Careers

CVMS Careers Intent

A good quality careers guidance and education programme will raise the aspirations of all young people. It will increase motivation by linking activities in school with preparation for life post 16 and post 18 and the school provides extensive opportunities for external providers to meet with students to provide careers and labour market information. Careers guidance will contribute to raising pupil achievement, help students focus on their longer-term career ambitions and ensure an equality of opportunity for all.

At CVMS we provide a comprehensive programme to students in every year group and of all abilities and this includes aspects of work-related learning, enterprise education and option choices. Students in our Sixth Form are very well supported as they make their applications to university, apply for Higher Level Apprenticeships or other non-university post 18 pathways, as are our SEND students, working closely with our internal additional needs team and external providers.

We believe that every student is entitled to receive high quality careers guidance to develop their career management skills. With this aim, we are committed to ensuring our students have opportunities to acquire the knowledge and confidence to cope with life after school and become good citizens.

Please refer to the careers policy document for details of student entitlement. All information, together with the careers policy, is reviewed and updated annually, however information may be revised throughout the year to reflect new regulations and/or to meet the additional needs of students. The date of the next review is July 2026.

It is important to equip our students with the necessary skills for them to career plan and know how and where to access impartial and unbiased information. Developing key enterprise and employability skills are important and enables students to further develop their skills and provides opportunities for them to work within their community, having a direct positive impact.

Additionally, as part of their entitlement, students have access to a range of external providers to ensure they learn about approved technical qualifications and apprenticeships. Please see our provider access policy document.

Careers guidance is on-going throughout the academic year and is delivered through PSHE lessons, form time sessions, collapsed timetable events, assemblies, external trips and is enhanced by working with local businesses, apprenticeship providers, colleges and universities.

Provider Access Policy

Click here to view and download the Provider Access Policy - Baker Clause

Careers Policy

Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School - Careers Education Policy, 2024-2025

View the policy here

Contact details:

Miss Theresa Bell - Careers Leader

Telephone: 020-7603-8478

Email: Careers@cvms.co.uk

Careers plan

Click here to view the CVMS Careers Plan 2025-26

View and download our Careers Roadmap here

Pupils

Information for Pupils

Pupils

A reminder that you have access to a wide range of careers, enterprise and work-related information. You will be regularly informed of opportunities available to your through emails from the careers lead and through the school newsletter. Lots of opportunities are made available to CVMS students through our membership of the West London Partnership (WLP).

All pupils have access to their own UNIFROG profile which brings together information on all the options available to pupils after their time at CVMS. The platform allows pupils to explore a variety of workplaces, as well as cultivate their interests and skills, considering how their personality and interests profile might suit them to a particular career. It provides fantastic guides on writing a CV and cover letter, managing finances, and exploring work experience opportunities. Additionally, we have a fantastic CVMS community of parents, alumni, and supporters who are always willing to help support current pupils.

Post 16 Options IT'S YOUR CHOICE

The choices Post 16 are:

Continuing to study at CVMS
Continuing to study at a College of Further Education
Applying for an Apprenticeship – or a similar work-based learning programme
Applying for a position within the Forces
Entering the labour market - although some form of continued training must be attached to the offer of employment to comply with the raising of the participation age

External representatives from FE, HE, apprenticeship organisations, local and national employers and the armed forces, provide information to students regarding the choices available at the end of Year 11.

In 6^th form the Future Pathways programme begins, where pupils are encouraged to think more specifically at life beyond the Vaughan. Weekly Future Pathways assemblies and Form Time sessions take place. Various employers, alumni, and universities deliver assemblies to the 6^th form, helping them to think about their post-18 options. In Lent Term pupils are parents are invited to attend the Higher Education evening. At the end of Trinity term, pupils participate in Future Pathways week, which is dedicated time to exploring and preparing applications to destinations beyond their time at the school. A specific Oxbridge programme is also available to pupils who choose to apply for the UCAS early application; students are invited to participate in interview preparation workshops and mock interviews.

Miss Theresa Bell - Careers Leader

Telephone: 020-7603-8478

Email: Careers@cvms.co.uk

CVMS staff

Information for Staff

All staff have access to a wide range of careers and work-related resources to support delivery in their subject areas and in line with the Careers Strategy and Gatsby benchmark 4 - linking curriculum learning to careers. It is the responsibility of each department to promote careers with specific relations to their own subjects.

