Careers advice and guidance.
Moseley School and Sixth Form provides a comprehensive careers programme to support our students to make informed options and career choices.
School’s Careers Leader
Hi, I’m Mr Silgram, I help students make informed options and carees choices at Moseley School and Sixth Form .
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk
I can also be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extention 27035.
The December 2025 Ofsted report highlighted the following:
- In careers education, pupils receive information about future career paths that are tailored to their circumstances. As a result, pupils are knowledgeable about their next steps.
- The effective careers programme ensures that sixth-form students, including those who face barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing, receive the help and advice needed to meet their career aspirations. This work includes meaningful engagements with potential employers, for example. Sixth-form students move on to appropriate destinations.
- The school meets the requirements of the provider access legislation, which requires schools to provide pupils in Years 8 to 13 with information and engagement about approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeships.
These web pages aim to support students to make informed decisions about their future choices and to help parents/carers to assist their daughter/son with their options. They can also be used by school staff to support students.
There are 13 sections that focus on key questions and answers. You will also find links to useful websites, videos and other sources of information and help.
There are also 2 sections aimed at external providers and employers and a section to support teachers to make links between subjects they teach and careers, university and apprenticeship pathways.
Information in our careers section is reviewed and updated annually in September.
Please choose from the following sections:

Q. I’m an employer, how can my company support the school?
A. Moseley School welcomes employer input into the curriculum and enrichment days as this inspires our students and helps them to learn about the world of work.
There are many opportunities to get involved, including:
- Providing inspirational careers talks.
- Participating in Year 9 employer speed dating.
- Running workshops e.g. employability skills, CVs, mock interviews.
- Offering work experience/work shadowing opportunities.
- Running business challenges and enterprise competitions.
- Mentoring students.
- Promoting STEM careers.
For further information contact the school’s Careers Leader Mr Barry Silgram.
Mr Silgram can be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extension 27035, or by email: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk
Q. What is the school’s policy for managing the access of providers to pupils for the purposes of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer?
Introduction:
This policy statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to the school for the purpose of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.
The December 2025 Ofsted report conveyed the “school meets the requirements of the provider access legislation, which requires schools to provide pupils in Years 8 to 13 with information and engagement about approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeships.”
Student entitlement:
All students in Years 8 to 13 are entitled:
- To find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point.
- To hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions and taster
- To understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical
For students of compulsory school age these encounters are mandatory and there will be a minimum of two encounters for students during the ‘first key phase’ (Year 8 to 9) and two encounters for students during the ‘second key phase’ (Year 10 to 11). For pupils in the ‘third key phase’ (Year 12 to 13), particularly those that have not yet decided on their next steps, there are two more provider encounters available during this period, which are optional for students to attend.
These provider encounters will be scheduled during the main school hours and the provider will be given a reasonable amount of time to, as a minimum:
- Share information about both the provider and the approved technical education qualification and apprenticeships that the provider
- Explain what career routes those options could lead
- Provide insights into what it might be like to learn or train with that provider (including the opportunity to meet staff and students from the provider).
- Answer questions from students.
Meaningful provider encounters:
One encounter is defined as one meeting/session between students and one provider. We are committed to providing meaningful encounters to all pupils using the Making it meaningful checklist.
Meaningful online engagement is also an option, and we are open to providers that are able to provide live online engagement with our students.
Previous providers:
For example, in previous terms/years we have invited the following providers from the local area to speak to our students:
- Colleges of further education.
- Apprentices and employers linked to a college of further education.
- Sixth form colleges.
- Independent training providers.
- Universities.
- The ASK Programme and apprentices.
- Employers (including BBC Bitesize Careers) and their apprentices.
Destinations of our students:
Last year our Year 11 and Year 13 students moved to range of providers in the local area after school.
A detailed summary of Year 11 and Year 13 student destinations can be found on the school website at Students > Careers Advice and Guidance > Career Programme and Destinations > What are the destinations of Year 13 and Year 11 students.
Management of provider access requests:
Procedure:
A provider wishing to request access should contact Simon Edwards, Deputy Headteacher for Curriculum and Assessment, by email at eds@moseley.bham.sch.uk or Barry Silgram, the school’s Careers Leader, by email at sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk
Opportunities for access:
The school offers providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to students or their parents/carers. The school meets (or exceeds) the six provider encounters required by law, as outlined in the points below:
Year 8/Year 9
- Spring term: A technical/vocational awareness assembly presentation from a local further education college (linked to the Year 9 Pathways options process).
- Spring term: Year 8 “maths4girls” event, with employer/alumni speakers.
- Summer term: Year 9 employer “speed dating” with a range of employers/apprentices.
- Summer term: Year 9 presentation from a local university, to raise awareness and aspirations.
Year 10/Year 11
- Summer term: Year 10 Careers Day includes interaction with local colleges, universities and apprentices, plus a separate apprenticeship presentation from a local college.
- Autumn term: Year 11 further education and college presentations from 6 local colleges.
- Spring term: Year 11 apprenticeship presentation from the West Midlands Apprenticeship Network.
- Spring term: Year 12 and Year 13 degree/ higher apprenticeship presentation from the West Midlands Apprenticeship Network.
Year 12/Year 13
- Summer term: Year 12 visit to a university.
- Summer term: Year 12 visit to the UCAS Convention at the NEC (includes universities and employers offering apprenticeships).
- Autumn term: Year 13 students have the opportunity to attend the University & Apprenticeship Search Fair, Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
- Spring term: Year 12 and Year 13 degree/ higher apprenticeship presentation from the West Midlands Apprenticeship Network.
Other opportunities to get involved in the careers programme are also available. The events are usually arranged well in advance, so it is essential that providers contact us early to be involved in our planning. Examples of events and activities are:
- Employer speed dating.
- Inspirational careers talks.
- Apprenticeship presentations.
- University presentations.
- Further education college presentations.
- Attending parent/open evenings.
- National Careers Week.
- Curriculum support.
- Supporting careers and enrichment days.
Providers will be expected to meet the school’s safeguarding requirements. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students. Attendance at school events is on the understanding that you agree to abide by our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
Premises and facilities
The school will make the main hall, classrooms or meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. The school will also make available AV and other specialist equipment to support provider presentations. This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit with the Deputy Headteacher for Curriculum and Assessment or the Careers Leader.
Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at Reception and this information will be displayed in the careers section of the LRC and/or in the careers section of the sixth form library. The LRC is available before school, lunchtimes and after school. The sixth form library is available to sixth formers throughout the school day.
Complaints:
Any complaints with regards to provider access can be raised following the school complaints procedure or directly with The Careers & Enterprise Company via provideraccess@careersandenterprise.co.uk
Q. What careers support are Moseley students entitled to?
A. Moseley students are entitled to careers support that meets the government’s statutory duty, published in April 2014 (and updated in January 2018) to ensure that all pupils in Years 8 to 13 are provided with impartial and independent careers guidance.
The December 2025 Ofsted report highlighted the following:
- In careers education, pupils receive information about future career paths that are tailored to their circumstances. As a result, pupils are knowledgeable about their next steps.
- The effective careers programme ensures that sixth-form students, including those who face barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing, receive the help and advice needed to meet their career aspirations. This work includes meaningful engagements with potential employers, for example. Sixth-form students move on to appropriate destinations.
- The school meets the requirements of the provider access legislation, which requires schools to provide pupils in Years 8 to 13 with information and engagement about approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeships.
The vision and mission of Moseley School is to produce a planned programme of careers activities to help learners at key transition points choose 13-19 pathways that are right for them.
Careers support will follow best practice from the careers profession and be delivered by trained staff, be person-centred, impartial, raise aspirations, challenge stereotyping and promote equality and diversity.
The careers programme is designed to meet the needs of all learners at Moseley School. Activities are differentiated and personalised to ensure progression in their career learning and development and to strengthen their motivation, aspirations and attainment at school.
Moseley School is committed to providing extra support as required for learners with additional needs and works in partnership with other agencies and partners.
The careers programme benefits from links made with external partners, such as employers, universities, voluntary organisations, training providers, colleges and other schools.
The careers programme is delivered through a range of activities, including:
- 1:1 careers guidance from a qualified and professionally registered careers adviser.
- Provision of high quality careers information.
- Careers and PSHE lessons.
- BTEC courses.
- Curriculum activities.
- Assemblies
- Parent evenings.
- Enrichment events and activities.
- External events, careers conferences, open days and masterclasses.
- Sixth form tutorials.
- Work related learning, including work experience.
Q. What topics does the careers programme include?
A. The programme focuses on different topics for each key stage/year group and this is reviewed on a yearly basis.
The Careers Programme, Calendar and Development Plan is reviewed and updated annually. Here is a summary of typically planned activities.
Year 7:
- Personal development programme: STEPS booklet from Optimus Education Resources (formerly Prospects).
- Moseley School as a workplace: Students learn about the wide range of jobs available at Moseley School, including meeting 4 staff and then researching another Moseley School job and a job of their own choice.
- National Careers Week: To raise awareness about the wide range of careers linked to different curriculum subjects.
Year 8:
- Personal development programme: STEPS booklet from Optimus Education Resources (formerly Prospects).
- Maths4girls event: To encourage more students to study maths in the future, especially female students. Involves meeting a number of inspirational business leaders who ‘tell a story’ about their career journey to raise the importance of maths for careers and to inspire our students.
- National Careers Week: To raise awareness about careers linked to different curriculum subjects.
Year 9:
- Personal development programme: STEPS booklet from Optimus Education Resources (formerly Prospects).
- Year 9 Pathways Evening: Gives parents/students full details of subject options available.
- Year 9 Careers Day: Aims to inspire and to raise aspirations and broaden horizons. Includes “speed-dating” with a wide range of employers; a presentation from a local university about the benefits of going to university; using a careers computer program to get new career ideas and a look at local job trends in Birmingham/West Midlands.
- National Careers Week: To raise awareness about the wide range of careers linked to different curriculum subjects and to university/apprenticeship pathways.
Year 10:
- Personal development programme: STEPS booklet from Optimus Education Resources (formerly Prospects).
- Year 10 work experience: To develop skills and experience to support future post-16 decisions and career plans.
- Year 10 Careers Day: Students have meaningful encounters with local colleges, universities and apprentices. Also includes a presentation about apprenticeships, an opportunity to use the Xello careers program to explore careers, colleges, courses and pathways and a lesson about interviews.
- National Careers Week: To raise awareness about the wide range of careers linked to different curriculum subjects and to university/apprenticeship pathways.
Year 11:
- Personal development programme: STEPS booklet from Optimus Education Resources (formerly Prospects).
- Careers adviser talks: On post-16 options.
- 1:1 careers guidance interviews and small group guidance interviews: With the school’s impartial careers adviser Mr Silgram, who is a registered member of the Career Development Institute. Available for all Year 11 students, with priority given to specific groups, such as students who are vulnerable, SEN, EAL, unrealistic and undecided.
- Employer/apprenticeship / college presentations: To raise awareness of apprenticeship/FE opportunities.
- Year 11 parent/carer newsletter: Designed to help parents/carers understand the options available so that they can support their daughter or son with their choice and to raise awareness of the support available in school and useful careers information on the school website.
Year 12:
- Mentoring and development opportunities: Examples include The Access Project; Aimhigher (Aston University); Realising Opportunities; Routes to Professions (Birmingham University); Aston University Summer School, mentoring younger students, being an eco ambassador and Year 12 tutorial programmes (such as the EPQ and Deloitte programme).
- Talks from employers: To raise awareness of careers and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Post-18 options presentations from the school’s careers adviser: To raise awareness of all the pathways available.
- Local university presentations: To raise awareness of the UCAS process; student life, to give course “tasters” and insights into specific courses/careers (e.g. teaching) and to help students prepare for the UCAS Convention and university open days.
- Year 12 parent/carer newsletter: Designed to help parents/carers understand the options available so that they can support their daughter or son with their choice and to raise awareness of the support available in school and useful careers information on the school website.
- 1:1 careers interviews: With the school’s impartial careers adviser Mr Silgram, who is a registered member of the Career Development Institute. Available for all Year 12 students.
- UCAS Day: To help students start planning what to study at university and where to study.
- Visit to the UCAS Convention: To meet universities and to explore courses available and entry requirements.
- Visit to a university: To give students an insight into university life.
- Work experience week: To develop skills and experience to enhance university and apprenticeship applications.
- Virtual work experience: Opportunities promoted direct to students.
Year 13:
- University personal statements: Support in lessons to write an effective university personal statement.
- University talks: Includes raising awareness of student finance.
- Talks from employers: To raise awareness of careers and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Higher/degree apprenticeship presentation to raise awareness of opportunities.
- Apprenticeship event: For students who wish to explore apprenticeship options.
- 1:1 careers interviews: Available by request with the school’s impartial careers adviser, Mr Silgram.
Years 7 – 13:
- Careers Club: Opportunity for any student to get careers information, advice and guidance.
- Careers information: The school buys two careers programs (eCLIPS and Xello) to help students explore and develop their career ideas. The careers section of the school website has 13 sections of information to help students make informed decisions about their future choices and to help parents/carers to assist their daughter/son with their options. There is also careers information, books and prospectuses in the main library and the sixth form library.
Years 11 – 13:
- GCSE and A level results days: The school’s careers adviser attends to offer information, advice and guidance; plus the sixth form team and other staff are available to offer support.
- Destinations/tracking: The school tracks the intended destination of students (via the school House system) to ensure they have a positive destination and returns the “September Guarantee” information to the local authority. In August/September all Year 11-13 students are followed up to check their destination and to offer support as appropriate. Additionally, a Year 11-13 destinations report is written and destinations data is returned to the local authority. Students at risk of becoming NEET are also referred to Birmingham Careers Service for follow-up and support.
Years 10 – 13:
- PPE parent evenings: The school’s careers adviser attends to offer information, advice and guidance.
Years 8 – 13:
- Other opportunities: Some students take part in other personal development opportunities, such as The Access Project (includes mentoring and visits to universities); Unifest university summer schools; Forward Thinking (targeted at gifted and talented students who have little or no knowledge of higher education) and subject based workshops and events (such as the Deloitte Business in the Classroom Project; engineering workshops/talks and National Science Week).
- Information about opportunities: This is distributed to students (and staff) via emails/tutor notices to help them with their future plans e.g. apprenticeship vacancies, work experience opportunities, events, open days, useful websites and careers events.
- Programme evaluation: To review and inform the programme development, feedback about activities and the programme is obtained from students, parents/carers, employers and school staff.
Q. What are the destinations of Year 13 and Year 11 students?
Analysis of data from Birmingham Local Authority, Moseley School destination reports and the DfE school performance data held on the gov.uk website conveys that overall, Moseley School students are still more likely to remain in education after Year 11 and after sixth form.
2025 leavers:
The 2024 destinations data was collected between 3 September and 18 September 2025.
Year 13:
70% of the cohort accepted a place at university (74.5% in 2024 and 69.2% in 2023).
9 students (16.4%) were accepted by a Russell Group university (22.9% in 2024 and 22.2% in 2023).
52 students (94.6%) chose to study in the midlands (92.9% in 2024 and 96.8% in 2023). Of these, 74.6% chose universities in Birmingham (83.1% in 2024).
The top 5 most popular destinations were:
- BCU
- Aston
- Coventry
- UoB
- Warwick
Other universities chosen were Wolverhampton; UCB; De Monfort; Kings London; Liverpool; Nottingham; Teeside and Birmingham College of Humanities.
The 5 most popular course types in 2025 were business; health/medical; engineering; science and jointly in fifth place were computing/IT and education.
In comparison, the 5 most popular course types in 2024 were engineering; Law; science; health/medical and business.
Further details for 2025 are:
Business:
- Accounts and finance
- Business management
- Economics
- Digital marketing
- HR management
Health/medicine:
- Diagnostic radiography
- Medicine
- Nursing
Engineering:
- Mechanical engineering
- Civil engineering foundation
- Aerospace engineering foundation
- Engineering and science foundation
Science:
- Biomedical science
- Physics with astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Pharmaceutical science
- Pharmaceutical science foundation
- Science foundation
Computing/IT:
- Cyber security
- Computing and IT
- Computer science
Education:
- Primary education with QTS
- Working with children and young people and families
Other subjects chosen by students included psychology; law; architecture; English literature and Islamic studies.
7 students (8.9%) continued in further education (6.4% in 2024).
2 students (2.5%) have a job/apprenticeship (2.1% in 2024). One student is working as a receptionist in a GP practice and the other is a customer service rep for Amazon.
12 students (15.2%) are taking a gap year (14.9% in 2024).
8 students who tool a gap year in 2024 now have a university place in 2025 (these students applied via the Moseley School process). Subjects being studied are biomedical science at UoB; biomedical engineering at Aston University; chemical engineering at Aston University; chemistry at Leicester University; finance, accounting and management at Nottingham University; law at Aston University; mechanical engineering at Manchester University and civil engineering (foundation) at Aston University.
3 students (3.8%) are currently seeking a job and apprenticeship (2.1% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2023).
No student has a not known destination.
Year 11:
95.8% of the cohort remained in education (94.6% in 2024 and 95% in 2023).
The top 5 most popular institutions were:
- Moseley School and Sixth Form
- Solihull College
- South and City College
- UCB
- Joseph Chamberlain College
51.7% started level 3 courses (48.5% in 2024 and 50.8% in 2023).
82 students are studying A levels or A levels combined with BTECs/vocational subjects.
41 students are studying vocational courses, including T Levels and BTEC extended diplomas. The top 5 vocational areas chosen were:
- Business
- Science
- Engineering
- Health & social care/health
- IT/digital
44.1% of the cohort started a level 2, level 1 or foundation learning course (46% in 2024 and 44.2% in 2023).
The top 8 vocational areas chosen were:
- Engineering
- Construction (for example, multi-skills, plumbing, electrical and bricklaying)
- Health and social care
- Business
- Business and health and social care
- Digital/IT
- Early years/childcare
- Motor vehicle studies
Examples of other subjects chosen were science, beauty therapy, video/photography, customer service, art & design, chef, ESOL, cabin crew, barbering, hairdressing, media, travel & tourism, sport, public services and bakery.
No student started an apprenticeship (1.3% in 2024 and 0.8% in 2023).
The destination of 1 student (0.4%) is not known (1.3% in 2024 and 1.7% in 2023). Not known means we have been unable to confirm information about their destination.
5 students (2.1%) were NEET (2.1% in 2024 and 1.2% in 2023). All have been referred to Birmingham Careers Service for further support.
4 students (1.7%) have moved abroad (0.8% in 2024 and 1.2% in 2023).
Student finance
Q. What support is available to pay for university tuition fees?
A. You can apply for a tuition fee loan. Your university sets your tuition fee and the loan is paid directly to them. For more information go to government website You have to pay it back, but only after you have finished your course. For students who started their degree in September 2023 or later, you pay back 9% of any income over £25,000. Check out the government website for more details.
Please note, student finance is changing if your course starts on or after 1 January 2027. Find out more on the government website
Q. What is a maintenance loan?
A. It helps to pay for your living costs while studying at university, such as accommodation, food, travel and clothes. The loan is paid directly into your bank account at the start of each term.
The amount you get depends on where you are living (you get more in London) and whether you are living at home. Some of the loan is available to all eligible students and part of it is means-tested, so this part is dependent on household income.
Further information is available on the government website
For details of how much loan you can get, use the Student finance calculator
You have to pay it back, but only after you have finished your course. For students who started their degree in September 2023 or later, you pay back 9% of any income over £25,000. Check out the Government website for more details.
You can also find useful information about student loans written by Martin Lewis on his MoneySavingExpert website. Includes loan myth-busting information and advice from Martin Lewis.
