Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8) Careers Introduction

In Years 7 and 8, the idea of going to college and getting a job may seem like a long way off. However, in reality, decisions that you make now could affect your future and have a direct impact on your career.

At Withernsea High School we have a dedicated careers programme that caters for students in all years. As you progress through the school, we will focus on different areas of your career journey in order to support you in making the right choices.  

In Year 7 you will be introduced to careers through school trips and events, plus discussions in structured lessons. In Year 8 you will focus on what subjects you would like to study in Key Stage 4 as part of the Pathways process. Please scroll down for further information about this.  

As always, the careers team are on hand to offer any advice, answer any questions and make your career journey an enjoyable one.

Activities and events 

Please see below for a brief outline of the careers-related activities and events that you will take part in throughout Years 7 and 8.

More detailed information about all of these activities will be distributed in school.  

Pathways - Year 8 Options

In Year 8, you will reach a very important point in your school career as you will be asked to choose subjects to study in Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11).

It is important to think carefully about these choices as they may have an impact on later decisions, such as potential post-16 courses, apprenticeships, university routes and the world of work.

Our Pathways booklet is designed to help you make informed decisions about your options for Key Stage 4. Not only does it provide a curriculum overview of all subjects, it also offers an insight in to what the study of each subject could lead to in the future.


DOWNLOAD: Pathways 2019 (for students beginning their studies in September 2019)
All information correct at time of going to print. Next year's Pathways booklet, for students choosing their options for September 2020, will be released in January. While you are welcome to look at this year's booklet to get an idea of what is ahead, please be aware that some elements may be subject to change.


TIMETABLE OF THE 2020 PATHWAYS PROCESS...

THREE PATHWAYS....

In order to help you follow appropriate courses, students will be allocated one of three pathways (W, H and S), based on prior and current attainment, which will have an impact on what subjects you are able to choose. Your pathway will be indicated to you on your Options form.

Pathway W is for students who are likely to progress to Advanced Level study followed by Higher Education. Students must also study French and choose either Geography or History as a compulsory Humanities option. Students will then choose two more optional subjects to broaden their curriculum.

Pathway H is for students who might progress to Advanced Level study followed by Higher Education, or employment with training. Students will choose either Geography or History for a compulsory Humanities option. Students will then choose three optional subjects to broaden their curriculum. Students will only be eligible for the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) if they choose to study French as one of their options.

Pathway S is for students who might progress to Modern Apprenticeships or Further Study. They will study Geography in a highly‐supported, smaller group to improve their chances of success. Students will choose three optional subjects to broaden their curriculum.

All students will study English (Language and Literature), Science (Core and Additional), Maths and Social Studies. All students must also choose between Sport or Dance.

Further information is contained within the Pathways booklet and will also be shared with students, parents and carers during the options process.

Information for parents/carers

As a parent or carer of a student in Key Stage 3, it can be difficult to know where to start with helping your child select the subject options that will help them progress into the career of their choice.

Websites that offer advice and guidance to help your child include: