Introduction

Hartsdown is committed to a high quality careers programme which ensures that students are well equipped to pursue their ambitions.

The careers journey commences from the very beginning of life at Hartsdown Academy with a diverse and focused programme for students that provides the opportunity to explore future pathways at key stages of their Hartsdown journey. 

Creating a platform for ambition and aspiration to grow means students benefit from encounters with employers, training providers and further education provisions. Our links with local and national employers means that visiting speakers and exhibitors at our large scale events can offer their expertise and experiences of the employment and training sector, as well as being offered mock interview opportunities and first-hand experience of labour market requirements. Our links with local post-18 higher education providers (University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Creative Arts) and post-16 further education providers including East Kent College provide additional pathway options for students seeking an alternative to sixth form or wanting to continue their studies beyond Year 13.

With the in-school provision of a careers advisor available at all times for guidance, students can explore options and ideas very early on, knowing they can access the support required to ensure impartial advice and informed decision making at all stages of their Hartsdown journey.  Students also have access to our Future Ready online platform which offers access to wide ranging guidance and opportunities both internal and externally, physically and virtually, ensuring students, parents and carers have the most current information available.    

Preparing students for their futures begins early on and a series of skills for life sessions are introduced during the KS3 curriculum with termly sessions that focus on developing characteristics and attributes that will become vital for future development.

Year 7

Six sessions investigating our core STRIVE principles – scholarship, teamwork, resilience, integrity, vision & excellence

Year 8

Five sessions focusing on the International Baccalaureate profiles – thinker, open-minded, inquirer, risk-taker, principled, balanced, caring, communicator, knowledgeable & reflective.

Year 9

Four sessions exploring Skills for the Future, delving into the key requirements for the labour market, training and higher education including the beginnings of looking at University pathways, student finance and opportunities that can come from pursuing higher education post-18. 

Whether it’s visiting a University in Year 7, receiving guidance for GCSE option choices in year 9, making applications for post-16 in Year 11 or applying for University & Apprenticeships in Year 13, students at Hartsdown Academy have the assurance of unequivocal guidance and support throughout their journey with us, exceptional access to employers and business professionals with a shared desire to share their experiences across all year groups and an exciting careers programme recognised for its achievements and efforts in developing student social mobility and widening participation.