Please note, student finance is changing if your course starts on or after 1 January 2027. Find out more on the government website
Q. Is any extra financial help available?
A. Extra money or support may be available. For example, if you have children, dependent adults or if you have a disability. Further details are available on the government website
This link also explains the additional support for medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health profession students. It also gives details about social work bursaries and bursaries/scholarships for teacher training courses.
Many universities also offer extra money directly to students. These bursaries, scholarships and awards don’t have to be paid back. Each university has its own rules about who qualifies, how much you can get and how to apply. You get your bursary directly from your university or college.
Q. How do I apply for student finance?
A. You need to apply using the government website. You don’t need a confirmed place at a university to apply.
Q. How do I work out how much I am entitled to?
A. For the standard student package you can use the Student finance calculator
Q. Do universities provide any financial help?
A. Many offer financial support to their students through bursaries, awards and scholarships. Bursaries are linked to personal circumstances and often, household income. Awards can include fee waivers or cash. Scholarships can be linked to academic results or outstanding ability in an area, such as sport, music or art.
You should check university websites early and ask at open days for information on support available and how to apply.
Q. When do I have to repay my student loans?
A. You have to pay it back, but only after you have finished your course. For students who started their degree in September 2023 or later, you pay back 9% of any income over £25,000. Check out the Government website for more details.
Q. Is everyone eligible to apply for student finance?
A. No, it depends on factors such as your age and your nationality or residency status. Full details are on the government website
Q. Are there any useful websites for student finance?
A. Yes, check out the following:
- GOV.UK It gives an overview of finance available and enables you to apply for financial support.
- YouTube Student Finance England videos.
- MoneySavingExpert Student loan myth-busting information and advice from Martin Lewis.
Useful websites
1. Need careers advice?
- National Careers Service: Their careers advisers can talk to you about your choices online or over the phone on 0800 100 900. Advisers are available from 8 am to 10 pm.
- Birmingham Careers Service: You can get help from them if you have left school, are aged 16 to 19 (up to 25 if you have a learning difficulty or disability) and are unemployed and looking for a college course, job, training or apprenticeship.
2. Year 9 Options
- Use the Xello careers program to explore career ideas.
- Icould: Their videos include people talking about their own choices at 14 and their own personal career stories, covering a wide variety of jobs and sectors. It also has articles and information about your option choices.
- CareersboxThis is a free online library of careers related film, news and information. Provides online case studies that show real people doing real jobs and gives an insight into careers across all sectors.
- eCLIPS program: Click login (top right) and enter the school password, which you will need to get from your form tutor, Mr Silgram or from the careers notice board near room AG01. To check out what careers you can do with a particular subject go to “Information & Advice”, choose “Education” and then choose the relevant subject leaflet (for example, art and design).
- BBC Bitesize: Use to check out where your favourite subjects could take you.
- UCAS – Explore Jobs
3. Options after Year 11
- Icould: Their videos include people talking about their own choices at 16 and their own personal career stories, covering a wide variety of jobs and sectors. It also has articles and information about your option choices.
- Raising the Participation Age: This government website explains that young people leaving Year 11 in must remain in learning until they are 18 years old.
- Apprenticeships website: Use to search and apply for vacancies.
- 16-19 Bursary Fund: This is aimed at students who need financial help so that they can stay in learning.
- Informed Choices: Russell Group universities guide that helps you explore how A level choices link to future degree options, particularly at Russell Group universities.
4. Post-18 options
- Prospects: A guide to taking a gap year.
- Apprenticeships: Includes information on the different types of apprenticeships available and has real apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies.
- Year in Industry: Paid employment with major UK companies in science, technology, engineering and manufacturing.
- UCAS website: Has useful information about degree apprenticeships.
5. Apprenticeships
- Apprenticeships: Includes information on the different types of apprenticeships available and has real apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies.
- National Minimum Wage.
- Rate my apprenticeship: Includes useful information and apprenticeship vacancies.
- Careermap: Search and apply for apprenticeships using a map.
- UCAS website: Has useful information about degree apprenticeships.
- Get my first job: includes apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- Prospects: Has information about degree apprenticeships.
6. Further education
- Moseley School: Courses available in the sixth form.
- Access Creative College – Birmingham
- Aston University Engineering Academy
- Birmingham Metropolitan College (includes Matthew Boulton)
- Birmingham Ormiston Academy
- Cadbury College
- Joseph Chamberlain College
- Solihull Sixth Form College
- Solihull College
- South & City College
- University College Birmingham
- Raising the Participation Age: This government website explains that young people leaving Year 11 must remain in learning until they are 18 years old.
- Informed Choices: Russell Group universities guide that helps you explore how A level choices link to future degree options, particularly at Russell Group universities.
7. Jobs and voluntary work
- A. Where to look for jobs:
- Yell.com: Use to find employers and employment agencies.
- Job search sites, such as Get my first job.
- Universal jobmatch: This government site enables you to search and apply for full or part-time jobs.
- E4S: Use to search for part-time jobs, holiday jobs, gap year jobs and school leaver vacancies.
B. Self-employment:
- The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme: They can help you decide whether self-employment is right for you. It offers help to 18 to 30 year olds who are either unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week.
- Government website: Advice about starting your own business.
C. Volunteering:
- Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC): Offers local volunteering opportunities.
- Volunteering Matters: This was formerly called CSV (Community Service Volunteers) and they offer a range of volunteering opportunities.
D. Labour market information:
- Prospects: Graduate job sector information.
- Nomis: Provides a labour market profile of an area (e.g. search for Birmingham). Includes data on population, employment, unemployment, qualifications, earnings, benefit claimants and businesses.
- Careers Wales: Although this focuses on Wales, if you choose an industry you can also click on UK data to get a UK perspective.
E. The law:
- Raising the Participation Age: This government website explains that young people leaving Year 11 must remain in learning until they are 18 years old.
- Child employment law: Explains the law relating to the restrictions on children working.
F. CVs:
- There are several CV books available in the LRC and sixth form library that provide a guide to writing a CV.
- Free CV template
- Xello program has a useful CV template.
8. University applications
- A. What and where to study, applications and year out:
- UCAS: The key website. Search and apply for courses. Lots of other useful and helpful information e.g. choosing what to study, the applications process and student finance.
- UCAS Conservatoires: Application process if you are applying for performing arts courses at conservatoires.
- The UniGuide: Has an easy to use search facility.
- PUSH: “Guide to UK universities, student life, gap years, open days, student finance and all things studentish”.
- Apply to Uni: Has a range of advice and information e.g. applying, finance, personal statements and course finder.
- Prospects: Guide to taking a gap year.
- Independent Gap Advice: Useful advice about gap years.
- The Guardian: Links to league tables.
- The Complete University Guide: Links to league tables.
- UniTasterDays: This provides a directory of university events for school groups and individual students.
- Informed Choices: Russell Group universities guide that helps you explore how A level choices link to future degree options, particularly at Russell Group universities.
- Advancing Access ResourceDirectory: This guide contains links to extra material to help students to explore subjects they may be interested in studying at university. The material may also enable students to develop their personal statements or prepare for university interviews.
- Gap year guide.
- Discover uni. This site provides information, advice and guidance to support you to find out about higher education options. You can also view course data which is taken from national surveys and data collected from universities and colleges about all their students.
B. Considering studying abroad?
- A Star Future: Use to search for courses taught in English abroad.
- The Student World: This gives guidance about where to study, why go abroad, the process and financial implications.
- Eunicas: Enables UK and Irish students to apply to degree programmes, taught through English, in universities across Europe.
- Fulbright Commission: Use to explore studying in the USA.
- Study in the USA: Use to explore studying in the USA.
- Study options: Use to explore studying in Australia and New Zealand.
- StudyLink: Information and guidance about studying abroad.
- Medical Doorway: Free advice to students aiming to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine in Europe.
C. Graduate careers:
- Prospects: Graduate careers website e.g. go to “Careers advice” and then “What can I do with my degree”.
D. Alternative options to university:
- Not going to uni: Advice and support on alternative options.
E. Higher education books:
A range of books are available in the sixth form library.
F. Software programs purchased by the school:
Program Details Xello puts students at the centre of their journey of self-discovery. Every student will build the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their own unique future. Explore interests, skills, options, careers and create a plan that outlines the steps needed to achieve school, career, and life goals. Students can use the Career Matcher to find careers that align to their passions and skills. There’s also a Personality Style Assessment that helps students learn why certain careers are a good match for them based on their unique traits, likes and dislikes. Additionally, the Learning Style Assessment helps students discover how they learn best. eCLIPS Has printable leaflets on over 500 careers and lifestyle topics; plus leaflets covering choices, education options and work & training.
To log-on, click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor or Mr Silgram).
9. Student Finance
- GOV.UK: Gives an overview of finance available and enables you to apply for financial support.
- Student finance calculator :
- YouTube: Student Finance England You Tube videos.
- MoneySavingExpert: Student loan myth-busting information and advice from Martin Lewis.
- The Scholarship Hub: Search and apply for UK scholarships, grants or bursaries.
10. Career ideas and careers information
- Use the Xello careers program to explore career ideas.
- eCLIPS: This has printable leaflets on over 500 careers and lifestyle topics; plus leaflets covering choices, education options and work & training. To log-on, click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). To check the entry requirements for a specific job, go to “Job Groups”, choose a job group and then select your chosen career.
- National Careers Service Job Profiles: These provide detailed information about different careers, for example, what the job involves, salary details and entry requirements.
- Careersbox: This is a free online library of careers related film, news and information. Provides online case studies that show real people doing real jobs and gives an insight into careers across all sectors.
- Icould: Free online careers videos showing the career journeys taken by a wide range of people.
- BBC Bitesize: Use to check out where your favourite subjects could take you.
11. Parents and carers
- The Careers Writers Association: This website is aimed at parents and carers and includes information on the choices available to your daughter or son.
- Talking Futures: A toolkit to support parents to have careers conversations.
Parents and Carers
Q. When can my daughter or son leave school?
A. The official school leaving date is the last Friday of June of the school year in which they turn 16.
Also, did you know that the government has increased the age that students must continue in learning?
