West Derby School

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Annual Career Plans

West Derby High School > Annual Career Plans

Year 7

Transition from Primary – students will meet their new classmates, their teachers and experience a range of exciting secondary subjects

PSHE: Year 7 lessons cover the topic of ‘Living in the Wider World’, which allows pupils to explore the different types of skills that a person needs to fulfil certain roles in society.

SLT/PPL Assemblies will cover the themes of PSHE, including mental health, resilience, misogyny, labour market information, how to access Jobs Live, how to make good life choices, and how good attendance is linked to academic and career success. Assemblies will also be delivered by a range of external providers such as LFC, EFC, and employers from the Speakers for Schools and Founders for Schools programme.

Personal Growth Curriculum: Over the course of 3 personal growth days, this year, students in Year 7 will take part in entrepreneurial activities in which they will create and sell products at our Christmas Fair.  All monies raised will be donated to Clatterbridge Hospital for patients receiving treatment for Cancer.  They will also be given the opportunity to become a Mental Health Advocate by undertaking training via the LFC ‘Assist’ programme.

Other personal growth opportunities will include:

  • Engaging in Stem activities delivered by the RAF
  • Learning about ‘Savvy Shopping from HSBC
  • Learning and practising First Aid Skills
  • Engaging in Mathematics challenges with Liverpool University
  • Meeting the Professionals from Cadent in association with Elevate EBP
  • Taking part in Energy Quest workshops
  • Visiting Knowsley Safari Park and enjoy specialist workshop sessions with the keepers there.
  • Taking part in our in-school careers carousel / speed-networking event
  • Taking a tour of our galaxy with VR headsets
  • Taking part in the interactive WW1 experience ‘Tommy in the Trenches’

WRL Audits: All subject areas complete an audit on their Schemes of Work highlighting where ‘work-related’ areas are covered. Staff deliver bespoke Career Ready subject resources. They can draw upon resources from: Speakers for Schools, Career-Ready, Founders for Schools, The National Careers Service, etc.

Aim Higher: Trips, visits and activities are actively arranged throughout the course of the year to encourage pupils to think of career prospects outside of their usual existence.

Year 8

PSHE: Year 8 lessons cover the topic of ‘Careers and Finance’ which allows pupils to explore different types of careers and the financial aspects of being an adult.

SLT/PPL Assemblies will cover the themes of PSHE, including mental health, resilience, misogyny, labour market information, how to access Unifrog, knife crime, and how good attendance is linked to academic and career success. Assemblies will also be delivered by a range of external providers such as LFC, EFC, employers from the Speakers for Schools and Founders for Schools programme, the RAF and the Royal Navy.

Personal Growth Curriculum: Over the course of 3 personal growth days, this year, students in Year 8 will take part in entrepreneurial activities in which they will create and sell products at our Easter Fair.  All monies raised will be donated to Yellow House.  They will also be given the opportunity to become a Mental Health Advocate by undertaking training via the LFC ‘Assist’ programme.

Other personal growth opportunities will include:

  • Engaging in Stem activities delivered by the RAF
  • Learning about their ‘Financial Well-being’ from HSBC
  • Developing and practising their First Aid Skills
  • Engaging in Mathematics challenges with Liverpool University
  • Meeting the professionals from Cadent in association with Elevate EBP
  • Taking part in Energy Quest workshops
  • Visiting the theatre for a Christmas Pantomine, and them taking a tour of various Liverpool museums
  • Making and Launching Rockets with the Royal Navy
  • Taking part in our in-school careers carousel / speed-networking event

WRL Audits: All subject areas complete an audit on their Schemes of Work highlighting where ‘work-related’ areas are covered. Staff deliver bespoke Career Ready subject resources. They can draw upon resources from: Speakers for Schools, Career-Ready, Founders for Schools, The National Careers Service, etc.

Aim Higher: Trips, visits and activities are actively arranged throughout the course of the year to encourage pupils to think of career prospects outside of their usual existence.

Year 9

PSHE: Year 9 lessons explore British values, the media, money matters, religion and ethics.

