Staff 

• Mrs Judith Mallon – Leader of Learning Support and CEIAG 
• Mr Conn Gervin 

Aims of the Department

The Careers Department aims to: 

• Empower Pupils for Future Readiness 
  Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed career choices, fostering ambition and resilience as they prepare for further education, training, and employment. 

• Promote Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity 
  Ensure every pupil, regardless of background or ability, has access to high-quality careers education, advice, and guidance that supports their individual aspirations and potential. 

• Cultivate Values-Driven Personal Growth 
  Embed the school’s core values—respect, kindness, integrity, and truth—into careers education, encouraging students to pursue paths that reflect their character and contribute positively to society. 

• Strengthen Community Engagement and Contribution 
  Inspire students to see their future roles as active contributors to their local and global communities, promoting social responsibility and service through meaningful career pathways. 

Curriculum Overview 

Key Stage 3 

Students follow the Learning for Life and Work (LLW) curriculum, which includes a dedicated strand on Education for Employability. This curriculum is designed to support holistic development and future readiness, and is structured around three key themes: 

• Work in the Local and Global Economy- Pupils explore how global economic trends affect employment in Northern Ireland. They learn about different sectors, job roles, and the impact of globalisation on local opportunities, helping them understand the broader context of career planning. 

• Career Management- Students are introduced to the concept of lifelong learning and career flexibility. They develop skills in self-assessment, goal setting, and personal career planning, preparing them to navigate multiple career paths and transitions. 

• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship- This theme encourages creativity, initiative, and problem-solving. Pupils investigate what it means to be enterprising, both as employees and potential entrepreneurs, and learn about the value of innovation and adaptability in the workplace 

Key Stage 4 

At Key Stage 4, the Employability strand of the Learning for Life and Work (LLW) curriculum continues to build on the foundations laid in KS3, with a stronger focus on career planning, workplace skills, and real-world application. Here's a brief overview of what students typically follow: 

Understanding the World of Work- Pupils explore employment trends, job sectors, and the changing nature of work. They examine the impact of technology, globalisation, and economic factors on career opportunities, helping them make realistic and informed choices. 

Preparing for Employment- Students develop practical employability skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. They also learn about rights and responsibilities in the workplace, including health and safety and equality legislation. 

Exploring Career Pathways- Pupils investigate a range of career options, including vocational routes, apprenticeships, further education, and training. They reflect on their own strengths, interests, and values to create personalised career action plans. 

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship- Building on KS3, students engage in enterprise activities that promote initiative, creativity, and leadership. They may take part in mini-business projects or simulations that mirror real-life entrepreneurial experiences. 

Extra Information 

• This curriculum is often supported by work experience placements in Year 11, guest speakers, career fairs, and guidance interviews, all of which aim to prepare students for life beyond school in a way that reflects the school’s values of respect, kindness, integrity, and community contribution. 

• We are a Young Enterprise Northern Ireland partner school, and in 2024-2025 we received the highest status award of Excellence in Enterprise (GOLD) as part of YENI Centres of Excellence programme. Young Enterprise Northern Ireland (YENI) is a charity that works with schools to help young people develop essential life and work skills. Through fun, hands-on programmes, such as NI Big Market in St George’s Market, Belfast, pupils learn about business, money management, and career planning—preparing them to succeed in the workplace and contribute positively to society.  

• We have invested heavily in PeopleHawk- an online careers platform. PeopleHawk helps students discover their strengths, explore career options, and build a personalised digital career profile. Using interactive assessments and AI tools, it guides pupils through a structured journey—helping them prepare CVs, personal statements, and interview answers, while matching their skills and interests to real job and course opportunities