Careers Support Awarded Platinum Career Mark Status

In Reception, we begin building foundations and developing skills that encourage students to start thinking about their interests and aspirations.

We use activities and play to focus on exploring different scenarios and situations that can help develop the brain, without your children realising they are learning vital decision-making and cognitive skills.

In PSHE pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work in modern Britain.

Our Special Jobs for Special People topic focuses on jobs people do that help everyone, varying from from a local greengrocer to hospital doctors. Parents are invited into school to talk about their jobs and give a wider understanding of a variety of roles.

From their first days in school, children are contemplating jobs that adults do. Walk into one of our infant classrooms and you’ll see the role play areas brimming with work related resources, and some of the most entrepreneurial four-year-olds around.

Throughout our Infant School journey we continue to build on skills and knowledge that stimulate discussion and understanding about the world of work.

Topics include: Rights and Responsibilities, Money and People Who Help Us.
Our pupils focus on promoting concepts of right vs wrong through discussion and debate. Money is considered through our mathematics curriculum, and the broader concepts of how money is earned, the need for money and understanding costs is discussed in circle time.

Our pupils consider charity and acts of service which connect to the concept of money as well as to people who help us.

The Junior School provides a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests and develop their skills. Our curriculum is designed to help students identify their strengths and passions and to provide opportunities for them to explore various career options. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, pupils are able to gain a deeper understanding of the world of work and the various paths they can take to achieve their goals.

By fostering a love for learning and encouraging curiosity, the Junior School is committed to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of life. We work hard to ensure that careers are securely embedded within the curriculum in PSHE, our Girls of Steel character education programme and in individual subject areas.

Employability and the curriculum

At Sheffield Girls’ we recognise the importance of providing our pupils with a comprehensive education that prepares them to excel in whatever career they choose. To achieve this, we offer a dynamic and innovative curriculum that is constantly evolving to keep up with the latest industry advancements. Our experienced teachers are dedicated to creating a learning environment that is engaging, challenging and supportive, and where pupils can thrive and grow. We aim to empower our students with the knowledge and skills to make them stand out from the crowd and become successful in their chosen fields.

Our bespoke Fusion Curriculum equips our pupils with wide-ranging foundations of knowledge and skills. At its core are the school values of Kindness, Courage and Positivity. It develops strategies and skills which bolster and enhance our pupils’ positive mindset and well-being, as well as foster the expansion of transferable life skills. It encourages creative, critical and reflective thinking and produces excited, enthusiastic, enquiry-driven learners.

Girls of Steel

Pupils reflect on their interactions within and outside of school. They have opportunities to log participation in activities, clubs and events. The Year 1, 2 and 3 scheme focuses on the School Values and sets challenges for the children to evidence them. Years 4, 5 and 6 construct a portfolio based on the six competencies of the Fusion Curriculum in addition to logs of participation, reflections of residential trips and any other information they wish to include. This content is assessed at the end of each year and pupils are awarded their very own Bronze, Silver or Gold ‘Girls of Steel’ badge.

As students enter our secondary school, we introduce a wide range of opportunities for them to explore their career options, pathways and how to develop essential employability skills.

Careers in the Curriculum

We strive to integrate careers into the curriculum through PSHE, our Girls of Steel character education programme, and individual subjects to ensure a strong foundation for students’ future careers.

Careers opportunities within subject areas include art exhibitions across the city in Fine Art, The Big Challenge enterprise competition in Business and Economics, and engineering and cyber competitions in Computing. In Drama our students work alongside professional actors to explore theatre, in PRE they explore the running of business from an ethical perspective and in Geography they explore the impacts of global tourism as an industry.

Feel this could be phrased better? ‘In PSHE we provide students with the opportunity to learn and reflect on essential skills such as decision-making, stress management and self-confidence all whilst encouraging them to build knowledge of important concepts, practices and policies such as workplace gender stereotypes, financial literacy, online personal branding and job research techniques. We use Morrisby Careers and access Local Market Information to support our pupils’ careers research.

Employability

We acknowledge the significance of equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to stand out in the competitive world of work, thus preparing them for their future endeavours.

Girls of Steel Award
Students collaborate with a Sixth Form mentor to assess and enhance through reflective practice their core skills of communication, independence, critical thinking, academic knowledge and skills, as well as character education.

Speed-networking with Employers
Students participate in a quick-fire networking workshop, where they interview employers from diverse sectors to gain insights into various job roles and required skills.

Annual Careers Fair
This evening event offers students and parents from all key stages the opportunity to explore and discover Apprenticeship and Higher Education providers and meet regional and national employers from a range of industries and sectors.

Annual Careers Evening – Featuring Keynote Speaker
Each year, the focus of this event evolves to keep up to date with the ever-changing landscape of careers.

Options and Pathways

We ensure our students are fully informed of all options and pathways and have access to impartial guidance.

Morrisby Online Careers Job Research and Aspirations Quiz
All students from Year 7 to Year 13 are given life-long access to Morrisby Careers which aligns their skills and interests with potential career matches and allows them to explore the latest local market information.

