Key Stage 3 Careers

A programme preparing students for the world of work — exploring careers, developing skills and mindset, and building the knowledge to make informed, positive choices about the future.

Programme Leader: Ms Cerys Parker · cerysparker@ficedu.org · +44 (01394) 282388

At Felixstowe International College, careers education begins in Key Stage 3 and is delivered as a structured, progressive programme across Years 7, 8 and 9. Lessons are timetabled fortnightly and are mapped to the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, the CDI Career Development Framework, and statutory guidance on careers education.

The programme is designed to develop students’ self-awareness, understanding of the world of work, and ability to make informed decisions about their future pathways. Across the three years, every student has at least five meaningful encounters with the world of work, including a work shadow day and four further employer or workplace contacts. Encounters are delivered in assemblies through visits and speaker invitations specifically for KS3 students.

Programme by Year

year learning content
Year 7 — Knowing Yourself Students explore their own strengths, skills, values and interests, and begin to understand the breadth of the world of work. They are introduced to labour market information and start to see connections between their learning and future careers. Encounter: Year 7 students have their first employer encounter through an in-school talk or assembly.
Year 8 — Exploring the World of Work Students broaden their understanding of different industries, sectors and career pathways, including local, national and global labour markets. They develop enterprise and employability skills and explore how different qualifications and routes lead to different careers. Encounters: Year 8 students complete a workplace visit and take part in a further employer encounter such as an enterprise challenge or employer panel.
Year 9 — Planning for the Future Students focus on their post-KS3 choices and begin to plan their next steps. They develop research skills, consider the full range of pathways including apprenticeships, further education and higher education, and are introduced to CV writing and personal statements. Encounters: Year 9 students complete a work shadow day with a local employer, supported by structured preparation and reflection, and take part in a mock interview or employer-led session.
Personal Guidance All students have access to individual careers guidance conversations at key decision points, including at transition from KS3 to KS4.

year learning content

Year 7 — Knowing Yourself

Students explore their own strengths, skills, values and interests, and begin to understand the breadth of the world of work. They are introduced to labour market information and start to see connections between their learning and future careers.

Encounter: Year 7 students have their first employer encounter through an in-school talk or assembly.

Year 8 — Exploring the World of Work

Students broaden their understanding of different industries, sectors and career pathways, including local, national and global labour markets. They develop enterprise and employability skills and explore how different qualifications and routes lead to different careers.

Encounters: Year 8 students complete a workplace visit and take part in a further employer encounter such as an enterprise challenge or employer panel.

Year 9 — Planning for the Future

Students focus on their post-KS3 choices and begin to plan their next steps. They develop research skills, consider the full range of pathways including apprenticeships, further education and higher education, and are introduced to CV writing and personal statements.

Encounters: Year 9 students complete a work shadow day with a local employer, supported by structured preparation and reflection, and take part in a mock interview or employer-led session.

Personal Guidance

All students have access to individual careers guidance conversations at key decision points, including at transition from KS3 to KS4.