18 October 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
We can all feel the chill in the air- autumn has certainly arrived! The polish of a new September start has worn away and we have the daily grind ahead of us. It is often difficult to think about the bigger picture when we’re tired and the weather is increasingly miserable, yet we need to remember that there is so much ahead and to look forward to.
Take next week at Erdington Academy for example. It is Futures Week, a week dedicated to encouraging our young people to see themselves as adults of the future: where do they want to be? What aspirations do they have for themselves? What passions and interests do they want to pursue?
Our Futures Week (18-25th October) involves various activities which aim to introduce students to the world outside of school life. The activities include a visit to Cambridge University, visits to local Birmingham colleges and STEM career workshops. The week will end with a careers fair, where our students will be able to find out more about potential career opportunities after education.
However, it is not just Futures Week where we are considering careers and aspirations. Year 11 are in the process of meeting their careers advisor and thinking about their next steps after year 11: what courses do they want to take? Where do they want to study? Have they considered apprenticeships? It is an exciting time.
Last year’s year 11 embarked on a range of different journeys in their 16-18 education. 53% of our year 11 students are now attending further education colleges, with a further 45% going to study in sixth form colleges and schools or beginning apprenticeships. The subjects and courses are both broad and varied, reflecting the varied interests and ambitions of those taking them. They range from traditional A level courses in Science, Humanities, Maths and English, to social sciences such as Psychology, to football scholarships and T levels in engineering, midwifery and carpentry.
Whatever year your child is currently in, it is never too early to start thinking about their future. They don’t need to know what path they want to take but understanding what their choices and options will be is an important first step.
So, how can you support your child in thinking about post 16 and careers?
- Have regular chats about different jobs and what people do. Share stories from your own work or from friends and family.
- There are lots of websites and quizzes that can help young people learn about careers and education options. The National Careers Service is a good place to start.
- If local colleges or sixth forms are having open days, go along together to get an idea of what they have to offer.
- Joining clubs or volunteering in areas they are interested in can help them develop skills and learn more about potential careers.
Erdington Academy is full of intelligent young people who have much to bring to the world as they grow into wise, discerning adults. Futures Week is not only a chance for them to start considering their own career paths, but also of what an exciting world lies ahead.
As ever, thank you for your continued support.
Yours Sincerely
Mrs Hillier
Assistant Principal SENDco
