Careers at Riverston School
At Riverston School, we envision a future where every student is empowered to discover and pursue their unique pathway with confidence, resilience, and purpose. Our careers programme is a cornerstone of this vision, inspiring students from Year 7 to Year 14 to explore their aspirations, develop essential skills, and transition successfully into further education, training, or employment.
Guided by our core values of Kindness, Respect, Integrity, Ambition, Community Spirit, and Courage, we are committed to fostering a culture of self-discovery and ambition, while celebrating the diversity and individuality of every student. Our aim is that through tailored guidance, meaningful partnerships with employers, and innovative resources such as Unifrog, we will prepare and equip our students with the knowledge and experiences they need to meet the challenges of the modern world and achieve long-term success in their chosen futures.
Our careers programme goes beyond traditional guidance by offering practical opportunities, including onsite opportunities, industry visits, workshops with professionals and soon, work experience. These experiences, combined with support from parents, teachers, employers, alumni, and the wider community, create a dynamic and supportive environment where students can thrive, unlock their full potential, and contribute positively to society.
Explore our dedicated sections to find tailored information and resources designed to empower every stakeholder in fostering meaningful pathways and ensuring successful futures for our students
Your Careers Journey
At Riverston School, we are committed to helping you explore your interests, identify your goals, and plan your future. Whether you’re considering college, university, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What’s Available to You?
- Year-by-Year Careers Support: Tailored sessions, lessons and guidance embedded into school life from Year 7 to Year 14.
- Year 9 Pathways: Lessons to support with pathways, decision making and the options process.
- *IN DEVELOPMENT* Unifrog: Explore career pathways, build your CV, and access labour market information. Log in to Unifrog
- PSHE Careers Lessons: Learn about goal setting, decision-making, and future planning.
- *NEW* Work Experience: Gain valuable insights and skills through practical placements.
- Careers Library: A wealth of online resources to inspire and inform.
Need Help?
- Speak to Miss Needham for one-on-one guidance.
- Attend National Careers Week activities and workshops.
Resources:
National Careers Service: Offers comprehensive careers advice, including exploring career options, finding courses, and getting job search support. Visit the National Careers Service: Careers advice – job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service
Prospects: Provides detailed information on various career paths, job profiles, and guidance for graduates. Explore Prospects
Careerpilot: A free website helping 11-19-year-olds plan their future study and work. Check out Careerpilot
STEM Learning: Resources and information about careers in STEM fields. Explore STEM Careers
Supporting Your Child’s Future
We understand the crucial role you play in your child’s career journey. Our careers programme offers tailored guidance and resources to help you support their aspirations.
How We Support You and Your Child
- EHCP-Aligned Planning: Careers guidance integrated with Education, Health, and Care Plans.
- Pathways Information: Insights into apprenticeships, university options, and vocational courses.
- Parent Workshops: Sessions on careers, applications, and supporting transitions.
- Careers Events: Join us for fairs, guest speaker events, and more.
Key Resources
- Unifrog: Access career information and tools.
- National Careers Service: Explore opportunities and pathways as well as advice and support on how to support your young person on their career journeys.
- Contact your child’s Form Tutor, Key Stage Coordinator or Nina Needham at nneedham@riverstonschool.co.uk for personalised support.
Careerpilot Parent Zone: Information to help parents and carers support young people in making the right decisions about study and work. https://parentzone.org.uk/
Youth Employment UK – Careers Advice for Parents: Provides expert careers advice for parents who want to help their child understand and explore their next steps. Access Youth Employment UK’s Parent Advice
National Careers Service – Support for Parents, Carers and Guardians: Offers guidance on how parents can assist their children in making informed career choices. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice
Partner with Riverston School
Help us inspire the next generation by sharing your expertise and opportunities with our students.
Ways to Get Involved
- Work Experience Placements: Provide hands-on learning opportunities for students.
- Guest Speaker Sessions: Share insights about your industry and career paths.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Guide students in developing skills and exploring careers.
Why Partner with Us?
- Build community engagement and develop future talent.
- Support inclusivity and diversity through SEND-friendly opportunities.
- Access to motivated and enthusiastic students.
Contact Us If you’re interested in partnering, please email Nina Needham at nneedham@riverstonschool.co.uk or call 02083184327.
Resources:
Gatsby Benchmarks – Good Career Guidance: Provides a framework for employers to engage effectively with schools and colleges to offer meaningful career guidance. Understand the Gatsby Benchmarks
The Careers & Enterprise Company – Employer Resources: Offers tools and guidance for employers looking to partner with schools to provide career opportunities. https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/employers/employer-resources-events/
Youth Employment UK – Support for Employers: Provides resources and advice for employers to engage with and support young people entering the workforce. https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/advice-for-employers/
Embedding Careers Education into the Curriculum
Teachers at Riverston School play a pivotal role in delivering our careers programme and preparing students for their futures.
Resources for Teachers
- Embedding Careers in Lessons: Access tools to link subject learning to career pathways.
- CPD Opportunities: Attend training on careers education and SEND integration.
- Unifrog Access: Use the platform to support students in exploring career options.
How You Can Help
- Incorporate real-world applications into lessons.
- Encourage students to participate in careers activities.
- Plan trips linked to your industry.
- Liaise with the Head of Careers to support individual student needs.
- Get involved in Careers Fairs and Events at School!
Resources:
Youth Employment UK – Teacher Resources: A range of free resources to help embed careers learning, including lesson plans and virtual work experience opportunities. Access Teacher Resources
C&K Careers – Resources for Teachers and Students: A selection of useful careers resources and websites curated for educational purposes. View C&K Careers Resources
The Careers & Enterprise Company – Resource Directory: A comprehensive directory of resources to support careers education in schools. Explore the Resource Directory
For more resources and training opportunities, contact Nina Needham at nneedham@riverstonschool.co.uk
Stay Connected with Riverston School
We value our alumni as an integral part of the Riverston School community. Whether you graduated recently or many years ago, we’d love to hear about your journey and keep you connected with our school.
Ways to Stay Involved:
- Share Your Story: Inspire current students by sharing your career journey and achievements.
- Mentor Students: Provide guidance to students exploring careers in your field.
- Participate in Events: Join us for careers fairs, enrichment lessons, guest speaker opportunities, and alumni networking events.
- Work Placements: Offer work experience or internships to Riverston students.
Alumni Benefits:
- Join our exclusive alumni network to reconnect with former classmates and expand your professional connections.
- Stay informed about school news, events, and developments through our newsletter.
- Participate in ongoing initiatives to support Riverston’s mission and vision.
Get in Touch: If you’d like to share your story, provide support, or simply reconnect, please contact us at:
Email: nneedham@riverstonschool.co.uk
Phone: 02083184327
We look forward to hearing from you!
This content is designed to meet statutory guidance and reflect Riverston School’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality careers education. For more information, visit our Careers Programme page, Careers Policy and Strategy or contact us directly.
