIn Profile

cherry000hughes — 2025-02-10 17:19:17 UTC

LinkedIn is like Facebook for companies, employees and job seekers. Many experienced job seekers use the platform to advertise their brand/experience and search for new employers. Increasingly younger people are also using the platform and it is a great way to locate companies in the area that could offer you job roles you are interested in. Check out the attached article that helps you consider how to create your profile on the platform. As with all social media platforms - IT IS IMPORTANT - to consider what you post on the platform. Companies will check your profile!

Work Experience

cherry000hughes — 2025-02-10 17:23:33 UTC

Work experience can benefit you by showcasing your skills in business awareness, knowledge of a role and researching companies. Reach out to family and friends who may be able to offer a work taster. You can also look at 'virtual' work experience - click on the link above which showcases virtual work experiences with some large employers.

Boost your employability skills through virtual experience with Barclays Lifeskills

cherry000hughes — 2025-03-10 20:21:44 UTC

Barclays LifeSkills Springpod helps young people get the skills and experiences they need to enter the world of work. The link takes you to a virtual work experience programme that will teach you the core transferable skills such as self-confidence and resilience - essential for whatever career path you follow.

Springpod - find virtual work experience, employer information, job & apprenticeship vacancies

cherry000hughes — 2025-03-10 20:40:27 UTC

A great platform for access to information, experiences, opportunities and advice.

Webinars to support your knowledge of Apprenticeships

cherry000hughes — 2025-03-24 11:09:19 UTC

Amazing Apprenticeships host regular webinars e.g. companies deliver information about their apprenticeship programmes and sessions on application and interviewing tips. You can access past webinars.

Add enhanced communication skills to your C.V.

cherry000hughes — 2025-03-31 10:15:43 UTC

UExplore host a free communication techniques module that on completion offers a certificate - to add to your C.V./applications.

Virtual Experience with the NHS

cherry000hughes — 2025-04-21 14:18:04 UTC

If you click the KS4 (14 to 16 year old) link on the site above you are taken to a wealth of online sessions you can register on (for free). You can build up a profile and gain certificates that you could share with NHS providers if you intend to work in the NHS in the future.

Support your health & wellbeing

cherryhughes — 2025-05-06 13:47:52 UTC

Get prepared to sit your exams. You will perform better if you are feeling a little anxiety and stress (this pushes you to achieve more). However, balance is important and too much stress/anxiety can reduce your effectiveness. If anxiety is getting the better of you - read the tips in this document that promote your wellbeing.

Bury College Open Events

cherryhughes — 2025-05-06 14:13:31 UTC

Adding your C.V. to LinkedIn

cherry000hughes — 2025-06-03 20:46:34 UTC

Many large companies post information and recruit through LinkedIn. You can connect to the sorts of companies you would like to work for in the future and people connected to those companies. You can also 'follow' networks that you are interested in. You can upload a profile and add your C.V. to it - follow the guide above.

Rochdale Training Open Events

cherry000hughes — 2025-08-28 15:06:48 UTC

Rochdale Training works with local companies/schools/councils to support apprenticeships. Apprenticeship sectors include engineering, nursery and education assistants, health and social care assistants, customer service and several more. Attend one of their open events to find out more.

Checking mock GCSE results

cherry000hughes — 2025-08-28 15:28:17 UTC

You may be asked to share your mock results with the college or sixth form you have applied to.

Have a positive mind-set about your Results. They support you to identify what you need to revise more effectively. You can ask your subject teachers what one or two things you could do to improve your future results. If you are disappointed in your Results - allow your disappointment to spur you into action! Remember to submit a fall back application to a college course that requires less grades than your preferred course choice (if you need to).

Applying to Xaverian or Loreto Sixth Form Colleges?

cherry000hughes — 2025-08-29 08:23:18 UTC

Please check transport arrangements from your home to Manchester Centre based colleges before you apply. Journeys involving several changes of bus/tram can take up much of your studying time!

Loreto Sixth Form College is moving to accept online applications.

Xaverian Sixth Form College prefers paper applications. Applications are available at open events or you can download an application form from the college website. It is wise to copy the form initially and do a practice application before completing the final application carefully, neatly and without spelling errors. Present the application to Mrs Reddy or Mrs Lewin (the School is required to complete a section of the Form).

Consider colleges across the Greater Manchester area?

cherry000hughes — 2025-09-22 21:10:34 UTC

Check the attached document for open event details

Interested in online media work experience?

cherry000hughes — 2025-09-23 10:04:26 UTC

Channel 4 are offering online/virtual work experience to give you an insight into what it takes to build a successful broadcaster. The experience will open your eyes to the wide variety of roles including technical positions to on camera opportunities. Click on the link above to find out more. APPLY BY 19TH DECEMBER.

Remain curious about job roles on the next steps of your journey. You are developing your knowledge of what skills you want to use in your future career.

cherry000hughes — 2025-12-30 11:27:47 UTC

The job market is changing with the impact of technology and global challenges. The job titles advertised in 2030 could look a lot different! Still, we find out a lot about what sort of job role we want through observing and listening to people already in work. Try out the questions in the attached document to find out about job roles that family and friends do.