SLT/PPL Assemblies will cover the themes of PSHE, including mental health, resilience, misogyny, labour market information, how to access Unifrog, knife crime, and how good attendance is linked to academic and career success. Assemblies will also be delivered by a range of external providers such as LFC, EFC, employers from the Speakers for Schools and Founders for Schools programme and the British Army.


Year 9 Parents Options Evening: provided by the Senior Leader in charge of Options Programme. A Power point will be shared with parents about the process and how to aid their son in selecting their options. A subject guide will be provided with more information for pupils and parents, together with links to future careers.

Personal Growth Curriculum: Over the course of 3 personal growth days, and during special lessons, this year, students in Year 9 will:

  • Research their future with Unifrog
  • Take part in ‘I Will’ Social Action and Enterprise with LFC
  • Engage with Liverpool University and their STEM Outreach programme (Infectious Diseases)
  • Partake in HSBC’s financial advice sessions, and engage with Barclay’s Digital Eagles
  • Royal Navy Careers focussed activities
  • Enage with The Brook on the topic of sexual health & relationships
  • Meet the Professionals with Cadent & Elevate EBP
  • Take part in our in-school careers carousel / speed-networking event
  • Enjoy a trip to a local cultural Venue
  • Take part in Energy Quest workshops
  • Have the opportunity to train with LFC to become a mental health advocate as part of their ‘Assist’ programme
  • Take part in LFC’s ‘On Target’ mental health programme
  • Take part in challenging misogyny with EFC
  • Engage with CSI reading skills
  • Have the opportunity to learn circus skills

WRL Audits: All subject areas complete an audit on their Schemes of Work highlighting where ‘work-related’ areas are covered. Staff deliver bespoke Career Ready subject resources. They can draw upon resources from: Speakers for Schools, Career-Ready, Founders for Schools, The National Careers Service, etc.

Aim Higher : Trips and activities to local universities are arranged to encourage pupils to think of their career prospects outside of their usual experience. We work closely with LJMU as part of their ‘Access all Areas’ and ‘Discover Your Potential’ programmes.

Year 10

PSHE: Year 10 lessons explore: interpersonal skills, the ‘Discrimination and Equality Act’, dealing with stress, work skills, enterprise and the work environment, finances and debt, accounts, savings and loans, and employability.

SLT/PPL Assemblies will cover the themes of the PSHE curriculum and presentations by the British Army and Navy, Knife Savers. Higher Education assemblies delivered by with Liverpool University student ambassadors in collaboration with Shaping Futures.

Personal Growth Curriculum: Over the course of 3 personal growth days, and during special lessons, this year, students in Year 10 will:

  • Continue to develop and practise their first aid skills
  • Engage with Barclays Life Skills
  • Have a session with The Brook on ‘Sexual Health & Respectful Relationships’
  • Have three sessions with Shaping Futures on ‘Future Pathways’, Labour Market Information and accessing Higher Education.
  • Take part in an Army Elite Skills session
  • Use Unifrog to research their future career
  • Go on a trip discover the historical and cultural heritage of Liverpool with Shiverpool & The Magical Mystery Tour
  • Meet the Professionals with Cadent and Elevate EBP
  • Vivit the Liverpool Careers Fair at Anfield FC Feb 17th 2023
  • Take part in LFC’s ‘Kick’ – Youth Engagement programme
  • Have the option to take part in a six-month NHS learning / work experience with ‘Medical Projects’
  • Take part in our in-school careers carousel / speed-networking event
  • Have the opportunity to train with LFC to become a mental health advocate as part of their ‘Assist’ programme
  • Engage with Liverpool University and their STEM Outreach programme (Infectious Diseases)

Careers Connect: is a charity who are passionate about providing high quality independent careers advice, bridging the gap to learning and employment and better life chances for young people and adults. All KS4 students have access to this impartial career’s advice service and book appointments through Mrs French.


Sixth Form Taster Day: During the summer term of Year 10, the timetable is collapsed for 1 day for all Year 10 students. Students select 4 subject areas they are interested in and attend A Level / Level 3 style lessons for the day. Students also have an enrichment lesson delivered by EFC ‘Esteem’. Students have full access to Café West and will wear our Sixth Form uniform. The event aims to inspire students to continue in education post-16 and to guide students when selecting A Level/Level 3 subjects in Year 11.