This means that Year 11 students must be in some form of learning until they are 18 years old.
This doesn’t mean they have to stay on their school or go to a college; they can choose from the following:
- Stay in full-time education. For example, at a college or school sixth form.
- Start an apprenticeship.
- Spend 20 hours or more a week working (including family businesses) or volunteering, combined with part-time education/training.
For more information go to the government website.
Q. How can I support my daughter or son with their choices?
A. Young people have a wide range of choices available to them and we have produced these web pages to support you to help your daughter or son to make an informed decision.
There are 13 sections that focus on key questions and answers and you will also find links to useful websites, videos and other sources of information and help.
Please click here to check out any the following 13 sections
- Need careers advice?
- Year 8 options
- Options after Year 11
- Post-18 options
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- Further education
- Jobs and voluntary work
- University applications
- Student finance
- Career ideas
- Parents and carers
- Useful websites and information
- Careers entitlements
Additionally, The Careers Writers Association has developed a website aimed at parents and carers that you may find helpful.
Also, check out Talking Futures. This websites provides a toolkit to support parents to have careers conversations.
If you have any questions or wish to provide feedback on the school’s careers provision please contact the school’s Careers Leader, Mr Silgram.
Mr Silgram can be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extension 27035, or by email: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk
Career ideas
Q. I have no career ideas, what can I do?
A. Students at Moseley School can also use the Xello careers program to explore career ideas.
Xello puts students at the centre of their journey of self-discovery. Every student will build the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their own unique future. Explore interests, skills, options, careers and create a plan that outlines
the steps needed to achieve school, career, and life goals. Students can use the Career Matcher to find careers that align to their passions and skills. There’s also a Personality Style Assessment that helps students learn why certain careers are a good match for them based on their unique traits, likes and dislikes. Additionally, the Learning Style Assessment helps students discover how they learn best.
You can use the eCLIPS program to explore this. Click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor or Mr Silgram). Once you have logged, explore “Job Groups” to find careers that interest you.
Also, if you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you decide what to do in the future.
You can also use the National Careers Service Job Profiles – to check out careers. For example, choose a job category from those listed to explore related careers.
Additionally, check out BBC Bitesize. You can search by job sectors or see where your favourite subject can take you.
Q. How do I check what the entry requirements are for my chosen career(s)?
A. Use eCLIPS. This has printable leaflets on over 500 careers and lifestyle topics; plus leaflets covering choices, education options and work & training. To check the entry requirements for a specific job, go to “Job Groups”, choose a job group and then select your chosen career.
The job groups are really useful for expanding your career ideas as they list a wide range of similar jobs for you to consider.
You can also use the National Careers Service Job Profiles.
Students at Moseley School can also use the Xello careers program to explore career ideas.
University applications
Q. I’m planning to go to university, how do I decide what to study and where?
A. There are over 37,000 courses and 370 higher education institutions, so research is the key to making an informed decision about what to study and where.
To help your research, the school has purchased a number of key books that are available in the sixth form library. Also, go to the section Useful websites to find lots of helpful websites to support your higher education research.
Use these 4 steps to ensure you make a good plan:
1. Develop course ideas (by the end of Year 12)
Brian Heap (see his book in the LRC called University Degree Course Offers) writes that deciding your degree on the basis of your current studies is a “reasonably safe option since you are already familiar with the subjects themselves and what they involve” and that for many occupations “the degree subject is often not as important as the degree itself”. A large number of graduate jobs are open to graduates of any degree discipline and specialist training for many careers starts once you have your degree.
Brian Heap also advises that the subjects you are currently studying are part of a much larger family and have similarities to degree subjects that you may not have considered. Pages 1 to 4 of his book list examples of degree courses linked to your current subjects. Also, pages 6 to 9 lists courses related to career areas.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have a specific career in mind and need to take a certain type of higher education course?
- Which subject(s) am I interested in studying?
- Am I interested in a combined or joint honours degree?
- Do I want to live at home or away from home?
You could decide to:
- Continue with one of your present subjects.
- Combine two or more of your current subjects.
- Combine a subject that you are studying now with a new one.
- Take a completely new subject or subjects.
- Take a general vocational course linked to a broad occupational area, such as business studies, art and design or tourism & travel.
- Choose a course related to a specific job. You can use the eCLIPS program to explore this. Click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor or Mr Silgram). Once you have logged, explore “Job Groups” to find careers that interest you. Alternatively, use the National Careers Service Job Profiles to explore careers. You can also use the Matchmaker quiz of the Xello computer program to explore careers and develop ideas. Log on to the school system and go to the school website > Students > Careers Advice and Guidance > Careers Ideas > I have no career ideas, what can I do? You will then see the Xello link (you will be automatically signed in). If using a phone or computer at home, students will be prompted to log into their school Microsoft account.
2. Research course ideas (by the end of Year 12)
3. Finalise course ideas (by beginning of Year 13)
For steps 2 and 3, check out university prospectuses, go to open days/conventions, contact admissions tutors, use the books available in the sixth form and useful websites.
In particular, research the following:
- The specific university course entry requirements to make sure you have the right subjects and the right UCAS Tariff points needed/grades.
- Type of qualification on offer: For example, is it academic, vocational, single honours, joint honours, combined honours, modular or sandwich (sandwich means it usually includes a year working)?
- Reputation: What is the quality of teaching and research? What do recent students say about it?
- Student satisfaction.
- Academic facilities.
- Course teaching methods: What is the balance between lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical or work-related activities?
- Course assessment: Is it all examination-based or partly based on coursework?
- Tuition fee costs.
Remember though, you need to choose the right course and university for you, based on factors that are important to you! You therefore need to decide your priorities – create your own list of key factors and do your research.
- Graduate destinations: How many find employment? What kind of careers do they go into?
- Location and distance from home: Do you want to live in a big city or somewhere quieter?
- Costs: Some places are cheaper to live in than others!
- Accommodation: Are all first year students offered accommodation?
- Is study or employment abroad part of the course?
- Part-time and holiday work: Does the university help and encourage this and do they have a student employment service?
- Social activities: What clubs, societies and sporting facilities are there?
4. Apply (autumn Year 13):
Most applications for full-time HE courses are made through UCAS — the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Applications are made using the UCAS online system “Apply”. You need to complete various sections, such as personal details, education/employment history and a personal statement (this is key as you need to explain why you want to study your chosen course). Further information is on the UCAS website.
You apply for performing arts courses at conservatoires through the UCAS Conservatoires section of their website. Further information is on the UCAS website.
Q. What are university league tables?
A. University league tables can be used to compare universities. There are a number of different league tables available to use, although it’s worth knowing that they calculate their tables using different criteria and weighting. However, all should include student satisfaction scores; student to staff ratio; graduate prospects and entry grades.
Although they are a useful source of information, they do have their limitations! For example, not all indicators are updated yearly and student feedback may not be objective.
The UniGuide website adds the following points:
- Just because a university is at the top of a league table doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right one for you.
- League tables are often closely bunched together at the top, middle and bottom, so don’t read too much into universities placed five to 10 places apart. A university in 20th place can be separated by the one in 30th place by only a few percentage points. It adds that this is also why some universities and courses fluctuate from year to year – small differences in the score can mean big differences in the ranking order.
- League tables don’t always tell you the full story as certain university courses may be well regarded by employers in specific career areas, even though the universities may not feature in the upper reaches of the tables. Falmouth University and Sunderland University are known to produce high achieving graduates in journalism and animation respectively, but there’s little sense of that reflected in the league tables.
Here are two sources of league tables to check out:
Remember though, you need to choose the right course and university for you, based on factors that are important to you! You therefore need to decide your priorities – create your own list of key factors and do your research.
Some factors to consider include:
- Location and distance from home e.g. big city versus somewhere quieter.
- Course content.
- Entry requirements.
- Academic facilities.
- Course teaching methods.
- Course assessment: Is it all examination-based or partly based on coursework?
- Graduate destinations: How many find employment? What kind of careers do they go into?
- Living costs – some places are cheaper to live in than others!
- Student accommodation on offer.
- Social activities: What clubs, societies and sporting facilities are there?
Q. How do I apply for university courses?
A. You need to use the UCAS website to apply for most undergraduate courses.
You apply for performing arts courses at conservatoires through UCAS Conservatoires.
Q. I want to study art at university; do I need to study an art foundation course first?
A. Possibly. It is often a requirement to have studied an art and design foundation course to gain entry to many art and design courses at university. You need to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen universities.
Q. What is the deadline for my application?
A. The usual UCAS deadlines are 15 October for the universities of Oxford, Cambridge or any professional course in medicine, veterinary medicine/science and dentistry. The last Wednesday in January for the majority of courses.
Some course providers require additional admissions tests to be taken alongside the UCAS application, and these may have a deadline.
UCAS Conservatoires: The usual application deadline for music courses starting the next year is early October. For most undergraduate dance, drama or screen production courses the deadline is the last Wednesday in January. However there are exceptions, please check with individual conservatoires for full details as dates do vary. More information is available on the UCAS website.
Q. Will I have to take an admissions test?
A. Possibly, it will depend on what course you have applied for (e.g. law, medicine) and where you have applied (e.g. Cambridge and Oxford).
Most admissions tests take place early in the school year, so if you do need to take one you’ll need to register for it early, possibly before you’ve sent your application off.
UCAS add that many of the courses that use admissions tests are also the courses that have the 15 October application deadline, so it’s worth checking these details in advance.
More information is on the UCAS website.
Q. How many UCAS course choices do I have?
A. You can choose up to five courses. There’s no preference order and your universities won’t see where else you’ve applied until after you reply to any offers you get.
However, you can only choose a maximum of four courses in any one of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science. Also, you can only apply to one course at either the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.
After you’ve sent off your application you can see how it’s progressing by logging in to the UCAS system called Track.
