Academy 360 Celebrates National Careers Week

Academy 360 marked National Careers Week with a series of inspiring and interactive events designed to give students the chance to explore future pathways, develop key skills, and build confidence in their next steps.

Throughout the week, pupils took part in a wide range of activities that encouraged them to think about their interests, strengths, and aspirations, while learning more about the skills and opportunities available to them beyond school.

Highlights included:

• Sunderland University assembly for Year 9 – Students learnt about their GCSE options, how to make informed choices, and how these decisions can shape their future education and career pathways.
• Follow-up workshop with Sunderland University – A smaller group of students participated in an in-depth session to explore their interests, personal strengths, and possible routes in more detail, allowing them to reflect on how their individual skills can guide future choices.
• Online careers coaching session for Year 10 – Pupils engaged directly with an employer to discuss their hobbies, interests, and personal strengths, exploring how these could connect to a wide variety of career pathways and giving them practical insight into workplace expectations.
• Future Friday tutor sessions – All students took part in a dedicated weekly careers session, allowing them to explore an aspect of careers in more depth and consider the steps needed to progress towards their future goals.
• Enterprise workshop with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for Year 10 – Pupils participated in interactive exercises focused on employability skills, discovering what employers look for and gaining practical tips to prepare for the world of work.
• Year 9 Pathways Open Evening with Post-16 providers – Students and their parents were able to meet a wide range of colleges, sixth forms, and training providers. This provided valuable guidance on where GCSE choices can lead after Year 11, helping families make informed decisions about their child’s next steps.
• Post-16 Provider Breakfast for Year 11 – Students had the opportunity to speak with a variety of post-16 providers about courses, applications, career pathways, and what life looks like after Year 11, giving them confidence in planning for their future.

The week offered a combination of hands-on learning, practical advice, and personal reflection, helping students to develop decision-making skills, a positive attitude towards education, and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them. Pupils also had the chance to build confidence, social skills, and self-awareness while exploring their own strengths and ambitions.

Academy 360 is incredibly proud of the engagement, enthusiasm, and thoughtfulness shown by students throughout the week. The programme would not have been possible without the support of staff, visitors, and families who helped to make these experiences so enriching and impactful.