Work Experience June 19th to June 30th 2023: Students will undertake a two week work experience placement. West Derby School works closely with Elevate EBP to ensure that students are placed in work places that will not only help them to understand the requirements of the world of work, but also to meet their individual needs where possible.

Oxford/ Cambridge Aspire: The ‘Aspire’ programme will be undertaken by five boys with the desire and ability to study at Oxbridge / Cambridge. Working with mentors from Aspire and University lecturers from Oxbridge and Cambridge, the programme aims to raise aspiration, build confidence, and drive intellectual curiosity. Selected students will take part in a residential at Oxford and Cambridge in the summer holidays of 2023.

WRL Audits: All subject areas complete an audit on their Schemes of Work highlighting where ‘work-related’ areas are covered. Staff deliver bespoke Career Ready subject resources. They can draw upon resources from: Speakers for Schools, Career-Ready, Founders for Schools, The National Careers Service, etc.

Aim Higher: Trips and activities to local universities are arranged to encourage pupils to think of their career prospects outside of their usual experience. We work closely with LJMU as part of their ‘Access all Areas’ and ‘Discover Your Potential’ programmes.

Year 11

PSHE: Year 11 lessons explore: Revision and study skills, applying to college and university, independent living, preparing for job interviews, health and safety at work, and trade unions.

SLT/PPL Assemblies will cover the themes of the PSHE curriculum and presentations by the Royal Air Force, Knife Savers. Revision, study skills and higher education assemblies delivered by with Liverpool University student ambassadors in collaboration with Shaping Futures, as well as employers from the Speakers for Schools programme.

Personal Growth Curriculum: Over the course of 3 personal growth days, and during special lessons, this year, students in Year 11 will:

  • Continue to develop and practise their first aid skills
  • Engage with Barclays Life Skills
  • Have a session with The Brook on sexual health and personal responsibility
  • Have two sessions with Shaping Futures on revision / exam skills, and CV writing.
  • Continue to use Unifrog to research their future career
  • Meet the Professionals with Cadent and Elevate EBP
  • Visit the National Apprenticeship and Higher Education Show in Manchester on October 12th
  • Take part in LFC’s ‘Kick’ – Youth Engagement programme
  • Have the option to take part in a six-month virtual NHS learning / work experience with ‘Medical Projects’
  • Take part in our in-school careers carousel / speed-networking event
  • Have the opportunity to train with LFC to become a mental health advocate as part of their ‘Assist’ programme
  • Engage with the National Citizenship Service’s programme

Careers Connect: is a charity who are passionate about providing high quality independent careers advice, bridging the gap to learning and employment and better life chances for young people and adults. All KS4 students have access to this impartial career’s advice service and book appointments through Mrs French.

WRL Audits: All subject areas complete an audit on their Schemes of Work highlighting where ‘work-related’ areas are covered. Staff deliver bespoke Career Ready subject resources. They can draw upon resources from: Speakers for Schools, Career-Ready, Founders for Schools, The National Careers Service, etc.

Aim Higher: Trips and activities to local universities are arranged to encourage pupils to think of their career prospects outside of their usual experience. We work closely with LJMU as part of their ‘Access all Areas’ and ‘Discover Your Potential’ programmes.

Year 12

PHSE: Year 12 lessons explore: Transition to 6th Form lessons, Exploring higher education LJMU/Unifrog, work ethic and motivation.

Head of Sixth Form and External Speaker Assemblies / Presentations: In addition to assemblies that link to the PSHE curriculum, students will also hear from LJMU (access to higher education, student finance) GMLT (applying for higher level apprenticeships, the Realising Opportunities team, NCS and many more.

Speaker of the Month: On a Friday each month,in conjunction with Speakers for Schools and Founders for Schools, Jobs & University Live, students will listen to a presentation by an expert in their respective industry. They will be able to ask questions and request to speak to the speaker individually.

Enrichment: As well as their weekly academic programme of study, students will also have the opportunity to take up to 4 enrichment classes per week. These will include: Sports and Fitness, Catering, French, Spanish, Philosophy, and Computing.