Q. Will I be interviewed for my course?
A. It varies, but it’s more likely if you have applied for competitive courses. If you are invited for an interview you can use University Interviews Guide to prepare. This book is in the sixth form library and is arranged into an A-Z of more than 80 degree courses, each with subject specific advice and sample questions. It also includes a section on applications to all undergraduate UK Medical Schools, Oxbridge section and sections on Primary Teaching, Veterinary Science, Nursing and Midwifery.
Q. What do I need to include in my personal statement?
A. Course tutors use personal statements (plus estimated grades and references) to compare applicants, so make sure you sell yourself so that your application stands out from the rest!
UCAS advise you not to mention universities by name as you need to use the same personal statement for all the courses you apply for.
The UCAS website gives useful tips for writing your personal statement.
Also, in addition to getting help to write your personal statement in your post-16 tutorial sessions, check out the personal statements books in the sixth form library.
Q. What is a conditional offer and what is an unconditional offer?
A. A conditional offer usually means you are required to get certain grades or points in your A levels (or equivalent). This will mean waiting for results day in summer to see if your exam results meet the conditions.
An unconditional offer usually means you’ve already met the entry requirements, so the place is yours if you want it! By accepting an unconditional offer you are committing to go to that university, so you can’t make an insurance choice or be entered into Clearing.
You can accept a maximum of two choices – one firm and one insurance. You can only have an insurance choice if your firm choice is a conditional offer. If you accept an unconditional offer as your firm choice then the place is guaranteed, so you cannot have an insurance choice.
You will only attend your insurance choice if you don’t meet the conditions of your firm choice but you do meet the conditions of your insurance offer. So make sure your insurance offer is somewhere you would be happy going to.
You also have the option to decline offers. If you decline all offers, or are not made any offers, you can use UCAS Extra and/or Clearing.
Q. What is the UCAS Tariff?
A. The UCAS Tariff is a means of allocating points to compare post-16 qualifications used for entry to higher education. However, it’s worth noting that only one-third of universities make tariff offers; meaning two-thirds of offers request specific grades.
For example, the tariff points for A levels are:
- A* = 56 points.
- A = 48.
- B = 40.
- C = 32.
- D = 24.
- E = 16.
The tariff points for a BTEC subsidiary diploma (equivalent to 1 A level) are:
- Distinction* = 56 points.
- Distinction = 48.
- Merit = 32.
- Pass = 16.
For more information about the Tariff go to the UCAS website.
Q. What is UCAS Extra?
A. Extra is a way of making a further course choice. If you’ve used five choices and weren’t accepted or you decided to decline any offers you received, you can use UCAS Extra to apply for more courses (one at a time). It is open between February and early July.
Q. What is Clearing?
A. Clearing helps universities fill any places they have left on their courses and is available July to September each year. So you can use it if you have no offers or didn’t meet your conditional offers.
Q. Where can I find out more information about the UCAS process?
A. The UCAS website provides detailed information to help you with your UCAS application. It also provides lots of useful videos, such as a step-by-step guide to applying.
Also, check out The UCAS guide to getting into university and college (this book is available in the sixth form library).
Q. Can I study abroad?
A. Yes and many more students are considering this option due to the cost of UK university tuition fees. Use the following websites to carefully research your options and the financial implications:
- A Star Future: Use to search for courses taught in English abroad.
- The Student World: This gives guidance about where to study, why, the process and financial implications.
- Eunicas: Enables UK and Irish students to apply to degree programmes, taught through English, in universities across Europe.
- Fulbright Commission: Use to explore studying in the USA.
- Study in the USA: Use to explore studying in the USA.
- Study options: Use to explore studying in Australia and New Zealand.
- StudyLink: Information and guidance about studying abroad.
- Medical Doorway: Free advice to students aiming to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine in Europe.
Q. Will I get any help from Moseley School to support my university application?
A. Yes, Year 12/13 students will get help from their post-16 tutor, local universities and the school’s careers adviser, Mr Silgram. This help will include:
- Support to plan what to study and where.
- Help to understand the UCAS process and how to apply.
- Support to write your personal statement.
- Preparation for university interviews.
- Help to understand the student finance process.
- 1:1 careers advice (if needed).
Jobs and voluntary work
Q. Where can I look to find a job?
A. Check out the following:
- Job search sites, such as Get my first job
- Jobcentre Plus (your local job centre).
- Universal jobmatch. This government site enables you to search and apply for full or part-time jobs.
- Newspapers. For example, the Birmingham Mail has jobs on a Thursday.
- Employment agencies. They can help you to find temporary and permanent jobs.
- Personal contacts. Ask your friends and family if they know about any vacancies.
- Local high streets. You can often find part-time or holiday work advertised in shop or restaurant windows.
- Online directories, such as yell.com to find employers and employment agencies. Check employer websites to see if they are advertising any jobs, or consider sending them a speculative letter or CV.
Q. Can I find a job that doesn’t have any training?
A. No. The government says that Year 11 students must be in some form of learning until they are 18 years old. So any job you do, including working for a family business or for yourself (self-employment), must include part-time education or training.
Go to the government website for more information.
Q. Can I set-up my own business?
A. Yes, but you will first need to come up with a realistic idea that you can turn into a product or service. You will then need to test the market and develop a business plan. You’ll also need funding to set the business up.
Advice about starting your own business is available on the government website
The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme can help you decide whether self-employment is right for you. It offers help to 18 to 30 year olds who are either unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week.
Q. How much is the minimum wage?
A. The National Minimum Wage rate per hour depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
The rates are usually updated every October. For the latest information go to the Government website.
Q. What age can I start work?
A. The youngest age you can work part-time is 13, except if you are involved in areas such as television, theatre and modelling (children working in these areas will need a performance licence).
You can start full-time work once you have officially left school (you can work up to a maximum of 40 hours a week). Once you reach 18, adult employment rights and rules apply. More information is available on the government website.
Q. I’m still at school, are there any restrictions about what part-time work I can do and when I can do it?
A. Yes. You must be at least 13 years old and you are not allowed to work in places like a factory or industrial site.
You are also not allowed to work:
- During school hours.
- Before 7am or after 7pm.
- For more than one hour before school (unless local bylaws allow it).
- For more than 4 hours without taking a break of at least 1 hour.
There are also special rules which only apply during term times and school holidays. For example, during term time you can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week. This includes:
- A maximum of 2 hours on school days/Sundays.
- A maximum of 5 hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14-year-olds or 8 hours for 15 to 16-year-olds.
During school holidays, 13 to 14-year-olds are only allowed to work a maximum of 25 hours a week. This includes:
- A maximum of 5 hours on weekdays/Saturdays.
- A maximum of 2 hours on Sundays.
During school holidays, 15 to 16-year-olds can only work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This includes:
- A maximum of 8 hours on weekdays/Saturdays.
- A maximum of 2 hours on Sundays.
Full details are available on the government website.
Q. I’m interested in doing voluntary work, where can I find out more information about this?
A. Although the work is usually unpaid, there are lots of good reasons to become a volunteer, such as doing something useful in your spare time, making a contribution to your community, meeting new people, making friends or learning a new skill. It’s also a great way to gain experience, which may also help you with your future career plans.
Use these websites to find out more:
Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) offers local volunteering opportunities.
Volunteering Matters. This was formerly called CSV (Community Service Volunteers) and they offer a range of volunteering opportunities.
Q. I’ve got a career in mind; how can I check if there will be jobs available in that career in the future?
A. The job market is constantly changing. You can use labour market information (LMI) to research job trends in different career areas.
Use the following websites to research LMI and to check what future trends are predicted for your chosen career:
- Prospects : Graduate job sector information.
- Nomis: Provides a labour market profile of an area (e.g. search for Birmingham). Includes data on population, employment, unemployment, qualifications, earnings, benefit claimants and businesses.
- Careers Wales: Although this focuses on Wales, if you choose an industry you can also click on UK data to get a UK perspective.
Q. I’m not sure what job to do, is any help available?
A. You can use the eCLIPS program to explore this. Click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor or Mr Silgram). Once you have logged, explore “Job Groups” to find careers that interest you.
You can also use the Matchmaker quiz of the Xello computer program to explore and develop career ideas. Log on to the school system and go to the school website > Students > Careers Advice and Guidance > Careers Ideas > I have no career ideas, what can I do? You will then see the Xello link (you will be automatically signed in). If using a phone or computer at home, students will be prompted to log into their school Microsoft account.
Alternatively, use the National Careers Service Job Profiles to explore careers.
Also, if you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you to explore job ideas.
Further Education
Q. I want to stay in education, what are the key questions I need to think about?
A. The 2 key questions are:
What do you want to study? There are lots of different subjects and courses to choose from. Options include general qualifications and vocational qualifications. General qualifications include GCSEs and A levels. These qualifications prepare you for a range of different careers, rather than focusing on a specific job. In contrast, vocational qualifications are work-related and can give you the skills needed for a broad area of work or train you for a specific job. Courses are usually practical and involve hands-on projects. Examples of vocational courses include engineering, childcare, hair & beauty, motor vehicle, health & social care and business (plus there are lots more!).
Where do you want to study? For example, at Moseley School, another school that has a sixth form, college or a specialist college.
Q. Where can I study?
A. You have lots of options! These include Moseley School, other schools that have a sixth form, colleges and specialist colleges. They vary in size and the courses they offer, so you’ll need to think about the type of place where you would like to study and what course you want to do.
You may want to stay at Moseley School as you know the teachers and are happy here. Alternatively, you may want a change of scenery and decide that another school or college would be better for you, or you want to do a course that isn’t available at Moseley.
There are also newer specialist colleges to consider, such as Aston University Engineering Academy that specialises in engineering and science courses and Birmingham Ormiston Academy that specialises in creative, digital and performing arts courses.
You could also consider applying to local grammar schools as they offer opportunities to students to join their sixth forms.
It will also depend on what you want to study. For example, if you want to do A levels you’ll need to find a school or college that offers all the ones that interest you.
Please note, not all colleges offer A levels and some colleges may offer A levels at a particular campus (for example, BMET only offers A levels at their campus in Sutton Coldfield).
