Words by Mrs Stevenson, Future Pathways Leader at Penrice Academy

Feature Photo: A Medical Professional leadering a critical care workshop with our Future Medics students.

Year 7 – Discovering the World of Work

Year 7 students began their Careers journey through the Futures Programme, with the core theme of Discover.

They have been exploring the big question: Why do people work?

Through engaging discussions, short videos, and interactive activities, students discovered:

• The importance of work in everyday life
• The wide variety of jobs people do
• What a career is and how learning links to future pathways
• More about their own interests, skills, and strengths

These sessions have been fun, interactive, and confidence‑building, helping students develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and self-awareness.

Year 8 – An Exciting Term Ahead

This summer term, Year 8 will be looking at careers and jobs of the future. They’ll explore how the world of work is changing and use Labour Market Information (LMI) to see which jobs are growing, both locally and across the UK. This will help them understand the skills employers are looking for and start thinking about their own future options.

Year 9 – Exploring Future Pathways

Year 9 students have begun focusing on their post‑16 options, with a particular emphasis on T Levels following student feedback.

They have completed a Future Skills Questionnaire, encouraging them to reflect on their strengths, interests, and key employability skills, and how these link to future career pathways.

Students also took part in a session delivered by Truro University Centre, exploring how subjects such as languages can support careers in areas including law and marketing.

Looking ahead, we will shortly be launching our Work Experience programme – please watch this space for further information.

Selected Year 9 students also enjoyed a construction event, where they learnt about the full process of designing and creating a building, giving them insight into careers within this sector.

Year 10 – Preparing for Post‑16 and Work Experience

Year 10 students have been hearing from local colleges ahead of their taster days later this year, helping them make informed decisions about their next steps.

They are also finalising their work experience paperwork. Thank you for your continued support with this – we would be grateful if any outstanding forms could be returned as soon as possible.

One-to-one careers interviews are now underway, giving students the opportunity to start exploring their options and future pathways. These reports will be added to your child’s Careerpilot account.

Year 11 – Securing Post‑16 Destinations

Year 11 students have been completing college interviews and securing their post‑16 placements.

Those pursuing apprenticeships have also taken part in workshops to develop a usable CV, helping them prepare for the application process and next steps.

Encounters with Employers, Colleges & Universities

Students across the school have also benefited from a range of exciting opportunities:

• University of Cambridge visited to help students discover post‑18 options and pathways to higher education
• The Headland Hotel delivered a session highlighting careers within the hospitality sector, alongside local labour market information for Cornwall
• St Austell College spoke to students about T Levels, building on their FSQ learning and helping them understand alternative pathways

National Careers Week & National Apprenticeship Week

To celebrate these national events, students took part in a variety of enrichment activities:

• A bespoke Army careers session, allowing students to explore this pathway in depth
• Year 10 students attended a UCAS Discovery Event, meeting over 130 universities, colleges, and employers
• Year 11 students participated in a CV workshop with the DWP
• Year 10 students explored what a university interview looks like through an experience at Cambridge University

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm shown by students and grateful to our visiting partners for helping bring careers education to life. These experiences play a vital role in helping students discover their potential and make informed choices about their futures.

More careers activities coming soon – watch this space!