Events and Educational Visits

The careers team at De La Salle works hard to provide opportunities for pupils to attend events and activities to find out about future careers and education options. You can find out more below or by visiting our News pages.

Chemistry Masterclass

Last half term 30 of our Year 10 students had a Chemistry masterclass on 'Thermometric Titrations' as part of the 'Chemistry for all' programme. This is designed to raise aspirations, foster a love of Science and show pupils how Science can link to stimulating and well paid career opportunities. On the 11th July, 30 Year 10 students will be attending Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) for a 'Chemistry of Food' day!

Healthcare Science Skills Show

On Wednesday 8^th March forty seven year 9&10 students attended a Healthcare Science Skills Show at Knowsley Community College. The fun and interactive event gave students the opportunity to explore a diverse range of careers in this growing industry, hear from leading professionals and also take part in lots of activities, which included:

Session 1: Stalls to try hands-on activities. Students used some of the latest medical technology including an ultrasound machine to take measurements of artery and vein diameter and training devise used by real surgeons to carry out keyhole surgery.

Session 2: Positivity and goal setting lecture. Students completed a workbook and set their own goals.

Session 3: Careers and Education stalls. A huge variety of employers and education providers were on hand to give our students some great advice and they also managed to pick up a few freebies along the way.

A great day with lots of exciting ideas to help our students plan for the future.

Mock Magistrates Competition

A group of our Year 8 students recently took part in a Mock Magistrates Competition. The team did fantastically well and were judged by a variety of Magistrates, court staff and the High Sheriff of Merseyside. Other schools competing included Liverpool College, Upton Hall, and North Liverpool Academy. The students received certificates signed by the Sheriff, which were later given out during assembly.

Well done to Ellis Butler who was the star of the day, taking Lead Magistrates seat!

National Careers Week 2023

National Careers Week is a one-week celebration of careers guidance which takes place every year allowing schools, colleges, universities and training providers to highlight the opportunities available to young people and their parents and carers.

Here at De La Salle, our aim is to help support our students to develop understanding, awareness and excitement about their future careers and education pathways.

During next week, students will access NCW information during assemblies, form time and across subject areas.

In science lessons, pupils enjoyed a range of online careers shows and career related activities from the team at Medical Mavericks, whose aim is to inspire the next generation of medics and scientists.

In modern foreign languages, pupils learnt new words for different types of jobs in both French and Spanish, discussing their ideal job. They also talked about the skills required in the workplace and the benefits of learning a language for their future career.

Mrs Scully is our Careers Advisor from Career Connect who is in school each week on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, when she also runs drop in sessions at break and lunchtime.

Please find attached the supporting NCW 2023 Parents Guide and a selection of form time resources.

KS3 Jobs People Do

KS4 The Future of Work

NCW 2023 Form

What’s My Job?

On Tuesday 25^th April our year 7 students took part in their very first careers event at De La Salle. This involved several volunteers from a wide range of occupations coming in to school. They arrived dressed casually and students were able to question each of them to try to establish their occupations. The point being to remove any unintended bias or prejudice that might exist in who the students think might fulfil these roles. Afterwards, all students gathered in the main hall for each employer to reveal their ‘true identity’, bringing with them specialist equipment and uniform. Students were then given additional time to ask any further questions.

Amongst our volunteers were a care provider, police officer, council worker, surveyor and digital marketing manager. The students really enjoyed the event and the challenges of working out who did what. One student made a lovely comment saying to the care provider “I think you in the care uniform have the best job of all because you really do care for people.”

Our students thoroughly enjoyed this experience with the majority giving the event 5 stars out of 5; stating they would like to take part in the event again.

Thank you to all the employers involved, who gave up their time to take part and provide our students with such as fantastic opportunity.

Year 9 Options

Year 9 is a vital year where students transition from lower school students who are curious and excited, to upper students who form their own opinions about education, careers and the world beyond.

In year 9 our primary focus is preparing students to choose their GCSE options subjects, remembering that whatever a student’s thoughts or feelings are, there is one thing for certain: the future is theirs to create.

We at De La Salle believe that choosing options should be exciting. We encourage students to take their time over this decision and take it seriously. In order to support and prepare our students for this, we provide them and their parents with a range of opportunities to explore all subjects and post 16 progression routes. This year’s programme of activities included:

Year 9 options assembly delivered by SLT careers Lead Mr Hale and Head of Year 9.
Form time carousel – which involves all Head of Departments delivering a short presentation about their subject at GCSE and the careers it can lead to.
Student and parent options evening – presentation from core GCSE subjects followed by an interactive subject fayre, which is also attended by local post 16 providers including Carmel College, St Helens College and Career Connect Education and Business.

Assemblies from at least 2 local providers of A-Levels, apprenticeships and technical education

Year 11 Mock Interviews

Year 11 Mock Interviews took place in school on Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th January 2023. All students were given an after school appointment, for a 20 minute interview with an employer. Prior to their interviews, students were given the opportunity to prepare during their PSHCE lessons, which included an assembly delivered by the CEIAG Team, role play activities, sample interview question and CV Writing workshop.

All students completed and submitted their own CV which was given to their allocated interviewer prior to their interview. Interviewers from educational, industry, and professional backgrounds volunteered their time and expertise to ensure our students gained valuable experience to improve their confidence for future interviews, apprenticeships, university places etc. All students were given both verbal and written feedback on their CV and interview conduct.

A small cohort of students, including those students working towards Asdan Award attended a bespoke mock interview during the school day.

Although nervous, all students found the interview to be a valuable, positive learning experience.

Year 8 & 9 Resilience Workshops

The Careers Department organised a visit from an external company to school in March called 'Loudspeaker' who worked with groups of students in Year 8 and 9.

Loudspeaker: ‘Playing our part in creating a world where young people have the confidence and the tools to speak out and speak well.’

‘The Game of Life’ Workshop focused on student resilience, confidence, raising aspirations, emotional intelligence and motivation.

Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day’s activities which concluded with presentations from a wide range of pupils, demonstrating the confidence gained and transferable life skills which will support them on their future career path journey at De La Salle and beyond.

Year 8 Intra School Work Shadowing

In December 2022 our year 8 students started their Intra School Work Shadowing programme, which involves all year 8 students completing a one-day work experience placement within school.

Students have really enjoyed their placements thus far, in the following areas: Site Team, Canteen, Art Department, PE Department, Technology Technician, Agilisys (IT), Chapel, Performing, Student services, Enrichment and Head Teacher.

This will continue, every Wednesday until the end of the school year.