If you wish to do a practical vocational course, such as motor vehicle studies, you will find that these courses are usually offered by FE colleges that specialise in vocational courses, such as Solihull College and South & City College (and not, for example, at sixth form colleges such as Joseph Chamberlain College, Cadbury College and Solihull 6th Form College).
So it’s really important that you decide what course or courses you want to do and then find out which schools and colleges offer them. You can then use their website and attend open days/evenings to find out more information; such as course entry requirements, what you will study on the course, how it is taught, whether there are any exams, the results students achieve, what students do after the course and what facilities are available (such as a library and access to computers).
You should also consider travel arrangements. How far are you willing to travel and how would you get there? Use google maps to check how long it would get there by bus/car/walking.
Information about Moseley School sixth form courses is available on the school website.
The website addresses for local colleges are:
- Access Creative College – Birmingham
- Aston University Engineering Academy
- Birmingham Metropolitan College (includes Matthew Boulton)
- Birmingham Ormiston Academy
- Cadbury College
- Joseph Chamberlain College
- Solihull Sixth Form College
- Solihull College
- South & City College
- University College Birmingham
Colleges with SEND courses: Some colleges offer supported/foundation learning courses (but not all colleges).
Examples of local colleges that offer foundation/supported learning courses include:
For example, Solihull College foundation learning courses are available to students aged 16-19 years old (25 if they have an ECHP). Students study a timetable comprising of English, maths and vocational studies along with tasters of different vocational areas delivered throughout the year. Solihull College aims to cater for individual needs and to provide an inclusive, positive, quality learning environment for all.
SEND specialist colleges: There are also specialist SEND colleges that may be best for meeting the individual needs of some students, such as Queen Alendra College (QAC). QAC offers a wide range of courses in a safe and friendly environment to suit all levels of ability and many different interests (plus opportunities to develop key skills).
Check out QAC courses at: https://www.qac.ac.uk/courses.htm
Q. What are my course options?
A. Options include general academic qualifications, such as A levels. General qualifications prepare you for a range of different careers, rather than focusing on a specific job.
In contrast, vocational qualifications are work-related and can give you the skills needed for a broad area of work or train you for a specific job. Courses are usually practical, involve hands-on projects and include options like T Levels, BTECs and new V Levels.
V Levels are a new Level 3 vocational qualification and are equivalent in size to one A level. This means students will be able to combine V Levels with A levels, creating a programme that reflects their interests and career ambitions. The first V Levels will be available from September 2027 in digital, education & early years and finance & accounting. More subjects will follow over time.
The course level you study will depend on your GCSE results. For example:
Level 3 courses:
You will usually require a minimum of 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9, usually including maths and English. All can lead to university and other options, such apprenticeships, including degree apprenticeships.
Level 3 options include:
1. A levels (you usually study 3 subjects, some places may allow 4). Assessment is usually 100% exam. You usually need a minimum of 3 subjects for university degrees. For some A level subjects you may need a grade 6 at GCSE (for example, schools and colleges would expect you to get a 6 or higher at GCSE maths to take the subject at A level). Grammar schools may even want a grade 7 or 8 to study particular A levels.
2. Mixing A levels and vocational qualifications, such as BTECs and the new V Levels. For example:
- Taking 2 A levels plus one V Level/BTEC extended certificate.
- Taking 1 A level and 2 V Levels/ BTEC extended certificates.
- Taking 3 V Levels/BTEC extended certificates.
3. Taking a BTEC National Extended Diploma. This is equivalent to 3 A levels and you usually only study one vocational area, such as science, engineering, business, health & social care and performing arts. Assessment is a mixture of exams and coursework.
4. Taking a T Level. Students study one vocational subject that is equivalent to 3 A levels (for example, engineering, computing, education & childcare, accounting and health). This technical qualification is for students who want a career‑focused qualification after GCSEs. They combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement (to put learning into practice). With a T Level you spend about 20% of your time in the workplace and 80% in college. Students who complete their T Level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. T Levels will provide several progression options to students. These include employment, an apprenticeship and higher education. More information is online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-t-levels/introduction-of-t-levels
Level 2 and level 1 courses:
If you are predicted to get lower than 4-5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (or equivalent), including maths and English, you can apply for level 2 or level 1 courses.
These usually last for one or two years and can lead to level 3 courses, apprenticeships and jobs.
Level 2 courses typically require GCSE grade 3s, often including maths and English.
Level 1 courses often require GCSE grades 2s and 1s.
For some courses, you may have to start at level 1 or level 2 as you have to learn the basics first e.g. motor vehicle and construction trade courses.
Current level 2 options include the following:
- Vocational courses at colleges (such as engineering, science, health & social care and lots more). You can choose one vocational subject and retake maths and English GCSEs.
- Staying at Moseley School Sixth Form for level 2 subjects. This option involves having to study BTECs in business and health & social care; plus maths and English GCSEs.
- GCSE resits. For this you may need several GCSEs at grade 3, including maths and English. For example, South & City College offer the option to study 5 GCSEs, including maths and English.
- T level transition course.
New level 2 options:
The Government is also introducing two new level 2 pathways. The new pathways aim to support young people who are at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training), by providing clearer progression routes and more tailored support.
The 2 new pathways are:
- The Occupational Pathway:
For young people who want to progress into the workplace or an apprenticeship after level 2. Courses will be two-years long, be employment-focussed and designed around real jobs and industries. The first students will be able to do catering & hospitality and education & early years from September 2027.
- The Further Study Pathway:
For students who plan to continue in education and progress onto level 3 courses like A levels, T Levels or V levels. These courses aim to bridge the gap to higher-level study. The first courses available will be education & early years and digital (including IT).
SEND supported learning/foundation learning courses:
These help the transition into further education (FE) and offer an insight into what college is like. They support people with Educational Health Care Plans (ECHPs) and special educational needs and disabilities to gain more independence, improve knowledge and get the guidance and encouragement they need.
They help students to achieve their potential to live and work independently. Class sizes are small and support levels are high. They offer a wide range of courses tailored to meet individual needs.
See previous question for examples of colleges that offer these courses.
Q. I want to study A levels, which ones should I take?
A. Reasons for choosing A levels include being good at a subject, enjoying a subject and needing it for a future option/career.
To make an informed choice you need to do your research. Check what you will be studying (especially important if it’s a subject you have not studied before) and make sure your A level subjects keep open any career or university course ideas you have.
Advice about choosing A levels from the Russell Group Universities (they represent 24 UK universities) is that some university courses may require you to have studied a specific subject or subjects prior to entry. This means the subjects you study at sixth form or college will influence the degrees which are open to you at university and potentially your future career. Different universities can have different requirements so you should always check the specific subject requirements for degrees you are interested in.
However, there are also a number of degrees that don’t usually have subject choice requirements.
Use the Russell Groups Informed Choices website to explore how A level choices link to future degree options, particularly at Russell Group universities.
Use the section “I don’t know what degree I would like to study” to explore degree options based on possible A level subject combinations.
Use the section “I know what degree I want to study” to find out what subjects you may need to study at school or college for a particular university course.
Informed Choices has been written by admissions directors from the 24 Russell Group universities and provides information on why subject choice matters. Remember, this is general guidance only. For detailed and up-to-date information you will need to contact individual universities or look up courses on the UCAS website
Q. How do I check if I need a specific subject or subjects for my chosen career?
A. You can use the eCLIPS program to investigate this. Click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor or Mr Silgram). Once you have logged, go to “Job Groups”. There are 23 job groups that have leaflets on a wide range of careers. Each job leaflet includes lots of useful information, such as what qualifications you need to get into that career.
You can also use the Matchmaker quiz of the Xello computer program to explore entry requirements for careers. Log on to the school system and go to the school website > Students > Careers Advice and Guidance > Careers Ideas > I have no career ideas, what can I do? You will then see the Xello link (you will be automatically signed in). If using a phone or computer at home, students will be prompted to log into their school Microsoft account.
Q. When should I apply?
A. Once you have done all your research you should aim to apply by Christmas (especially for popular schools and colleges).
Many places have online applications; check their website for details.
If you are planning to apply to grammar schools, check their website for application deadlines.
Information about Moseley School sixth form courses is available on the school website .
The website addresses for local colleges are:
Q. I’m not sure what course to take or where to do it, is any advice available?
A. If you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you decide what to study and where.
Teachers
Q. What are the benefits of making links between my subject and careers?
A. Students are more engaged with subjects when they see how they relate to the real world. Linking subjects to careers and pathways can make subjects more meaningful and relevant for students.
It can also encourage students to be more aspirational and to realise that there are numerous pathways to success.
Q. Are teachers required to link subjects and careers?</p> <p>
A. The DfE and Ofsted expect schools to be working towards the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks that set out a framework for schools to deliver good career guidance (see table below).
Benchmark 4 conveys that all teachers should link curriculum learning with careers.
The Gatsby Benchmarks set out a framework for schools to deliver “good career guidance”
1. A stable careers programme
Every school should have an embedded programme of career education and guidance that is known and understood by students, parents, teachers, governors and employers.
2. Learning from careers and labour market information
Every student, and their parents, should have access to good quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities.
3. Addressing the needs of each student
Students have different career guidance needs at different stages. Opportunities for advice and support need to be tailored to the needs of each student.
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
All teachers should link curriculum learning with careers. STEM teachers should highlight the relevance of STEM subjects for a wide range of future career paths.
5. Encounters with employers and employees
Every student should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace. This can be through a range of enrichment activities, including visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes.
6. Experiences of workplaces
Every student should have first-hand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing and/or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities and to expand their networks.
7. Encounters with further and higher education
All students should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes both academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace.
8. Personal guidance
Every student should have opportunities for guidance interviews with a Careers Adviser. These should be available whenever study or career choices are being made.
Q. How do I make links between my subject and related careers?
A. Firstly, Mr Silgram, the school’s Careers Leader, has produced posters that link school subjects to careers and employability skills developed in that subject. These are currently displayed around the school and PDF versions can be found on the school’s shared drive > Faculty > CEIAG > National Careers Week.