Resources for print or download can be found within the staff area/careers folder. Students can also use the Careers Library, either independently or as part of a lesson. Teaching and support staff are regularly involved in supporting careers and enterprise activities during dedicated collapsed timetable events and also provide on-going support to students with regard to progression routes and choices after school.

Tutors in particular have an important role in helping to raise students' aspirations and providing information and advice about possible pathways after school. All staff should be able to signpost students to our careers and work-related resources and the Careers Leader. If you need any information or support with careers learning, linked to your subject or in a pastoral role please contact me.

Miss Theresa Bell - Careers Leader

Telephone: 020-7603-8478

Email: Careers@cvms.co.uk

Parents/Carers/Guardians

Information for Parents and carers

Parents and carers have an important role to play in supporting their child with their career planning and post 14, 16 and 18 transitions.

Students have access to a wide range of resources and careers programmes, many of which are accessible from home. Keep an eye out for opportunities advertised through the weekly school Newsletter and those which are emailed to parents and pupils. Please take a look at the resources, together with your child, so you can find out more about the local labour market and the opportunities available from local colleges and apprenticeship providers. This includes an extensive list of websites to help with job research and progression routes.

UNIFROG is an excellent platform for students to learn about careers, compare college and sixth form courses, research and save their University choices, investigate higher level apprenticeship opportunities and work through mini modules to develop interests and explore subjects in more depth. During each school year, your child will be able to record ideas, searches and experiences in their Unifrog profile. Parents can also their own login for access by emailing careers@cvms.co.uk.

Careermag for Parents aims to connect students and their parents with quality advice and guidance. The magazine includes:

- Top tips for parents
- What does diversity mean to you?
- Creative careers, creative thinking
- Helping your child navigate post-16 and post-18 choices
- Gender and social stereotyping
- Myth busting careers
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Financing university

https://careermap.co.uk/careermag/

Data protection and GDPR with regard to careers education: students and/or their parents/carers should be aware that basic on-roll school data may be provided to some external agencies i.e. the careers guidance specialist and work experience providers, to provide additional support for students. In addition, Post 16 and Post 18 intended destinations data is requested by the local authority towards the end of year 11 and year 13 as part of the school’s statutory duty.

At CVMS, we are keen for our students to engage with the careers curriculum in practical ways; we believe students gain a lot from external speakers who can offer different viewpoints, insight and experiences. Because of this, we are interested in bringing people and organisations into the school to inspire our young learners and bring areas of work and study to life.

It would be fantastic if you would be able to offer us any support in the following:

Careers talks- sharing your experiences in a particular industry or career
Work experience placements
Careers workshop- on various careers related topics
Mock interviews

Please send the Head of Careers an email and she will get back to you as soon as possible.

Miss Theresa Bell - Careers Leader

Telephone: 020-7603-8478

Email: Careers@cvms.co.uk

Directors

Information for Directors

The Directors of any school, college or academy are legally responsible for, amongst many other things, ensuring that the organisation carries out its duties with regard to delivering Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) to all pupils from the age of 11-19. Find out more about your role here.

Miss Theresa Bell - Careers Leader

Telephone: 020-7603-8478

Email: Careers@cvms.co.uk

Click here for the NCW Guide to Careers in Schools for Governors

Employers

Employers, Training Providers and Staff- EMPLOYERS
- would you like to work with us?

We are always interested in expanding the network of companies and employers who want to work with us, in support of our careers education, enterprise and work-related learning programme.

If you are interested in supporting a specific curriculum subject area, or would be willing to attend a careers-related event or provide a careers lunchtime drop-in clinic to speak to students in a more informal setting, please contact the Careers Leader.

Miss Theresa Bell - Careers Leader

Telephone: 020-7603-8478

Email: Careers@cvms.co.uk

See above for the provider access policy.

Training providers

Work with us to provide students with additional information on technical qualifications and apprenticeships. CVMS has always welcomed representatives from training organisations, further and higher education and technical colleges, together with apprenticeship providers.

