Careers and employability
By providing significant, specialist support, we help our pupils develop crucial employability skills and make informed choices about potential future careers.
At Highgate, we’ve created a dynamic and innovative careers and employability programme to support. By providing significant, specialist support, we help our pupils develop crucial employability skills and make informed choices about potential future pathways. In addition, pupils receive extensive help and support with their university applications from our experienced higher education team.
Read more about why we won Careers Programme of 2020-21 here
Navigating careers and exploring options can be tough. In order to help our pupils receive relevant, up-to-to-date advice, we employ a full-time Careers and Employability Specialist (based in our Careers Office) who works very closely with our Deputy Head (Pupils’ Personal Development and Employability). Through our ambitious programme, we want our pupils, and those from our partner schools, to develop a clearer understanding of their own personal interests, motivations and values, and also an understanding of the different opportunities available to them.
Activities and events
Activities and events are tailored and focused to specific year groups. Here is a sample of some of the many activities that take place:
- In Year 9, a timetabled four-week carousel of personal development and employability lessons, delivered by specialist teachers, opens our pupils’ eyes to employability skills and the world of work.
- In Year 10, every pupil completes an extensive online survey (supported by MyFutureChoice) which generates an individual and personalised report. This is followed up with a 20-minute one-to-one conversation with a professional external careers advisor. In addition, we run an exciting Year 10 Employability Day, with visiting professionals from a whole host of industries and workshop sessions.
- Year 11 work experience support includes providing our pupils with clear guidance about writing CVs and letters of application, and an understanding of the working world.
- Our sixth formers can take part in our employability mentoring programme which sees them working alongside industry professionals and sixth formers from LAET. All in Year 12 also take part in a formal practice job interview with an external professional, who provides individual detailed feedback and advice
Alongside this core compulsory activity, there are many other opportunities for pupils throughout the year:
- Bookable one-to-one careers conversations enable pupils to receive impartial, independent guidance; to explore individual career options; to develop their CVs; to work on applications for apprenticeships, internships, volunteering and gap year opportunities
- Our annual careers fair sees Year 11 pupils and sixth formers (from Highgate and our partner schools) talking to 60+ representatives from different employment fields
- A wide range of careers events and talks that include monthly lunchtime sessions and evening Q&As
We know that careers activity extends beyond the formal programme: every teacher has a role to play and our tutors closely monitor the personal development of their tutees. In addition, we are lucky to be able to draw on the experience and expertise of our dedicated parent body and alumni community who provide significant support for our many initiatives. If you are interested in providing support in this way, please contact us.
By offering an extensive and dedicated careers and employability programme, we ensure all Highgate pupils get the support and advice needed to make important decisions about their future career.