During your time at Ringwood School, you will progress through a varied scheme of classroom work, events, visits and activities to ensure that you are prepared and ready for the working world. The steps you take now will set you up for future success, so make the most of everything on offer to you!

STUDENT ENTITLEMENT 

Students in Years 7-13 are entitled:

1. To find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point.
2. To hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options evenings, assemblies and group discussions and taster events.
3. To understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

CAREERS AND ASPRIRATIONS LEAD 

You have a dedicated Careers and Aspirations Lead, Mrs Baker available to you at school. Please pop in to see me (my office is opposite Ma05) or you can email bbaker@ringwood.hants.sch.uk. Whether you need help writing your first CV, are curious about how to join one of the Services, would like some information on the local colleges or want to chat about your future choices we are here to help! 

Key Stage 3 – Years 7, 8 and 9

Through the Careers programme and PSHE curriculum you will strengthen your skills and gain knowledge of different Career pathways, looking at how the curriculum relates to different Careers. Skills you develop include body language, communication, team work, and learn just how important these are to reach the career you want. You will learn about the variety of different pathways available to you post 16 and how to enhance your own employability through activities such as volunteering and being involved in schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Programme and the National Citizens Service.

Key Stage 4 – Years 10 and 11

During this time the focus will be on  work experience, producing a CV and practise interviews. You will have the opportunity of attending our fantastic Careers and Apprenticeship Fairs. This allows you and your parents an opportunity to talk face-to-face with employers, colleges, different training providers and universities.

Students will be introduced to the careers platform ‘Unifrog’ and all the fantastic resources it has to offer.

For all students, an independent external and impartial Careers Adviser will be available for 1:1 appointments to discuss your ideas for your Post 16 plan.

More opportunities and events are sent out via email regularly by the Careers Department.

Sixth Form

Throughout their two years at Ringwood every student is helped to plan for their future through a comprehensive careers and guidance programme delivered by their personal tutor and the Sixth Form Leadership team.

This programme includes guest speakers, visits to universities, career talks and, most importantly, presentations by former students. We offer a bespoke programme for Oxbridge applicants including practise interviews. Here is a map of the universities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by region.

Students are expected to immerse themselves in the wide range of opportunities on offer so they develop as responsible, confident global citizens.

Students in our Sixth Form are very well supported as they make their applications to University, apply for Higher Level Apprenticeships or other non-University post 18 pathways. They have access to the careers platform ‘Unifrog’ throughout their time with us and all the amazing resources it has to offer.

For all students, an independent external and impartial Careers Adviser will be available for 1:1 appointments to discuss your ideas for your Post 16 plan.

More opportunities and events are sent out via email regularly by the Careers Department.

EXPERIENCES OF THE WORKPLACE 

You are offered different experiences of a workplace through Take Your Child to Work Days and Work Experience. These involve visits, working and work shadowing to help your exploration of career opportunities and expand your networks.

Year 10 and Year 12 students undertake a one week work experience placement. We encourage students to find their own appropriate placements. This meaningful experience will support future career choices, expand your CV and will prove useful for Sixth Form, College, University and Apprenticeship applications.

Virtual work experiences are also offered and can be any opportunity that provides students with an insight into working in that job or industry. Virtual work experiences can range anywhere from an hour up to a week, depending on what it offers, project work and your age.

Some opportunities are open to all such as pre-recorded/live sessions on what it’s like to work with the organisation, virtual tours and live Q&A sessions. Other experiences require students to go through an application process. These normally offer online meetings with a supervisor, individual project work, networking sessions, training opportunities and tutorials.

For more information on Work Experience please click here.

VIRTUAL WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES

We have some brilliant Virtual work Experience opportunities from Speakers for Schools Experience and Springpod.  Please see their websites for the latest opportunities and to sign up.

Barclays Life Skills have produced a “Virtual” Work Experience which is an interactive video which takes you through the steps of what a first day is like on a work experience placement. You are given various scenarios and by selecting from the different options available, you actively work through tasks you are given.

This is a really useful programme and students always comment that it gave them a real taste of what work experience is like. Give it a go! To use Virtual Work Experience yourself, simply sign up for free.

Ringwood School Careers Fair

Every year we hold an Careers Fair for our students in Year 9 and above. We have over 40 exhibitors that include colleges, Universities and Apprenticeship Providers. This is a chance to walk around different stands, talk to exhibitors about what they offer and ask questions. This is an invaluable opportunity for both parents and students!