Careers and Educational Visits

KS4 Curriculum

At the end of Key Stage 3 your child will enter Year 10 and the subjects he or she chooses in Year 9 will determine the courses to be studied to examination level. The choices should be a reflection of the abilities, interests and needs of each pupil. The selection of these subjects can affect future educational pathways and career choices and should be made through discussion between pupil, parents and teachers.

Compulsory Subjects

• Mathematics
• English
• Science
• Religious Education
• Physical Education

Careers Education and Guidance

Careers guidance begins during PSHCEE in years 7 and 8. In Year 9 pupils are advised about their GCSE options and alternative pathways. During Year 10 and 11 there is a full programme of Careers Education and Guidance. Pupils learn about all the different options and qualifications available to post 16. All pupils receive a ‘Careers Guidance Interview’ in Year 11 with the school’s own dedicated Careers Adviser. Representatives from all the local sixth forms, colleges, and training providers come into school to work with groups and advise individuals. There are opportunities provided to visit local colleges and training providers. We have hold Careers Evening which is attended by many local businesses, an Apprenticeship Event for those looking for training and we do ‘mock interviews’.

Educational Visists

Educational visits provide wonderful opportunities to extend young peoples' learning and to enrich their understanding and appreciation of themselves, others and the world around them. We believe that there is great educational value in taking students 'out of the classroom' to see the world at first hand, and that such experiences help to 'bring education to life'. For many young people, educational visits and offsite activities offer immensely enjoyable, memorable and life enhancing experiences.

There are many varied opportunities provided each year and these range from locally based day trips to overseas residential visits lasting a week. There are, typically, residential visits to Hothersall Lodge Ribchester, Castlerigg in Keswick, London (West End theatre and Houses of Parliament), France (Lille Christmas market and the First World War battlefields) and Switzerland (skiing). There have also recently been visits organised to the USA by the History and Drama departments. Most pupils attend a rewards visits at the end of year to either Blackpool Zoo (year 7) or Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Please contact the school if you wish to find out more about the visits planned for the current academic year (eg cost, timing, year group etc).

All our visits are authorised by Lancashire County Council following rigorous risk assessment.