Also, all faculties support National Careers Week. This takes place in early March and Mr Silgram has produced lesson plans and 68 PowerPoints to help teachers link their subject to careers (for Years 7 to 10). Each subject has 4 lesson starters. The resources for Year 7 and 8 focus on careers related to subjects and the lesson starters for Years 9 and 10 additionally look at related university and apprenticeship pathways. These can also be found on the school intranet > Documents staff shared > Careers > Careers > National Careers Week.
These lesson plans and PowerPoints in particular utilise careers videos from icould.com , bbc bitesize careers , careersbox.co.uk and the following websites to explore how subjects link to careers, university pathways and apprenticeships:
- Prospects – What can I do with my degree: prospects.ac.uk
- UCAS: ucas.com
- Apprenticeships: www.gov.uk
Additional resources you could use in lessons to link your subject to careers: The Careers and Enterprise Company has produced resources (including PowerPoints and an Inspiration Guide) that link subjects to careers. These could be used during National Careers Week or at other times in your lessons. Check these out at https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/my-learning-my-future
There are lots of other ways you can also link subjects to careers, including:
- Inviting employers to speak about their career to students. If you haven’t got your own contacts you can link with organisations that link schools with employers, such as www.founders4schools.org.uk; www.stem.org.uk and www.inspiringthefuture.org
- Employers running workshops and activities. For example, the Technology and Arts Faculty has linked with organisations such as HS2 and Tomorrow’s Engineers to run practical workshops for students. Likewise, the Vocational Education Faculty has linked with Deloitte to run a “Business in a Classroom” project.
- Visiting an employer or an event (such as The Big Bang STEM event at the NEC).
- Teachers talking about their own career path.
- Putting up a faculty careers display.
- Setting real life work scenarios that expand students’ familiarity with different jobs. For example, a maths question about a quantity surveyor.
- Using a newspaper or magazine article to spark discussion.
- Taking students to a university subject master class.
- Year 9 options: Ensuring your subject description conveys how the subject links to future opportunities.
- Year 9 options: Running subject “tasters” and emphasising where the subject can lead (especially useful if you teach a subject students have not studied before).
- Students using careers computer programs to explore careers linked to subjects.
- Checking out resources on professional body and Royal Society websites, such as the Royal Society for Biology: www.rsb.org.uk
- Purchasing resources that link subjects to careers. For example, check out Success at schools: Success at school.org
Q. How do I help students who ask me careers related questions?
A. Young people have a wide range of choices available to them and they are likely to ask staff for information and advice about future options and opportunities.
Staff may therefore find it useful to refer students to the wide range of careers information available on the school website. The information is designed to help students to make an informed decision.
There are 13 sections that focus on key questions and answers and you will also find links to useful websites, videos and other sources of information and help.
Please click here careers-advice-guidance to check out any of the following 13 sections:
- Need careers advice?
- Year 8 options
- Options after Year 11
- Post-18 options
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- Further education
- Jobs and voluntary work
- University applications
- Student finance
- Career ideas
- Parents and carers
- Useful websites and information
- Careers entitlements
You can also make referrals to the school’s impartial careers adviser, Mr Silgram.
Additionally, check out the following: “Top 12 things to know about careers for teachers”. Located on the school intranet > Staff Shared documents > Careers > Careers.
Apprenticeships
Q. What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
A. Benefits include earning a salary, getting paid holidays, receiving training, gaining qualifications and earning job-specific skills.
Q. How much do you get paid?
A. All apprentices must receive the appropriate national minimum wage. The rate per hour depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice. The rates are usually updated every October. For the latest information go to the Government website
Q. What types of apprenticeships are available?
A. Lots! The apprenticeship website says there are over 150,000 employers “offering apprenticeships in more than 200,000 locations, covering more than 170 industries and 1,500 job roles”. Specific examples include:
- Accounting
- Animal care
- Teaching assistant
- Healthcare support worker
- Dental nurse
- Pharmacy technician
- Cabin crew
- Leisure
- Travel services
- Design assistant
- Construction
- Engineering
- IT
- Retail
- Hair and beauty
- Plus lots more…
In the West Midlands, the following 5 apprenticeship types had the most opportunities last year:
- Business, Administration and Law
e.g. accounting technician, finance assistant, legal secretary, office junior, market researcher, salesperson, social media assistant, web designer, customer service adviser, HR assistant.
- Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
e.g. car body repair, vehicle maintenance, tool maker, welder, software engineer.
- Health, Public Services and Care
e.g. early year’s worker, care assistant, nursery nurse, healthcare assistant, dental nurse, pharmacy assistant.
- Information and Communication Technology
e.g. database administrator, junior network security officer, website designer, software developer, software tester, helpdesk professional, network engineer.
- Retail and Commercial Enterprise
e.g. hairdresser, barber, shop assistant, junior beauty therapist, cook/chef, hospitality assistant, housekeeper, waiter, warehouse operative, customer service adviser.
Q. What levels of apprenticeships are available?
A. There are three types of apprenticeship you can apply for depending on your current skills and qualifications. These are:
- Intermediate level apprenticeships. These are generally considered to be the same level as five GCSE passes.
- Advanced Level Apprenticeships. These are generally considered to be the same level as two A level passes.
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.
SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPS:
Supported Internships are opportunities for young people aged 16-25 years old who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). They are designed to enable young people with SEND to achieve paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work through learning in the workplace.
The roles available will be varied and will include hospitality, catering, office work and warehousing. Check out the following college supported internships:
For example, QAC has worked with some well-known employers such as the BBC, The Burlington Hotel, Birmingham University, The Conservation Wildlife Reserve, The Rep, Midlands Arts Centre and a number of retail outlets within the local community. They currently provide five distinct supported internship pathways:
- Environmental & Maintenance.
- Retail & Customer Service.
- Care.
- Hospitality.
- Business Administration.
Each student at QAC will work closely with their assigned Job Coach, who supports and helps them throughout the duration of the programme.
Q. What are higher apprenticeships?
A. The UCAS website conveys that higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain a higher education qualification, such as an NVQ Level 4, HND or foundation degree. They can take from one to five years to complete, and involve part-time study at a college, university or training provider.
Use the apprenticeship website to check out the latest apprenticeship vacancies.
Q. What are degree apprenticeships?
A. They have been developed by businesses, universities and colleges. Apprentices will split their time between university study and the workplace and will be employed throughout – gaining a full bachelor’s or master’s degree from a top university while earning a wage and getting real on-the-job experience in their chosen profession.
Use the apprenticeship website to search for degree apprenticeship vacancies.
The UCAS website also has useful information about degree apprenticeships.
The Prospects website provides further information about degree apprenticeships.
For further information and to search for opportunities also check out the following:
- Get my first job – Get my first job (Includes apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies).
- Careermap – Career map website (Search and apply for apprenticeships.
- Rate my apprenticeship – Rate my apprenticeship website (Includes useful information and apprenticeship vacancies).
- Amazing Apprenticeships – Amazing apprenticeships website
Q. What are the entry requirements for intermediate and advanced apprenticeships?
A. They vary. An apprenticeship is like a job and students need to demonstrate a strong interest in their chosen apprenticeship area and be ready to start a job! You need to check the apprenticeship vacancies for the specific entry requirements. For example, some may want 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, others may ask for a Level 2 qualification in English and maths (such as GCSEs at 9-4 or a Level 2 Award in Functional Skills). Some may ask you to take a numeracy and literacy test before you are accepted onto the Apprenticeship.
Q. How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
A. You need to search and apply using the apprenticeship website. You can also check out employer websites if you have a particular employer in mind.
Other useful websites for applying for apprenticeships include:
- Amazing Apprenticeships: www.amazingapprenticeships.com
- Get my first job: www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk
- Careermap: www.careermap.co.uk
- Rate my apprenticeship: www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk
- UCAS: www.ucas.com/degree-apprenticeships Has useful information about degree apprenticeships.
Q. What is a foundation apprenticeship?
A. A foundation apprenticeship is an entry-level vocational training course and are designed to help young people get started in an industry. They are targeted at young people at the start of their career who have limited work experience and combine classroom learning with on-the-job training. You will get paid while learning about your chosen trade or industry and completing a recognised Level 2 qualification. They usually lasts 8-12 months. You do not need to have any specific qualifications or experience to apply.
Q. Is any support available to help me search for an apprenticeship?
A. Yes, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser.
Post 18 Options
Q. What are my options after I finish my A level/BTEC level 3 courses?
A. Your main options are higher education, doing an apprenticeship , finding a job , further education or taking a year out.
Q. I’m thinking of taking a year out, what could I do?
A. Reasons for taking a gap year vary. For example, you may want to use the time to review your future plans, go travelling, do work experience (possibly linked to your chosen course or future career plans), develop new skills, earn money to fund your university place or volunteer in the UK or abroad.
For more information, check out “The gap year guide book” (available in the sixth form library) or useful websites, such as Prospects
Q. I want to study art at university; do I need to study an art foundation course first?
A. Possibly. It is often a requirement to have studied an art and design foundation course to gain entry to many art and design courses at university. You need to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen universities.
Q. What are higher apprenticeships?
A. The UCAS website conveys that higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain a higher education qualification, such as an NVQ Level 4, HND or foundation degree. They can take from one to five years to complete, and involve part-time study at a college, university or training provider.
Use the apprenticeship website to check out the latest apprenticeship vacancies.
Q. What are degree apprenticeships?
A. They have been developed by businesses, universities and colleges. Apprentices will split their time between university study and the workplace and will be employed throughout – gaining a full bachelor’s or master’s degree from a top university while earning a wage and getting real on-the-job experience in their chosen profession.
Use the apprenticeship website to search for degree apprenticeship vacancies.
The UCAS website also has useful information about degree apprenticeships.
The Prospects website provides further information about degree apprenticeships.
For further information and to search for opportunities also check out the following:
- Get my first job – Get my first job (Includes apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies).
- Careermap – Career map website (Search and apply for apprenticeships.
