Careers
Preparing students for Post 16 begins in Year 7. Dowdales ensures that our students will have access to:
- A stable careers programme
- Learn from carer and labour market information
- Support for their individual needs
- Curriculum learning is linked to careers, where appropriate
- Encounters with employers and employees
- Experience of the work place
- Encounters with Higher and Further education
- Personal guidance
In addition, preparation also happens when students reach Year 9. Here, they are guided in their option choices ensuring that students choose the correct options that will allow them to follow their chosen career path.
Throughout Year 10 and 11 there is an extensive careers programme, this includes all local further education establishments delivering presentations about their programmes of study to enable students to make the correct choice for them should they wish to continue studies. We have many links with universities from across the country giving our students a knowledge and taste of university life.
In addition to this, visits are made from all major local businesses, where students are given relevant information should they wish to pursue a career in one of these areas. All applications are fully supported by Mr Ridyard our specialist Careers and Inspira Adviser.
Below you will find details of the activities and events that take place for each year group as part of our stable careers programme.
Download a PDF of the Careers Summary here to see the activities we undertake to help prepare students for their next steps.
Mr Rushton, Assistant Headteacher, Careers Leader
01229 469800
Email: click here
Mr Ridyard, Professional Adviser, Inspira
01229 469800/ 01229 824052
Email: click here
Inspira is a specialist provider of services for young people. Inspira services support personal development and informed decision-making that promotes positive life choices and outcomes for people at key transition points in their lives.
We work closely with Inspira to ensure as many of our ex-students as possible enter education, employment or training. This helps us to measure and assess our careers programme and its impact on our students.
For more information visit Inspira: https://www.inspira.org.uk/
Careers Activities
Army Engagement Activities for Year 7 through to Year 10
Our Careers Fair - open to all year groups
Nuclear Scholar Programme with BAE. Event attended Year 11
Careers and Examinations News
See all information below, or join our Facebook page: facebook.com/dowdalesschoolyear10and11 for the latest in Careers and Examinations news for Year 10 and 11 students.
Past information on Careers and Examinations
Oxley apprenticeship Drop ins Feb half term
Oxley apprentice drop in sessions at the Portland Walk careers hub over half term.
Oxley Group Apprenticeships on offer in Ulverston
Oxley Group [in Ulverston] have engineering and business administration apprenticeships on offer that could lead to HR, Finance, Marketing or Project Management roles within the
Media Make up course taster 15th Feb
Interested in a career within beauty therapy or media make-up? There is a free interactive taster session at Lancaster & Morecambe College on Thursday 15th
Myerscough College course advice Feb & March
Myerscough College have course advice mornings coming up
Business, Engineering & Teaching Apprenticeship tasters
Gen2 for apprenticeships in business, engineering & teaching assistant. See photos for details.
Year 11 practise mock interviews
At Dowdales School, on Wednesday morning, Year 11 students completed mock interviews with employers from around the local area. The feedback was very positive from
Career Subject Links
Would you like to have a career in Fashion Design or perhaps Forensic Science? Choosing subjects you enjoy and have a passion for will help you on your career journey.
For example, studying Biology is linked to careers in Zoology, Healthcare, Beauty Therapy, Marine Biology and many more!
Here is a guide to some of the careers linked to your subjects.
Careers Programme
Throughout the school year a number of events are integrated into the school careers programme offering providers an opportunity to come in to school to speak to students and/or their parents and carers.
Year 7
Careers Survey
University Taster Visit
World of World session with local businesses and providers (summer term)
Year 8
University Taster Visit
University Provider Assembly with Higher Education Focus
Careers talks from outside providers
World of Work session with local businesses and providers (summer term)
Year 9
KS4 Options Evening, and Careers Fair
University Provider Assembly with Higher Education Focus
World of World session with local businesses (summer term)
University Taster Days
Selected cohort visit the University of Cambridge and Oxford University
Year 10
Cohort of students enrolled on to local 6th Form College Honours Programme
STEM event organised by BAE Systems
Selected cohort visit the University of Cambridge and Oxford University
Selected cohort enrolled on the University of Warwick Unitracks Programme
University Taster Days
One to One Careers Interviews
Work Experience
Year 11
Cohort of students enrolled on to local 6th Form College Honours Programme
Tuesday morning Careers focused talks
Careers Fair for students, parents and carers
Interview practice event
Preparation for Learning Careers Focus
Further Education and Apprenticeship Provider Assemblies
One to One Careers Interviews
Supportive optional workshops
Access to dedicated TEAMS careers bulletin with open evening, course and apprenticeship information