​Stonyhurst pupils empowered about their futures

This month Stonyhurst College empowered its pupils through a series of activities during National Careers Week.

The Careers Department at Stonyhurst organised a series of career talks by external professionals from an extensive variety of fields including Studying in Spain, Careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and Careers in the Creative Industries.

Teachers at the College were equipped to deliver careers lessons linked to their subject and informed pupils about how subjects are linked to certain careers and industries. Lessons included careers in English, Physical Education, and Science. Pupils from Year 9 to those in the Sixth Form benefitted from these bespoke lessons and prompted pupils to discuss their own interests and prospective careers. Teachers also spoke to their pupils about their own career journeys during their lessons.

Emily Nolan, Head of Careers, said: "Stonyhurst encourages its pupils to follow their individual interests and to flourish academically in their chosen subjects in order to achieve their goals. During National Careers Week our young people have been inspired to think about their future careers and how they will get there. The support offered on this journey comes from knowing each of our pupils as individuals, providing for their individual needs, and helping them become well-rounded adults."

The support offered from Stonyhurst’s Careers Department is going from strength to strength. In addition to the ramped-up activities and support given to its pupils during National Careers Week, the school offers a wealth of resources that can be utilised throughout the year, and pupils are encouraged to attend weekly talks relating to specialist options such as Law, Medicine, elite universities and apprenticeships. During their Syntax Year (Year 11), pupils complete aptitude and interests tests which suggest suitable Sixth Form courses, subjects, and career pathways. Pupils and parents are given individual opportunities to discuss the results in order to make informed decisions about their futures.

Nikolai, a Year 11 pupil shares his hopes for his future having recently made a well-informed subject choice for Higher Line: "After leaving Stonyhurst I would like to go to university to study a course within the scientific field. Hopefully, this will lead me to land a future career in marine biology as that is my dream career."

Stonyhurst’s Careers Department is striving to achieve the Quality in Careers Standard which will be announced at the end of this month.