Continuing Education with Liverpool University: Students will be given (a fully-funded) opportunity to study with Liverpool University as part of their Continuing Education programme. These classes will take place at the university during the evening. Students will be able to choose between a multitude of foreign Language courses, Literature, History, Archaeology, Astronomy, and many more.

Personal Growth Curriculum: Over the course of 3 personal growth days, and during special lessons, this year, students in Year 12 will:

  • Engage in STEM days at Liverpool University
  • Take part in a trip to the National Apprenticeship & University Fair at the BEC Area in Manchester Oct 13th 2023
  • Partake in the EFC’s ‘Esteem’ workshop
  • Take part in Merseyside Police’s CSI Workshop
  • Have the opportunity to visit the Liverpool Media Academy
  • Engage with the National Citizenship Service
  • Take part in EFC’s Change Makers programme
  • Have the option to take part in a six-month virtual NHS learning / work experience with ‘Medical Projects’

Work Experience July 3rd to July 7th 2023: Students will undertake a one week work experience placement. West Derby School works closely with Elevate EBP to ensure that students are placed in work places that will not only help them to understand the requirements of the world of work, but also to meet their individual needs where possible.

Oxford/ Cambridge Aspire: The ‘Aspire’ programme will be undertaken by five boys with the desire and ability to study at Oxbridge / Cambridge. Working with mentors from Aspire and University lecturers from Oxbridge and Cambridge, the programme aims to raise aspiration, build confidence, and drive intellectual curiosity. Selected students will take part in a residential at Oxford and Cambridge in the Easter holidays of 2023.

WRL Audits: All subject areas complete an audit on their Schemes of Work highlighting where ‘work-related’ areas are covered. Staff deliver bespoke Career Ready subject resources. They can draw upon resources from: Speakers for Schools, Career-Ready, Founders for Schools, The National Careers Service, etc.

Year 13

PHSE: Year 13 lessons explore: Writing a personal statement, the importance of free speech, Level 3 apprenticeships, exam revision, managing stress.

Head of Sixth Form and External Speaker Assemblies / Presentations: In addition to assemblies that link to the PSHE curriculum, students will also hear from LJMU (access to higher education, student finance) GMLT (applying for higher level apprenticeships, the Realising Opportunities team, NCS and many more.

Speaker of the Month: On a Friday each month,in conjunction with Speakers for Schools and Founders for Schools, Jobs & University Live, students will listen to a presentation by an expert in their respective industry. They will be able to ask questions and request to speak to the speaker individually.

Enrichment: As well as their weekly academic programme of study, students will also have the opportunity to take up to 4 enrichment classes per week. These will include: Sports and Fitness, Catering, French, Spanish, Philosophy, and Computing.

Continuing Education with Liverpool University: Students will be given (a fully-funded) opportunity to study with Liverpool University as part of their Continuing Education programme. These classes will take place at the university during the evening. Students will be able to choose between a multitude of foreign Language courses, Literature, History, Archaeology, Astronomy, and many more.

Personal Growth Curriculum: Over the course of 3 personal growth days, and during special lessons, this year, students in Year 12 will:

  • Engage in STEM days at Liverpool University
  • Take part in Shaping Futures sessions on: UCAS applications, Making Student Finance applications and Revision and Resilience
  • Take part in a trip to the National Apprenticeship & University Fair at the BEC Area in Manchester Oct 13th 2023
  • Partake in the EFC’s ‘Esteem’ workshop
  • Take part in Merseyside Police’s CSI Workshop
  • Take part in EFC’s Change Makers programme
  • Have the option to take part in a six-month virtual NHS learning / work experience with ‘Medical Projects’
  • Continue to develop their first aid and lifesaving skills
  • Engage with physical and mental health workshops with EFC
  • Take part in a driving awareness scheme in which they will experience driving with a qualified instructor

WRL Audits: All subject areas complete an audit on their Schemes of Work highlighting where ‘work-related’ areas are covered. Staff deliver bespoke Career Ready subject resources. They can draw upon resources from: Speakers for Schools, Career-Ready, Founders for Schools, The National Careers Service, etc.