Students
As part of our motto of Learning for Life, we want you to have the very best chance to have a successful, rewarding and happy future. You will be given lots of support during your time at WPA to help you achieve this, such as Mock Interview Days, Careers Fair, Work Experience and visits. We want to inspire you to achieve your dreams!
Below, you will find lots of useful information to help you make informed choices about the next stage of your educational journey.
Post 16 options
It is compulsory for you to be in education or training until the age of 18. There are plenty of different routes to go down when you turn 16, whether that’s going to college to do A levels or a vocational course like a T level, or starting to earn while you learn, as an apprentice. You can choose:
A levels – the most traditional route for more able students who may wish to go to university. You will typically study three subjects, which can be something that you studied at GCSE, or something completely new. Most of our students go to one of the Sixth Forms listed below, but there are plenty of others that you can choose.
https://www.beauchampcity.org.uk/
https://www.bishopstopford.com/
https://www.robertsmyth.tgacademy.org.uk/
https://www.corbysixthform.ac.uk/
https://www.kingswoodsecondaryacademy.org/page/?pid=288
T Levels
T Levels are qualifications that are an alternative to A levels. They are equivalent to 3 A levels and will allow you to go to university. You will spend 80% of your time at college learning the academic skills you need for your particular subject, and 20% of your time on a work experience placement. For more information, click on the links below.
https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students
https://llep.org.uk/careers-hub/studentarea/
College
If you want a more vocational route, college may be the answer for you. Here you can study a huge array of more practical subjects from plumbing to painting or hairdressing to horticulture. Depending on the level you study, they are also the equivalent of 3 A levels and are an alternative route to university. Have a look at the colleges below to see what type of course you can choose. There are lots of other FE colleges you can go to, but these are the most popular ones for our students.
https://www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk/college-life/our-campuses-facilities/brooksby-campus
https://leicestercollege.ac.uk/
https://www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/
https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/colleges-and-campuses/tresham-college/
Apprenticeships
If you want to get out into the world of work straight away, then an apprenticeship may be for you. An apprenticeship is a paid job where you will learn and gain valuable experience at the same time. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. For more information, click on the links below.
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Jobs in the local area
It's really important to understand local labour market information (LMI) when making decisions about future careers. Harborough district has a huge range of employers, who regularly run apprenticeship programmes for young people. Have a a look at the LMI for our area here:
Career Opportunities Linked to the Curriculum
English Literature-Law, journalism, teaching, writing, newsreader, politician, actor… a must for many careers.
English Language- essential for most post-16 courses. Many jobs recognise the value of this qualification. It is core for all students.
Mathematics is essential for most post-16 courses. Mathematics is an integral part of many science and engineering careers as well as being useful for careers in accountancy, banking and business.
Science- Here are just a few possible careers that Science would be helpful for: Astronomer, chemist, electrician, food scientist, forensic scientist, physicist, pilot, science teacher, PE teacher, medicine, environmental scientist, meteorologist
Art- Animator, art therapist, arts administrator, ceramics designer, community arts worker, exhibition designer, fashion designer, fine artist, furniture conservator/restorer, furniture designer, glass blower/designer, graphic designer, heritage manager, illustrator, industrial/product designer, interior and spatial designer, jewellery designer, make-up artist, medical illustrator, museum/gallery conservator, museum/gallery curator, museum/gallery exhibitions officer, photographer.
Textiles- Print maker, hosiery designer, materials development, furniture design, accessories, sportswear, carpets, set design, interior design, fashion, costume, teacher, buyer, merchandiser, jewellery designer, retail, window dresser.
Design Technology- Possible career options for students choosing this GCSE are: Advertising, architecture, branding and identity, illustration, exhibition design, magazine and newspaper layouts, games and web design, packaging and animation, animator, graphic designer, product designer, furniture design, automotive design, product innovation, interior designer, 3D design maker, project management, engineering/manufacture, lighting designer, jewellery designer, exhibition design, industrial design, digital web design, textiles industry.
Business- Through studying GCSE Business, students gain business knowledge, understanding and skills. They begin to understand current events in local, national and global contexts. They learn how to use relevant terms, concepts and methods effectively to describe business and economic behaviour. Students also consider business ethics and the impact of business on the environment. This could help students consider future careers in finance, marketing, logistics, operations and provides a valuable foundation for understanding how businesses operate, developing critical transferable skills such as analysis, decision making, problem solving and communication, which are useful in a range of careers, even if you don’t directly pursue a business related path.
Computer Science- Database administrator, IT consultant, systems analyst, games developer, multimedia programmer, systems developer, information systems manager, network engineer, web developer. GCSE Computer Science is not just for people wanting a career in the IT and computing industry – the skills and techniques learnt can be useful in any workplace. The creative and technical skills are relevant to a host of careers in a range of sectors, from arts and graphics-based roles through to engineering, finance and business.
Media- Media is an expanding industry. This subject can start students on the road to a career in the media, including areas like advertising, music, film, magazines, photography, newspapers and of course web-based media. Prospective employers look for experience of practical skills and the ability of candidates to work independently. This subject will ensure that students have developed a bank of skills that make them very desirable employees.
Dance and Drama- Performer, dance teacher, choreographer, dance lecturer, dance therapist, performer, sound/lighting technician, arts worker, drama therapy, director, set designers, broadcast or theatre operative, stage management.
Food Technology- Food technologist; food journalist; food photographer/stylist; chef; teacher; food scientist; catering manager; retail; quality assurance technician manager; hospitality and catering; armed forces; nutritionist; dietician; confectioner; butcher; product developer; environmental health; microbiologist; brewer; baker; events management; food and beverage engineer; marketing and packaging; sports nutrition.
Languages- Language skills can lead directly into a career in translating, interpreting or teaching, and are in demand in areas such as hospitality, law, publishing and business services. Many big graduate employers are multinational organisations and are keen to recruit candidates who are willing to work overseas and can liaise effectively with international colleagues. Studying a language is also likely to develop interpersonal and communication skills that employers look for. In the current global market, a language qualification makes students stand out and is highly valued by employers. In some cases, it also leads to increased travel opportunities and higher salaries.
Geography- Geography is a broad base subject and respected by employers. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment. The subject involves many transferable skills enabling a vast array of career paths such as in the energy, environment, sustainability, transport, town planning, surveying, civil service, education, tourism, insurance, marketing, sales and human resources sectors.
History- History gives you the ability to construct arguments and communicate your findings in a coherent and persuasive way. It encourages you to think critically and analytically to solve problems and understand varying viewpoints. It develops independent research skills and the ability to use information to form opinions based on evidence. These skills are transferable to many high level careers within the civil service, law, journalism, teaching at all levels, publishing, media, advertising and politics, along with careers directly associated with History such as museum curators, heritage managers, researchers and tourism.
Music- Professional musician, music teacher, composer, music director/conductor, music therapy, music publishing, sound engineer, producer, sound/lighting technician.
Useful Resources
Unifrog – this is the careers platform used by the school and it has lot of useful information about how to get into certain jobs, Labour Market Information, personality quizzes and more! Click on the link below and then the sign in box at the top right of the page. Your username is your school email address. If you have forgotten your password, click on the forgotten password link.
Post 16 applications – when it comes to applying for college and Sixth Form places, we use a system called ps16. You will receive a username and password for this at the start of Year 11. Click on the handy guide to the application process below.
The websites below contain lots of useful information about careers, personality quizzes and the job market in Leicestershire and university.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/discover-your-skills-and-careers/
https://www.leics-ebc.org.uk/young-people/
https://llep.org.uk/careers-hub/wow/