All requests are subject to availability of rooms and in consideration of our timetabled curriculum. Please be aware that we have 130+ students in each year group and 200+ in our Sixth Form. Providers working with our school must be GDPR compliant. Alternatively, and/or in addition to the above, you are invited to submit information relating to your provision electronically. Wherever possible, we will provide this to students via their on-line careers folder or display on our careers notice boards.

If you are willing to support our students and are not yet working with our school, please contact the Careers Leader.

Miss Theresa Bell - Careers Leader

Telephone: 020-7603-8478

Email: Careers@cvms.co.uk

See above for the provider access policy.

Work experience

Pupils in the 6^th form are regularly sent opportunities for work experience and enrichment of their future pathway options. Pupils are encouraged to explore a variety of work experiences both in person and online. Where appropriate, permission is given for pupils to attend these opportunities. Potential careers and pathways are featured within school publications and at progress and options evenings.

The purpose of work experience is to provide pupils with the opportunity, before leaving school, of having experienced directly the realities of working life. It is an exercise, forming an integral part of the school curriculum, and is not to be regarded as specifically vocational training or recruitment. Pupils are given an insight into the world of work, its disciplines and its organisation. Pupils will be afforded opportunities to:

compare their career ideas with actual experiences in various skills/work areas;
be given opportunities to see the potential applications of the knowledge they have been acquiring;
gain an appreciation of work attitudes and an understanding of the differences between school and work;
have a chance to meet and establish relationships with people outside their acquaintance;
develop a range of transferable, key employability skills

Miss Theresa Bell - Careers Leader

Telephone: 020-7603-8478

Email: Careers@cvms.co.uk

Subject Career Information

Dear parents and students,

Within this page, you can find opportunities to expand your awareness of your subjects and gain a better understanding of the career prospects they can provide you with. The opportunities will be updated throughout the school year. Below I have also detailed a series of websites which are particularly useful for virtual work experience and guidance. If any student wishes to receive career advice, contact Miss Davison at davisa@cvms.co.uk.

Kind regards,

Miss Davison

Second in charge of Future Pathways

Virtual Work Experience Opportunities

Spring pod: https://www.springpod.com/

Students should use Springpod because it offers free, accessible, and flexible virtual work experience programs that connect them with top employers across diverse industries. Through interactive webinars, assignments, and real-world projects, students gain valuable insights into careers, build employability skills, and earn certificates to enhance their CVs or university applications. The platform's on-demand structure allows students to complete modules at their own pace, making it ideal for balancing academic commitments. Additionally, Springpod helps students explore career paths, including STEM, healthcare, business, and creative industries, in an inclusive and equitable way, regardless of their financial or geographic constraints.

Future Learn: https://www.futurelearn.com/

Students should consider learning with FutureLearn because it provides access to a vast array of online courses from leading universities and institutions worldwide. These courses cover diverse topics, from technology and business to humanities and healthcare, helping students develop critical skills for the future. FutureLearn’s platform encourages interactive learning through videos, quizzes, and discussions with peers and educators, making it an engaging experience. Additionally, its flexible structure allows students to learn at their own pace, accommodating various schedules. Certificates offered for completed courses also boost resumes and academic profiles, preparing students for both higher education and professional careers.

UNIFROG: https://www.unifrog.org/

Students should use Unifrog because it is a comprehensive platform that supports their educational and career aspirations by simplifying the process of exploring opportunities. Unifrog enables students to research universities, apprenticeships, and careers across the globe with detailed, accessible information in one place. The platform also offers tools to help students write personal statements, build CVs, and track their achievements, which are invaluable for applications to higher education or jobs. Additionally, Unifrog encourages personalised learning by suggesting options tailored to individual preferences and abilities, fostering informed and confident decision-making

Computer Science

Competitions:

RCSU Science Challenge – Keep an eye out for the 2025 entrance to open!

Work experience:

https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/technology-work-experience/WEXP-00079

Courses:

Free: Code Academy or Udemy to program for free online at home in their own time.

Fee paying: (https://www.oxfordscholastica.com/online-summer-school/courses/).

Articles:

https://news.mit.edu/topic/computers

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2454825-3d-printing-with-light-and-sound-could-let-us-copy-human-organs/

Classical Civilisation

Competition:

Classics For All is running the following competition for under 25s:

Why is Classics Important?

