We want to help pupils develop the confidence, curiosity and independence to succeed in the next stages of their lives, therefore we place a lot of emphasis on providing career support for Freemen’s pupils.
Freemen’s offers an extensive career’s programme, the Freemen’s Future Pathways, which is underpinned by the Career Development Institute Framework and the Gatsby Benchmarks. Careers is incorporated into the PSHE lessons and pupils have access to extensive resources in the Careers Area, as well as to careers staff who provide advice to year groups, small groups and individuals.
There are numerous events throughout the year including:
- Drop Down Enterprise Days for pupils in Years 7, 9, and 10
- The Future Pathways Fair
- The Sixth Form Taster Day for Year 10, where pupils get to experience 'A Day in the Life of a Sixth Former'
- Year group assemblies and lunchtime talks from visiting speakers in specific career areas for pupils in Year 8 to Year 13
- 1:1 interviews with all pupils in Year 11, before making their A Level choices
Year 7
• Assembly on ‘Reflection on who you are’ and ‘Work Life Balance’
• Time to explore dream jobs
• Thinking about Careers and your Future
• Panel assembly to find out about different careers
• National Careers Challenge (Air Products) – Drop Down Employability Skills Day
Year 8
• Introduction to Unifrog
• Lessons on careers and the climate
• Introduction to CVs
• Learning about time management
• Panel assembly helping to learn about different workplaces
• CGI STEM Enterprise Day
Year 9
• Unifrog quizzes and exploration
• Wings of Hope – opportunity to be involved in this social enterprise programme
• Future Pathways Fair (Exhibitors from many universities and companies attend)
• GCSE Options Evening
• Start Up School – Drop Down Enterprise Day
Lower 5 (Year 10) - Main Themes
Autumn Term
• Wings of Hope – assembly and opportunity to be involved in this social enterprise programme
• Talk from UES on Applying to University in the USA
• Future Pathways Fair (Exhibitors from many universities and companies attend to speak with the students)
• Talk from a top University on the Application Process (at the Future Pathways Fair)
• Talk on applying for apprenticeships (at the Future Pathways Fair
Spring Term
• Assembly on Employability Skills
• Tutor time to complete Unifrog tests
Summer Term
• Lessons on Employer Profiles, types of careers and well-being in the workplace.
• National Careers Challenge – Dropdown Day
• Sixth Form Taster Day
Upper 5 (Year 11) - Main Themes
Autumn Term
• Unifrog Psychometric Testing
• 1:1 Meeting with the Careers Co-ordinator to discuss psychometric test results and A Level Choices
• Sixth Form Open Evening
• Talk from UES on Applying to University in the USA
• Future Pathways Fair (Exhibitors from many universities and companies attend to speak with the students)
• Talk from a top University on the Application Process (at the Future Pathways Fair)
• Talk on applying for apprenticeships (at the Future Pathways Fair)
• Alumni Careers Panel event
• Assembly on making A Level choices
Spring Term
• Talk on Oxbridge for those considering an Oxbridge application
• Mock Interview event
• Assembly on Work Experience
• Meeting with International Applications Co-ordinator for those considering studying abroad
• Meeting with the Oxbridge Co-ordinator for those considering applying to Oxbridge
Summer Term
• Examinations
In the Lower 6, students are guided through the process of choosing an appropriate pathway post A Level and completing higher education, apprenticeship or job applications. There is targeted help for students aspiring to Oxford or Cambridge and for future medics, dentists and vets, as well as those looking to study abroad or start an apprenticeship. Building on the foundations started in Y11, students should start to implement concrete plans to increase their employability.
Year 12
Autumn Term
• Introduction to the Future Pathways provision in the Sixth Form on the first day of term
• Talk from UES on Applying to University in the USA
• Future Pathways Fair (Exhibitors from many universities and companies attend to speak with the students)
• Talk from a top University on the Application Process (at the Future Pathways Fair)
• Talk on applying for apprenticeships (at the Future Pathways Fair)
Spring Term
• Meeting with Oxbridge students to explain the Portfolio and discuss their plans
• Questionnaire sent to all L6 to establish their future pathway plans
• Information on MOOCs
• Tutor time to utilise the Unifrog accounts and resources
• Dedicated help to those considering Medicine, Veterinary or Dentistry courses
• Talk on Oxbridge for those considering an Oxbridge application
• HE Launch to pupils and parents including a talk from the admissions department of a top university
• HE Booklet produced and circulated to all pupils in the L6
• More detailed information and support given to those considering an Oxbridge Application
• 1:1 meetings with the International Application co-ordinator for those applying to study abroad
• Careers Panel Assembly
Summer Term
• Symposium at Epsom College
• UCAS Morning – talks and time allowed to start completing their UCAS form and personal statements
• Talk from a top university on choosing the right course
• Workshop on starting CommonApp through Unifrog
• Oxbridge Panel event
• Tutor time allowed for completing UCAS form
• Lessons on balancing life, learning and work and career goals and how to network and be enterprising
Year 13
Autumn Term
• Dedicated time spent with students completing their UCAS forms
• 1:1 Meeting with the Head of Future Pathways when the form is sent off to UCAS
• Mock Oxbridge interviews both in house and at another school
• 1:1 meetings with Oxbridge Co-ordinator to ensure a strong application is made
• 1:1 meetings with the International Application co-ordinator for those applying to study abroad
• Guidance given on admissions tests
• Support from subject staff on preparation for tests
• All UCAS forms should be submitted before Christmas to allow students to focus on revision
• Future Pathways Fair
• Assembly on the Importance of Networking
• Lessons on interview skills
Spring Term
• Assembly on Student Finance and Results Day
• Panel Event from Alumni at university
• Assembly on Clearing
• Lessons on personal branding
Summer Term
• Examination
Discover exciting opportunities and insights for your future—click below to read our half-termly edition, where you will find information on recent events, important dates for your diary, and useful links to valuable opportunities and resources on the final pages.
The Future Pathways Fair
Every Autumn the City of London Freemen’s School runs a Future Pathways Fair, giving pupils from Freemen's, local schools and our partner schools, the opportunity to discuss their future with employers and university staff.
The fair provides pupils and parents with a chance to talk to professionals from a wide range of companies, representatives from educational establishments and gap year providers about their future educational and career paths. We normally secure 50+ exhibitors including many Russell Group Universities and companies such as Atkins, BP, KBR, NHS, PwC, RAF and Surrey Police.
The Future Pathways Fair is a ‘market-place’ format, where pupils and parents approach stalls and stands for advice and information.