Post-14 Options Choices Support
Year 9 students receive individual, impartial support when choosing their GCSE option choices including a parent information evening, targeted lessons on decision-making and 1:1 personalised mentoring.

Live Lunches
Every term, we invite one of our accomplished alumnae to engage in a live conversation with the Head of Careers to discuss their educational and professional journey. Students from all year groups have the opportunity to ask questions, receive top tips and network.

Weekly Career Couch
We offer a weekly lunchtime drop-in session for all students from Year 7 to Year 13, providing an opportunity to ask career-related questions and seek guidance.

Career Spotlight Events
Students from Year 7-Year 13 have an age specific careers event paired with an alumnae employer covering everything from ‘Being in your element’ and ‘Squiggly careers’ to ‘Speed networking’. We have speakers from a wide variety of sectors including health, law, business, marketing, finance, writing, drama and the public services. We have also paired up top London Recruiting Firm CWR to help our Year 11 students learn about perfecting a knock-out CV, job application and interview to help them secure their ‘dream job’!

By the end of Key Stage 3, our students have developed a strong sense of self, with a realistic understanding of their strengths, skills and aspirations. They are beginning to explore future careers and pathways, make informed decisions about their GCSE options, and understand the value of qualifications. They are aware of the changing world of work, the importance of creativity and adaptability, and the different roles they may take on throughout life. Most importantly, they are building a positive self-image and looking ahead with curiosity and confidence.

In Key Stage 4, we offer personalised and comprehensive support to assist our students in exploring their future options and making informed decisions regarding their Post-16 pathways.

Our dedicated team provides tailored guidance and career exploration opportunities. We actively involve parents and guardians in the decision-making process and facilitate valuable work experience placements. Through continuous monitoring and evaluation, we ensure that our support programmes evolve to meet the changing needs and aspirations of our students.

Careers in the Curriculum

We integrate career development into our curriculum, seamlessly incorporating it within PSHE, our Girls of Steel character education programme and individual subject areas.

We create a robust foundation that equips our students with essential career skills and knowledge throughout their academic journey. Our pupils understand the relevance of their studies in real-world contexts, enabling them to explore diverse career pathways and make informed decisions about their future.

The careers element of PSHE at KS4 empowers students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate future educational courses and employment opportunities. Students learn to create professional CVs, LinkedIn profiles, application forms and gain insights into interview expectations. Additionally, dedicated PSHE time is allocated to prepare students for their valuable Work Experience placement in Year 11.

By combining practical career preparation with hands-on experience, we ensure our students are well-equipped to confidently pursue their desired educational and professional pathways.

Careers Lessons
All Year 10 students benefit from a dedicated, timetabled careers lesson taught by our experienced Head of Careers. These engaging lessons delve into crucial aspects of the evolving world of work, employability skills, and diverse career opportunities. Students also have access to Morrisby Careers, a valuable resource that empowers them to explore and research personalised career plans. By utilising this platform and connecting students with their local and regional community of employers, our students gain valuable insights to make informed decisions about their future career paths.

Subject Lessons
Within our subject areas, we provide diverse and immersive career experiences to enrich students’ learning. In Cookery and Nutrition, students engage in masterclasses led by skilled professionals such as butchers and fishmongers. In Drama, they participate in dynamic workshops with theatre companies. Students benefit from an introduction to higher-level Maths at The University of Sheffield. In Science our students compete in tech and physics competitions, fostering their innovation and problem-solving skills. These hands-on experiences within subject areas empower students to explore various career pathways and gain practical insights into their fields of interest.

Employability

We prioritise equipping our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the ever-changing world of work.

Annual Careers Fair
We host an evening event with Higher Education, Apprenticeship and Further Education providers and employers for our students and parents from all key stages to explore to help inform their future careers.

Annual Careers Evening – Featuring Keynote Speaker
Each year, we adapt the focus of this event to keep up to date with the ever-changing landscape of careers.

Career Opportunities
We share opportunities including virtual live events, work experience and competitions from a wide range of subjects and careers weekly via email. Students and parents alike can access these resources to stay informed and actively engaged in diverse learning experiences.

Inspire North
Hosted at a local university, the event allows students to network with peers across the GDST and participate in several team activities to develop skills that will help prepare them for Higher Education and the world of work.

Options and Pathways

We ensure our students are fully informed of all options and pathways and have access to impartial guidance.

Morrisby Online Careers and Aptitude Tests
All students from Year 7 to Year 13 are given life-long access to Morrisby Careers which matches their skills and interests to potential career matches and allows them to explore the latest local market information. This invaluable resource matches their skills and interests with potential career pathways. At Key Stage 4, students complete aptitude tests which enhance their career matches further.

1:1 Careers Interview
All Year 11 students receive personalised, tailored careers meetings with a highly qualified Morrisby Careers Advisor. These one-to-one sessions offer dedicated time to discuss and explore a wide range of Post-16 options, ensuring that students receive tailored guidance based on their unique interests and aspirations.

