Careers Programme
Welcome to the Careers Department. At the Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls, students follow a progressive careers programme from Year 7 all the way through to Year 13. The aims of this programme are to support all students into achieving positive destinations, ensure students are able to recognise and build their key employability skills, raise aspirations, promote equality of opportunity and celebrate diversity.
Careers Leader – Mrs K Celisse
Careers Manager – Mrs Zaidi szaidi@fbaok.co.uk
UNIFROG Information
Please speak to Mrs Zaidi regarding log in details https://www.unifrog.org/
Unifrog is a one stop shop for information on your future educational and career options, as well as offering you the chance to complete psychometric testing which can be useful to help you identify your strengths, skills and areas of interest. Unifrog is also used to log all work experience placements in Year 10 and Year 12.
Gatsby Benchmark
The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance, and help to shape the careers programme at FBA. Our careers programme is based on these benchmarks to ensure that students access timely and relevant information and experiences regarding careers and educational options to complement their curriculum learning
Labour Market Information
Labour market information is really important as it helps you to make informed choices about your future. It tells you where the jobs are, what jobs are in demand (or in decline), what the pay and working hours are like, and much more. It is useful when you are starting out with your careers research as it helps to break down the complex ‘world of work’. When you have accurate and up to date information, you are better equipped to make an informed choice.
MI can help you to find out information:
- Are there job opportunities for me where I live, or do I need to consider relocating for the career I want?
- Does the pay for my dream career align with how much I’d like to earn? If not, am I okay with that?
- How long will it take me to rise through the ranks in my career to my desired position, and am I willing to do the work to get there?
- How competitive is my industry? Do I have a backup plan if it doesn’t work out in the way I want it to?
- Is college, university, an apprenticeship, or working my way up from an entry level job the right path for me?
LMI can be found online – using sources such as the National Careers Service (https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/), Unifrog (log in details available from Mrs Zaidi) and LMI for All – https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/cm2/
LMI can also be found around the school on different careers displays and posters around the Wellbeing Centre.
Career of the month
Opportunities for Engagement
If you are an employer or education provider who would like to come into school and engage with our students, please see the table of opportunities for the academic year 2023-24. Please contact Mrs Zaidi via email if you would like more information or to express an interest in supporting the school at szaidi@fbaok.co.uk. Our Provider Access Policy is available here (insert new policy here)
If you are a former student and would like to stay in touch, and would like to offer your support to the careers programme, please fill out this contact form: https://forms.gle/mV38nFnS21N9GKvy7
Student testimonials
At the start of my journey at FBA, I felt nervous and unsure, but the supportive teachers and friendships made it an unforgettable experience. I am incredibly grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities FBA has provided, which have played a key role in my personal growth and future aspirations. FBA has provided me with multiple opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and grow in confidence. Taking on leadership roles have helped me develop my voice, leadership skills, and belief in myself.
– Alisha Kapadia
My journey at FBA has been incredibly useful in contributing to the success of my career. The support and advice provided by teachers is valuable and detailed. I feel that the encouragement for students to pursue work experience is very significant in beginning our career journeys, and it has helped me to think more clearly about my future.
– Nuha Rahman
Being a student at Frances Bardsley since Year 7 has genuinely shaped my career journey and helped prepare me for the future. The work experience placements in secondary school and sixth form have given me insight into professional environments and allowed me to apply my academic skills while also developing qualities such as professionalism and confidence in networking. The school’s annual career fair gives everyone a chance to explore opportunities such as universities, apprenticeship programmes and colleges. Our careers teacher also offers helpful guidance on CVs, interviews and any questions we have. The support from the careers teacher and staff overall has always made me feel guided and confident in my next steps, and this really helped me during the transition to sixth form. Personal development days have strengthened both my soft and hard skills through CV workshops, guest speakers and real-life scenarios. Overall, Frances Bardsley has helped me understand the many pathways available and has guided me throughout my career journey.
– Jenika Mudhar
