A Week of Inspiration and Opportunity

National Careers Week 2025 was an exciting and insightful time for students, staff, and parents, as the school came together to explore the many career opportunities available to young people. A combination of face-to-face and virtual activities provided students with valuable guidance, industry insights, and inspiration for their futures.

Launch of Careers Week

The week began with the launch of National Careers Week resources during Form Time and PSHE lessons. These sessions encouraged students to think critically about their ambitions and the steps they needed to take to achieve their goals. Teachers incorporated discussions on career pathways, ensuring that students were exposed to a range of possibilities.

One of the highlights of the first day was a keynote speech from a Senior NHS Nurse, who spoke virtually to Year 10 students about careers in healthcare. The talk provided valuable information about the different roles within the NHS, the qualifications required, and the realities of working in the industry.

Engaging Resources and Parental Involvement

Throughout the week, students had access to a range of career-focused resources, including careers of the week and industry-related webinars, which were posted on their Google Classroom streams. These online resources helped students to explore careers in different sectors, equipping them with knowledge about potential pathways.

Parents also played a key role in supporting their children’s career exploration. The National Careers Week Guide was sent to families via email, providing them with information on how to help their children think about their futures.

Subject Integration and Guest Speakers

Teachers were encouraged to integrate career discussions into their lessons. Some used BBC Bitesize’s career resources as DO NOW activities to introduce different industries, while others invited guest speakers or shared alumni success stories to highlight how their subjects could lead to exciting career paths.

The school also welcomed guest speakers from various industries, including:

• NHS professionals, who discussed healthcare careers.
• Power Mobile Gym, a business founded by a school alumnus, which gave insight into entrepreneurship in the fitness industry.
• Lola Olaore, founder of Bloss.m, who shared her experiences as a former student and business owner, inspiring students to pursue careers in social enterprise.

Exciting Opportunities for Students

One of the most exciting events of the week was the Year 7 trip to Colfe’s Independent School, where students explored possible careers in robotics. The trip sparked curiosity about STEM-related careers, allowing students to engage with innovative technology and consider the future of automation and engineering.

Evening webinars were also made available, giving students additional access to career discussions outside of school hours. These sessions helped students learn about different industries, connect with professionals, and ask questions about potential career paths. Below is a thought-provoking message shared by Alumni on a virtual assembly about what St Paul’s Academy can offer the students:

A Week of Inspiration and Aspiration

National Careers Week 2025 provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore their future careers in a structured and engaging way. By combining classroom discussions, industry speakers, online resources, and external trips, the week helped broaden students’ aspirations and encouraged them to think proactively about their futures.

The success of the week was evident in the enthusiasm of the students, the engagement of parents, and the dedication of teachers in embedding careers education into their lessons. As the school continues to build a strong culture of career exploration, the experiences from this week will no doubt leave a lasting impact on students as they plan for their futures.

 

On Wednesday, 12th March 2025, Year 10 students from St Paul's Academy took part in Point 2 of the prestigious St Catherine’s Catalyst Program at Deptford Green Secondary School. This initiative, in collaboration with Addey & Stanhope and Bonus Pastor, is part of Oxford University’s outreach efforts to support and inspire students in their academic journeys.

It opened my mind to specific subjects, and pathways into these. The critical thinking helped me understand different points of view on education.

Y10 Student

The Catalyst Program is a sustained contact initiative designed to provide tailored support at critical stages in a pupil’s education. By employing a ‘hub model,’ schools within the partnership take turns hosting events, allowing for a greater collective impact. This structure ensures that a larger number of students benefit from the program while also distributing the logistical responsibilities among all participating institutions.

I enjoyed mixing with other schools and connecting through discussion to learn their insights into further education.

Y10 Student

The name ‘Catalyst’ reflects the program’s core mission: to accelerate positive change. The initiative aims to increase applications to top universities, enhance student motivation, and ultimately boost the success rate of university applicants. Through a series of structured engagements, students receive invaluable exposure to higher education opportunities and develop the ambition and drive necessary to achieve their academic goals.

The program comprises four key points of contact:

• Point 1: Autumn, Year 8 – Initial introduction to the program and university aspirations.
• Point 2: Spring, Year 10 – Focus on academic development and university preparation (hosted at Deptford Green in 2025).
• Point 3: Summer, Year 10 – Visit to Oxford University for an immersive experience.

During the event at Deptford Green, students engaged in a variety of academic workshops, university application discussions, and interactive activities designed to encourage critical thinking and ambition. This experience provided them with a clearer vision of their future educational pathways and an enhanced understanding of the opportunities available at institutions like Oxford University. A special mention goes to Kemi, Hannah and Shatha for their insightful and thought-provoking responses in group discussions and to the leader of the program.

The Catalyst Program continues to be a beacon of inspiration, guiding students toward their aspirations and helping to shape the next generation of university applicants. By fostering sustained engagement and collaboration among schools, it is playing a vital role in broadening access to top-tier education for all participants. We look forward to our Summer Term trip - we'll be visiting Oxford University for Point 3.

I learnt about the different ways into education and that I can now study nursing as a degree apprenticeship. These experiences are invaluable for my future and I thank St Paul’s for providing these for me.

Y10 student

In a captivating online session, Bolu Babalola, author of *Love in Colour* and *Honey & Spice*, inspired our top Bedrock Learning students with her insights on storytelling. We discovered that great writing starts with a deep love of reading, and that authenticity and joy are at the heart of every compelling story. Bolu shared her journey as a writer (and reader), the power of representation in fiction, and the importance of embracing our unique voices - urging us to write as often as we can.

Year 9 Options Fair at St Paul's Academy

At St Paul's Academy on Wednesday 12th February, the Year 9 Options Fair for GCSE courses provided an invaluable opportunity for students and parents to explore future career pathways. This year, the event was enriched by the presence of Alumni who have ventured into diverse industries and careers, offering first-hand insights into their professional journeys.

The Alumni shared their experiences across various career routes, including apprenticeships, university pathways, and vocational training. Industries represented at the event included media and marketing, financial services, public sector consultancy, as well as a prestigious Deutsche Bank Apprenticeship. Additionally, students had the opportunity to learn from professionals in brokerage and even an accomplished actor. STEM industries also played a crucial role in supporting the event, with representatives from the offshore industry and IBM showcasing career opportunities within the sector.

The Year 9 Options Fair was designed to equip students and parents with essential knowledge to make informed GCSE choices that align with future aspirations. By engaging directly with professionals from a wide range of fields, students gained valuable awareness of potential career paths and the skills required to succeed.

Moving forward, the Alumni will now become a key feature in the school's careers program, continuing to inspire and guide students toward ambitious futures. Their success stories exemplify how being part of the St Paul's Academy community can positively shape lives, as seen in the journeys of Kamaledine and Daniel (pictured below). Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and perseverance in becoming successful citizens beyond school life.

Year 10 Trip to Cambridge University, Gonville and Caius College