- Rate my apprenticeship – Rate my apprenticeship website (Includes useful information and apprenticeship vacancies).
- Amazing Apprenticeships – Amazing apprenticeships website
Options after Year 11
Icould videos show people telling their personal career stories in their own words and they provide a first-hand account of what it’s like to work in a wide variety of jobs and sectors.
They also include people talking about their own choices at 16 and has articles and information about your options.
Q. Do I have to stay in education until I’m 18?
A. No, but the government has increased the age you must continue in learning. This means that Year 11 students must be in some form of learning until they are 18 years old.
You can choose from the following:
- Stay in full-time education. For example, at a college or school sixth form.
- Start an apprenticeship.
- Spend 20 hours or more a week working (including family businesses) or volunteering, combined with part-time education/training.
Go to the government website for more information
Q. When is the school leaving date?
A. The official date is the last Friday of June of the school year in which you turn 16.
Q. What are my options after Year 11?
A. Your main options are further education , apprenticeships and jobs.
For more information about your options after Year 11, check out the Icould videos. The Icould videos include people talking about their own choices at 16 and has articles about your options.
Q. Can I get any money if I stay on at school, go to college or start with a training provider?
A. It depends on personal circumstances. The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is aimed at students who need financial help so that they can stay in learning. The Bursary Fund can help pay for costs like equipment you might need for your course and transport.
It can be worth £1,200 a year if you are:
- In or recently left local authority care.
- Getting Income Support or Universal Credit because you are financially supporting yourself.
- Getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.
- Getting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit.
If you’re not in one of the above groups you may still get a bursary depending on your personal circumstances. You need to check with your school, college or training provider to see if you are eligible.
More information is also on the government website.
Additionally, if you’re studying and aged under 20 at the start of your course, Care to Learn can help pay for your childcare costs while you’re learning. More information is on the government website.
Q. I’m not sure what to do after Year 11, what can I do?
A. If you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you decide what to do after Year 11.
Q. When should I start applying for courses, apprenticeships and jobs?
A. If staying in further education, aim to apply by Christmas at the latest as some colleges fill up before the Christmas holidays! Check the course entry requirements and it is advisable to attend open days/evenings.
Most apprenticeships and jobs are looking for “immediate starts”, so the majority of the opportunities you can go for will be advertised later in Year 11 (such as April onwards). However, some employers recruit early, such as Jaguar Land Rover.
Use the apprenticeship website to create an account and to search and apply for vacancies. You can also set-up alerts for opportunities that interest you. Remember, some apprenticeship areas, such as motor vehicle, electrical work or childcare, are very popular!
If you’re looking for a job, check out the Jobs and voluntary work section.
Q. I have no career ideas, what can I do?
A. You can use the eCLIPS program to explore this. Click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor or Mr Silgram). Once you have logged, explore “Job Groups” to find careers that interest you.
Alternatively, use the National Careers Service Job Profiles to explore careers.
Also, if you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you decide what to do after Year 11.
Students at Moseley School can also use the Xello careers program to explore career ideas.
Xello puts students at the centre of their journey of self-discovery. Every student will build the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their own unique future. Explore interests, skills, options, careers and create a plan that outlines
the steps needed to achieve school, career, and life goals. Students can use the Career Matcher to find careers that align to their passions and skills. There’s also a Personality Style Assessment that helps students learn why certain careers are a good match for them based on their unique traits, likes and dislikes. Additionally, the Learning Style Assessment helps students discover how they learn best.
Year 9 Options
Icould videos include people talking about their own choices at 14 and their own personal career stories, covering a wide variety of jobs and sectors.
The website also has articles and information about your option choices.
Q. Are GCSE and other subject choices made in Year 9?
A. Like many schools, students at Moseley School choose their courses in Year 9. Up to now you’ve studied subjects that the school has chosen for you. However, this year will give you the chance to choose some subjects you want to study in Years 10 and 11. This is the first time you can make subject choices, so use it wisely.
Good news! Whatever subjects you choose, your future careers choices are unlikely to be affected (as the core subjects you study will keep future careers options open).
It is also possible to transfer at the start of Year 10 to a specialist vocational college, such as Aston University Engineering Academy (which specialises in engineering and science courses) and Birmingham Ormiston Academy (which specialises in creative, digital and performing arts courses).
Q. Are there any subjects I have to do?
A. Yes, the “Core Curriculum” is studied by all students to ensure basic skills are developed and a broad and balanced education is gained by everyone. These include English, maths, science, RE and history or geography (plus PE and personal development, which are non-examined).
Q. What choices will I have?
A. The “Additional Curriculum” enables you to choose other GCSE/BTEC subjects, such as art, drama, computer science, engineering, business studies, health & social care, travel & tourism and sport studies. Full details of courses on offer will be in your Year 9 information booklet.
Q. What is the English Baccalaureate (EBacc)?
A. The EBacc is not a qualification in itself. It is a particular group of GCSE subjects looked on favourably by universities. The subjects are English, maths, science (including computer science), history or geography and a modern foreign language. You do not need to have studied all these subjects to go to university but having your GCSE mix steered towards the English Baccalaureate will help keep options open.
Q. What is a BTEC?
A. BTECs are work-related qualifications. They cover a wide range of vocational areas and learning is related to the world of work. Assessment is through a portfolio of work, but may also include some examination. A level 2 qualification is equivalent to GCSE at grade 9 to 4. They can be taken alongside, or in place of, GCSEs.
Q. What is a GCSE?
A. General Certificate of Secondary Education. GCSEs cover general subjects like English, maths, history, science and languages. The Government has introduced changes, including a new 1-9 grading scale. This replaced the A* to G grades. For example, grades 4/5 are equivalent to a grade C, grade 6 is equivalent to a grade B and grades 7-9 are equivalent to A/A*. Full exams will be taken in the summer at the end of two years of study.
Q. When do I have to make my choices?
A. Choices are usually made in January/February of Year 9.
Q. How do I choose what subjects to take?
A. Reasons for choosing a subject include:
- Enjoying it.
- Finding it interesting.
- Being good at it.
- Teachers indicating that you will do well at it.
- The subject is needed or useful for future career ideas.
Ensure you read the course information in your Year 9 information booklet. You need to make sure courses suit your own personal learning style, so think about the way you learn best. Check out how each subject is taught and whether you are assessed by coursework or an examination (or both).
Also, discuss the courses available with parents/carers, family and other people, such as subject teachers, your form tutor/Head of House for general advice, Mr Edwards (Deputy Headteacher) and the school’s careers adviser, Mr Silgram.
Mr Silgram can be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extension 27035, or by email: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk
You should not choose a subject just because your friends are doing it!
Q. Will I get any other support from the school?
A. Yes. You will also have an opportunity to attend, with your parents/carers, a Year 9 Pathways Evening, which will give further information about the options on offer and how the process works.
Additionally, during school time, there will be personal development careers lessons to provide an opportunity for you to explore options available and to see how subjects relate to careers. Although you don’t need to decide what career you want just yet, giving it some thought may help with Year 9 options.
For further information, you could also check the icould videos.
Q. What jobs could I do with a specific subject e.g. art and design?
A. You can use the eCLIPS program to investigate this. Click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor or Mr Silgram). Once you have logged on, go to choose “Education” and then choose the relevant subject leaflet (such as art and design).
You could also use the eCLIPS job families to find related careers. Go to “Job Groups” and choose the ones that interest you. For example, if you want to explore careers related to art and design, go to the “Design, arts and crafts” job family.
Alternatively, use the National Careers Service Job Profiles to check out careers.
Additionally, check out BBC Bitesize to check out where your favourite subjects could take you.
Q. What subjects do I need to become a…?
A. You can use the eCLIPS program to investigate this. Click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor or Mr Silgram). Once you have logged, go to “Job Groups”. There are 23 job groups that have leaflets on a wide range of careers. Each job leaflet includes lots of useful information, such as what qualifications you need to get into that career.
You can also use the Matchmaker quiz of the Xello computer program to explore entry requirements for careers. Log on to the school system and go to the school website > Students > Careers Advice and Guidance > Careers Ideas > I have no career ideas, what can I do? You will then see the Xello link (you will be automatically signed in). If using a phone or computer at home, students will be prompted to log into their school Microsoft account.
Q. I have no career ideas, what can I do?
A. You can use the eCLIPS program to explore this. Click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor or Mr Silgram). Once you have logged, explore “Job Groups” to find careers that interest you.
Alternatively, use the National Careers Service Job Profiles to explore careers.
Students at Moseley School can also use the Xello careers program to explore career ideas.
Xello puts students at the centre of their journey of self-discovery. Every student will build the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their own unique future. Explore interests, skills, options, careers and create a plan that outlines
the steps needed to achieve school, career, and life goals. Students can use the Career Matcher to find careers that align to their passions and skills. There’s also a Personality Style Assessment that helps students learn why certain careers are a good match for them based on their unique traits, likes and dislikes. Additionally, the Learning Style Assessment helps students discover how they learn best.
Need careers advice?
Q: Can I get careers advice in school?
A: Yes, Moseley School employs its own careers adviser. Mr Silgram is a qualified careers adviser and a registered professional with the Career Development Institute.
Mr Silgram provides impartial (unbiased) information, advice and guidance (IAG) to help students make an informed decision about their future options and career choices.
1:1 and small group careers meetings are available with Mr Silgram.
Mr Silgram can be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extension 27035, or by email: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk
A range of careers information is available in the main library and the sixth form library. For more details go to Useful websites & information
Q. Is there any help I can get when I’m not in school or when I’ve left?
A. Yes, support is available from the National Careers Service. Their careers advisers can talk to you about your choices online or over the phone on 0800 100 900. Advisers are available from 8 am to 10 pm.
Also, you can get help from Birmingham Careers Service if:
- You have left school.
- Are aged 16 to 19 (up to 25 if you have a learning difficulty or disability).
- Are unemployed and looking for a college course, job, training or apprenticeship.
This service is available at their Birmingham Careers Service outreach venues.
