Post-16 Pathways
OPTIONS AT 16
If you’re in Year 11, it’s really time to start thinking about what you want to do after you leave school.
What you can do after Year 11 depends on things like where you live, what kind of grades you’re likely to get, what you’re interested in and what kind of environment you want to learn in.
Until the age of 18 you have to stay in some form of education but you can choose from a range of options. All students in year 11 will receive a 1:1 or small group careers interview (with option of 1:1 follow-up), where they will receive information and guidance, to support with their next steps.
Check out this useful, local booklet detailing all the information you need about post16 settings D2N2 Next Steps Booklet
SIXTH FORM & SIXTH FORM COLLEGES
Sixth Forms are often attached to a school and sometimes sixth forms are completely separate from any other schools, and teach students from lots of different places. The courses available are mainly A- Level but some do include vocational qualifications like a BTEC too. A levels offer a great route into Higher Education and employment. NA6 is the Newark Academy sixth form and we welcome you to check out our current offer here however, we do have an open evening on 14th November! Put the date in your diary! NA6 ar also hosting a Masterclass Evening on 7th November, where students cam sample some of our more unique courses like Criminology, Psychology, Sociology & Politics!
Check out the NA6 website to find out more about the courses on offer at NA6 and any upcoming events.
FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGES
Offer a huge range of courses that can help at every stage of life from Level 1 courses through to degrees and professional qualifications. Colleges offer a range of full-time and part-time courses related to a broad employment area such as Business, Engineering, IT, Health and Social Care etc that can lead to a specific job. Newark / Lincoln College is our nearest and they will be in throughout the year to talk to our students and support some of our Career Clinics.
Check out their website to find out more! Lincoln College
APPRENTICESHIPS
Offer a way to learn on the job whilst working for an employer, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time. If you have a job sector or career in mind then an apprenticeships can be a great choice.
EMPLOYMENT / VOLUNTARY WORK
If you do choose the work / voluntary work route, this will involve you working towards a nationally recognised qualification as well as being employed, self employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Think about how each option fits with your other GCSEs. Does a subject go well with your other choices? Or does a subject provide a welcome change? Make sure you're taking notice of your predicted grades as they will need to align with your next placement, which also means you need to be clear on entry requirements for courses and apprenticeships.
A good place to start planning your post-16 options is to think of these three questions.
- Who am I? (What qualifications, skills, and interests do I have?)
- What is my preferred learning style? (Do I enjoy the classroom environment? Do I like coursework?)
- Where am I going? (What would I like to be doing in 5 years time – job, living away from home, etc?)
- How do I get there? (What course, training or future job is likely to get me where I want to go?)
Of course, at 16, young people may not know the answers to all these questions, but now is the time to start exploring information about careers, jobs and courses.
If you really aren't sure about what you want to do in the future then 'stay broad' - do a broad range of subjects so that you can decide later!
It might also help to get advice from people who know you well (like parents & teachers) or ask your school careers adviser, Mrs Brown - abrown@newarkacademy.co.uk
Don't forget about the KS4 Career Clinic that takes place each Wednesday in the dining area. This will start back up after October half term!