Careers Advice & Guidance

Careers Advice & Guidance

PACA is committed to ensuring all its learners progress onto positive destinations after they complete their studies and provides a programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance to help them make effective career and learning choices.

Careers education is delivered as part of PSHE learning and complemented by relevant assemblies, whole school activities, visits and focus weeks.

At PACA, we’re committed to preparing every student for a bright future. Our careers programme is built into PSHCE and enhanced through assemblies, whole‑school events, employer visits and focus weeks.

We help students understand their strengths, explore opportunities and make informed decisions about their next steps. Across the curriculum, we also develop essential entrepreneurial skills:

teamwork, creativity, problem‑solving, passion, determination and smart risk‑taking, to prepare them for further study and the world of work.

To support this, PACA provides a dedicated Careers Adviser who offers personalised one‑to‑one guidance throughout each student’s journey.

Students are helped to prepare for their future in the following ways:

At Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Careers education and enterprise learning
Computer Aided Guidance Programme to assess suitability for different career areas and occupations
In Year 9, students are given information, advice and guidance (IAG) about career intentions with a particular focus on choosing options for Key Stage 4
There is an Options Evening for parents and carers to find out more about the courses on offer.

At Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)

Careers education and enterprise learning
In Year 10, students prepare for the next steps in their education or career choice by learning more about further education options and the world of work
In Year 11, students are given information on the courses that are offered in sixth forms and at local colleges for post 16 study. They also receive help with applications and support for college interviews
Students receive assistance in applying for apprenticeships should they wish to
Students can speak to the school Careers Adviser to discuss individual plans.

Destinations

Data published by the Department for Education shows that the percentage of PACA students staying on in education or successfully taking up employment after their GCSEs please visit https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/137063/portslade-aldridge-community-academy

Events and Activities

Students have the opportunity to take part in the various events including

Dare to Dream Programme
Careers Fair
Y9 Options Evening
Y11 Information Evening
Trips to Sussex and Brighton Universities
Trips to the Amex Stadium

Progression Options

In addition to sixth form studies options after Year 11 include:

A vocational or work related course at a Further Education or Technical College
A land based or animal related course at an Agricultural College
A music or performing arts course at a specialist Music college
An apprenticeship and continued learning in the workplace
Progressing to employment with accredited training

Building a network of people who could help you

The Aldridge Foundation has launched Aldridge Connect, a free site on the social media platform LinkedIn. Joining can help you grow professional connections in industries that interest you; gives you immediate access to a network of all Aldridge students and professional companies; and provides help with CVs.

If students, parents and carers, teachers, or employers have any comments, feedback, suggestions or would like to get involved in our careers programme please contact our Careers Advisor Sally Evans: Sally.Evans@aldridgeeducation.org

Portslade Aldridge Community Academy

Careers Advice and Guidance

Careers Advice & Guidance

PACA is committed to ensuring all its learners progress onto positive destinations after they complete their studies and provides a programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance to help them make effective career and learning choices.

Careers newsletter

Occupations and Jobs Exploration

CV Builder

Apprenticeships

University and Higher Education

Local Employment and Job Search for School/College Leavers

Apprenticeships - For overseas students