Careers in the Curriculum
The Lenham School promotes careers in the school curriculum as a way of students strengthening their understanding of the links between study and destinations. The Lenham School uses the following strategies:
- The Lenham School Transferable Employability Skills are promoted and referred to in classrooms on our Career Displays
- Staff Career Journey's showing different experiences and qualifications are displayed in classrooms to engage students in conversations about the future
- A focused ‘Career in the Curriculum Week’ with a heavy focus on employer and college/university engagement at subject level. In 2023/24 this included archaeology experience sessions in History and outreach from local universities.
This is the first stage in a three-year journey to fully embed careers as part of our school pedagogy. Further details of our three-year Career Education Development Plan can be found in our Career Strategy and Programme booklet.
The Lenham School hold various career events during the academic year.
The Lenham School Careers Fair
With over 50 employers in attendance, the first Lenham School Careers Fair had students from all year groups talking with employers, colleges and universities about their future career.
‘It helped me understand the types of options I have in front of me and how much I must commit to reach my goals.’ Tom, Year 8
‘It was exciting, I didn’t think it would be but it was. I actually have a good idea about my future now.’ Finlay, Year 10
Careers in the Curriculum Week
Students across the school had a week of exploring how different subject areas could lead to a variety of careers. Departments ran their own activities from archaeology taster sessions to working alongside industry specialists, with Year 12 workshops held in Media studies delivered by university lecturers.
National Careers and Apprenticeship Week
Every year, students have a structured career focused drop-down week with career based activities to complete. This has included a Virtual Careers Fair and CV writing workshops.
Key Stage 3
Year 7 - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Maths (STEAM) Experience Day
The annual Year 7 STEAM Experience Day has students working alongside employers in five practical workshops. The day focuses on raising students' aspirations to work in STEAM industries. This year’s workshops included: BAE and Robotics, Paye Stonemasons and Historical Restoration, and Crime Scene Investigation. The day started with a keynote address by lecturers from Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU).
‘I loved the Stonemasons, it actually helped me see what my future could be like’ Tyler, Year 7
Year 8 - STEAM Career Assembly
Year 8 took part in a STEAM Career Assembly delivered by BAE, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.
Year 8 - More than One Direction
As part of Canterbury Christ Church Universities outreach, students worked with staff and students from CCCU to explore different pathways ahead of them.
‘It was good to meet university students and talk to them; I didn’t realise they have clubs at university!’ Callum, Year 8
Year 7, 8 and 9 - Cambridge Aspirations Programme
Students from Year 7, 8 and 9 took part in an outreach session from the University of Cambridge this included an information session and an upcoming visit to the University.
Year 9 - Business of Enterprise
Each year we hold an annual Business of Enterprise event, Year 9 students will come off-timetable for a day and dress in business attire and work alongside employers to develop a service/ product. Students then pitch this business idea to a panel, with a winner chosen from each Personal Development Group. These groups then present their idea as a Grand Finale to a selection of local business owners.
‘I liked working in a group on a problem and the presentation helped me develop my confidence’ Jack, Year 9
Year 9 - Aspire Roadshow
Working alongside local university students, Year 9 pupils had a specialist session focusing on the use of AI in programming small robots.
‘It was nice to do something different and try a different career.’ Scott, Year 9
Year 9 - Why go to University
Students had an assembly delivered to them by CCCU looking at the reasons why they should consider going to University.
Key Stage 4
Year 10 - Stonemasonry Taster Day
Year 10 students had a taster day at Leeds Castle on stonemasonry and historical restoration.
‘I didn’t realise Stonemasonry was a career! It was great to learn about how the business works and to ask questions.’
George, Year 10
Year 10 - Mid-Kent College Taster Day
Year 10 students visited Mid-Kent College for a taster day in what college life would be like with a series of mini-experience workshops.
‘I really liked the construction workshop and doing actual bricklaying. The Instructor said I was really good.’ Jack, Year 10
Year 10 - Degree in a Day
Year 10 students visited Canterbury Christ Church University to have a ‘mini degree day.’ Students worked alongside Student Ambassadors receiving a lecture, seminar and research project; presenting their project at the end of the day.
‘I liked the tour of the campus and having a sample lecture was great; it is different but the same as school..’ Thomas, Year 10
Year 10 - Apprenticeships and T-Level Outreach
Year 10 students attended an apprenticeship outreach assembly given by a number of apprenticeship and T-Level providers, including Kent County Council.
Year 10 - Work Experience
In the first week of Term 6, all of our Year 10 students attend a week of Work Experience; focusing on developing transferable skills.
‘I loved it, I was nervous but it was actually ok; I loved the experience and being to able experience work’ George, Year 10
Year 10 - Employability Day
Students' in Year 10 have a drop-down day focused on developing employability skills. Sessions included: British Army and Team Building, RAF and Leadership, Negotiation skills, resilience development and CV writing and applications workshops. All students also take part in Mock Interviews with 30 local employers.
‘I really enjoyed the Mock Interviews, it gave me so much more confience and the feedback from the employer was really helpful!’ Sam, Year 10
Year 10 - Aspirations Evening
At our annual Aspirations Evening, Year 10 students and parent/carers are informed about all the different post-16 options, what Labour Market Information is and why it is important. This is followed up by presentations from The Lenham School Alumni who are all on different pathways. The evening is complemented by a mini-careers fair with a number of providers and employers present to talk about post-16 options.
Key Stage 5
Year 12 - Work Experience
In the first week of Term 6, all of our Year 12 students attend a week of Work Experience; focusing on developing transferable skills.
‘It wasn’t a field of law I was interested in but now it is. I didn’t want to go to university at the start of Year 12 but this work experience has shown me what I want to do and now I will absolutely be going to university.’ Elina, Year 12
Year 12 - Employability Day
Students' in Year 12 have a drop-down day focused on developing employability skills. Sessions include: British Army and Team Building, RAF and Leadership, Negotiation skills, resilience development and CV writing and applications workshops. All students also take part in Mock Interviews with 30 local employers.
Year 12 - Degree Apprenticeships Outreach
The University of Kent came and spoke to Year 12 students on the degree apprenticeship pathway.
Year 12 - University Visit
Year 12 students visited Canterbury Christ Church University hearing from current students and staff, as well as receiving a tour of the campus.
Year 12 - Gap Year talk
Year 12 students heard from Raleigh International about planning a Gap Year and the different charity events on offer.
Year 12 - STEAM Experience Day
Year 12 students had the opportunity to attend a STEAM Experience Day which this year was led by the National Space Academy. Students completed a range of activities including building and launching rockets!
‘Few of us choose science but it is so exciting as a job!’ Lee, Year 12
Year 12 - Budgeting Activity
This workshop builds on knowledge of student finance and allows students to begin thinking about how best to budget whilst at university.
Year 12 - Showcase event- ‘A Day in the life of……’
Year 12 students visited Canterbury Christchurch University and took part in a ‘Day in the life of a forensic psychologist.’ This involved our students working alongside university students and staff.
Year 12 - Personal Statement Workshop
This workshop covers the information to include within their Personal Statement, to help support UCAS applications.
Year 13 - University Visit
Students attended their second university visit at the University of Kent where students had a tour and information session.
‘This visit convinced me to go to university, it was so powerful!’
Year 13 - Applying through Clearing Information
In preparation for Results Day, this talk explores what to do, and alternative options available, should things not go to plan.