Post 16 Options Choices Support
We provide comprehensive and unbiased support to our Year 11 students and parents as they navigate the selection of Post-16 options. This includes organising open mornings for exploration, facilitating mentorship opportunities, arranging subject tasters, and providing crucial assistance on GCSE results day.

Live Lunches
Each term, we extend a warm invitation to our many alumnae to speak live in conversation with the Head of Careers about their educational experiences and career journey to date. Students from all year groups have the opportunity to ask questions, receive valuable tips and network.

Weekly Career Couch
We host a weekly lunchtime drop-in session for all students spanning from Year 7 to Year 13 to ask questions and seek help for all things career-related. Whether they need guidance on career exploration, educational pathways, or any other related queries, students can rely on this dedicated session to receive the support they need.

Career Spotlight Events
Students in Year 11-12 have an age specific careers event paired with an alumnae employer covering everything from ‘Being in your element’ and ‘Squiggly careers’ to ‘Speed networking’.We have speakers from a wide variety of sectors including health, law, business, marketing, finance, writing, drama and the public services. We have also paired up top London Recruiting Firm CWR to help our Year 11 students learn about perfecting a knock-out CV, job application and interview to help them secure their ‘dream job’!

By the end of Key Stage 4, our students have grown in confidence and self-awareness, building on their achievements and embracing new challenges. They have explored a wide range of Post-16 options, developed clear educational and career plans, and gained real insight into the world of work through meaningful experience. They understand what makes someone employable, and recognise the importance of challenging stereotypes and promoting fairness in the workplace.

Our students receive further specialised career support as they begin their Sixth Form journey. We equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to explore all Post-18 options, such as universities and apprenticeships.

Careers in the Curriculum

We strive to embed career education securely into the curriculum through PSHE, character education, and individual subject areas.

Tutorial Programme
We offer a weekly programme of sessions to complement students’ academic studies which focus on study skills, critical thinking, career education, and financial literacy. With extensive support around Post-18 options and application support for all pathways, this programme helps prepare students to take the next step in their education as confident, well-informed individuals.

Personal Development Record
Students have an electronic log to track their academic progress, involvement in super-curricular and extra-curricular activity, their positions of responsibility and to record future career plans.

Subject Lessons
Career opportunities within subject areas include the Sheffield Young Artists Exhibition, NASA Space Competition in Computing, Extended Project Qualification and the Gold Industrial Cadets programme in Science. Visit our subject pages to learn about opportunities in each area.

Employability

We recognise the importance of preparing our students for the future world of work by equipping them with knowledge and skills to help them differentiate themselves.

Forging Futures Enrichment
Through our unique Forging Futures Sixth Form programme, our students can sign up for extensive enrichment and leadership opportunities to complement and enhance their academic curriculum and develop more employability skills. These opportunities include peer mentoring, Young Enterprise and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.

Work Experience
Sixth Form students are encouraged to complete work experience placements to explore careers of their choice, further developing and evidencing their employability skills.

Mock Interviews
Sixth Form students learn what to expect from different types of interviews including 1:1, group and virtual. They also have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews with an expert in the field.

GDST Networking
Our Sixth Form students can network with students and alumnae from across the network of 26 GDST schools to gain valuable career tips, information and placement opportunities.

Annual Careers Fair
We host an evening event featuring hundreds of Higher Education, Apprenticeship providers and employers to help explore and inform their future careers.

Opportunities Shared Directly with Students
Opportunities such as virtual live events, work experience and competitions from a wide range of subjects and careers are shared weekly online with students and parents.

Options and Pathways

We ensure our students are fully informed of all options and pathways and have access to impartial guidance.

Morrisby Online Careers
Our Sixth Form students gain life-long access to Morrisby Careers which helps align their skills and interests with potential career matches and allows them to explore the latest local market information. At Key Stage 5 our students can research their Post-18 options using Morrisby Higher.

1:1 Careers Interview
All Year 12 students receive a tailored, focussed 1:1 careers meeting with the Head of Careers.

Post-18 Options Choices Support
Our students and parents are given comprehensive 1:1 support when choosing Post-18 options, including exposure to all possible pathways, a Post-18 conference day, a Personal Statement writing workshop, a Post-18 evening for parents covering student finance, an Oxbridge and Aspirations Evening, an Apprenticeship Evening, admissions test support and bespoke A Level Results Day support.

Live Lunches
Each term, we host an interactive conversation between the Head of Careers and a successful alumnae, where students from all year groups can ask questions, gain insights and network. Past students share their educational and career journey to date, offering top tips for successful careers.

Weekly Career Couch
A weekly lunchtime drop-in for all students from Y7-Y13 to ask questions and seek help for all things career-related.

Annual Careers Evening – Featuring a Keynote Speaker
Each year, the focus of this event will change to keep up to date with the ever-changing landscape of careers.

By the end of Sixth Form, our students take full ownership of their future. They are able to reflect critically on their achievements, set purposeful goals, and make confident, informed choices about life beyond school. They understand the influences shaping their decisions, are proactive in managing applications and career plans, and have developed key employability and leadership skills. With real-world experience and growing independence, they are equipped to manage personal finances and navigate the risks and rewards of their next steps.