To enter, students must:

Read the rules on the website carefully
Complete the entry form before the deadline (23:59 GMT on 31 January 2025)
Submit their response to the question ‘Why is Classics Important?’
Complete the form and submit their response at the same time to ensure their entry is correctly processed.
Responses must be sent to engagement@classicalassociation.org. In the email students must state their name(s), age and age category, and the type of response (e.g. manifesto/poster/presentation).

Their response can be ONE of the following:

A written manifesto of 500-2000 words (sent as a PDF)
A poster, which can contain up to 500 words, as well as images (sent as a PDF or jpg)
A video presentation of maximum 15 minutes (sent as a link to an unlisted YouTube video)

Prizes available: More than £2000 prize money will be shared between winning entrants in the Write | Speak | Design Competitions. The winner of each age category will receive a special prize and shortlisted entrants will receive digital certificates. All entrants will be entered into a Prize Draw from which random winners will be selected.

https://classicalassociation.org/under-25s-competition/

Work Experience

Historic England offers a virtual work experience programme for young people aged 15 and over, twice per year. The fun, interactive and informative programme is designed to give delegates an insight into the wonderful careers available within heritage.

It includes live content, talks from guest speakers and the opportunity to contribute to some of Historic England's work as they champion historic places to help people understand, value and care for them.

https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/education/work-experience/

Articles:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/classics/study/undergraduate/alumni-careers

https://issuu.com/bloomsburypublishing/docs/classics_magazine_draft-6_1_

Music

Arts festival:

Richmond upon Thames Performing Arts Festival

The Festival is open to amateur performers of any age in the arts of music, dance and drama and it is just that – a festival of the arts with the emphasis on performance in a supportive, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Performances are arranged in sections relative to age and levels of attainment at a variety of venues across the borough of Richmond upon Thames during February, March and May annually.

http://www.richmondfestival.org.uk/

Competitions:

Vivaldi International Music Competition

An open competition for musicians of all ages from around the world, with categories including composition, voice, conducting, and more.

https://www.vivaldicompetition.com/

ISA Music Composition Competition

This competition offers pupils an opportunity to use both mathematical and creative thinking by composing an original piece of music. Open to Key Stages 2-5.

https://www.isaschools.org.uk/arts/music/composer-competition.html

Musical courses:

Coursera

Music courses online – learn music theory, history and performance. Understand musical notation, genres and instruments.

Catalogue of courses to choose from:

https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=music

Rodolfus Choral Course

Provided opportunities for young singers aged 16-21 to learn excellent choral singing from the leading educators in their field.

https://www.therodolfusfoundation.org.uk/choral-courses-2024

The Choral and Organ Awards Open Day

Oxford - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/visiting-and-outreach/outreach-events/choral-and-organ-awards-open-day

Cambridge - https://www.cmp.cam.ac.uk/choral-awards-open-day/

Opportunities to visit:

Handel and Hendrix Museum

In a single street in London, separated by a wall, are the homes of two of history’s most significant musical artists.

https://handelhendrix.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA88a5BhDPARIsAFj595hZ0PmSQe48G7VXUzJhMAXDhuZrWnfG_XHnxeJ9VYaMrscN5uR8KykaAqmwEALw_wcB

25 Brook Street, London, W1K 4HB

The Musical Museum

A collection of self-playing musical instruments, including pianolas, orchestrions, barrel organs and many other fascinating objects. An impressive collection of over 20,000 music rolls stored and actively curated in a purpose-built library.

https://www.museumslondon.org/museum/165/the-musical-museum

399 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DU

Careers resources:

Breaking into the music industry – BBC Bitesize

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zfx296f

Music career advice and articles

Catalogue of relevant articles - https://tomhess.net/MusicCareerArticles.aspx

Geography

Competition:

Young Geographer of the Year - https://www.rgs.org/schools/competitions/young-geographer-of-the-year. Competition opens June 1st each year, and deadline for entries is early October.

Work experience opportunity:

MET Office Forecasting your Future (virtual work experience): https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/met-office-careers-forecasting-your-future/WEXP-00356 (ages 13-18). Once completing this, students in Fourth Form and above can then apply for in-person work experience: https://careers.metoffice.gov.uk/early-careers/work-experience

Article:

'Why Geographers are Employable'

https://www.rgs.org/choose-geography/choose-a-career-with-geography/why-geographers-are-employable