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Are you worrying that your students may not be getting the right support to meet their individual needs? What do you have in place for your pupils least likely to come out of school with the best education?

There is so much change happening in the education sector at the moment. The call for all schools to become academies by 2020 has sparked debate; getting into top universities is becoming even more competitive. The class of 2017 will have a unique set of results – with number grades for English and Maths, and letter grades for other subjects. The following year will see more change with all grades moving to the numerical format. It is public knowledge that this change coincides with higher GCSE grades becoming more difficult to achieve. As a result, there is bound to be a level of uncertainty for some students, leaving them vulnerable and unsure.

And that’s before you even consider the personal issues affecting the day to day lives of pupils. Perhaps you are aware that certain students are going to struggle with choosing their options or that despite being academically gifted, some of the pupils suffer from anxiety which hinders their progress in exams. You may be worried that Abigail is likely to go into meltdown even before the start of her GCSEs or Joe is going to find the decision making too much to cope with on top of everything else he is dealing with at the moment.

What does this mean and how will you help your vulnerable students prepare for this change?

If you are able to offer students the uninterrupted space and opportunity to think and talk about their futures, work with the challenges they are facing and be empowered to make choices with confidence, this will help them in times of change.

Students will develop greater resilience if they are encouraged to voice their challenges and ask for the support they need to work with them.

If you can find a way to give more focus to developing their people skills alongside achieving the best grades possible this will set them up for an easier transition into life after school.

Finding the right support in school to help students with options and career choices can be challenging in itself. That's why we would like to thank our guest blogger, Sheila Bradbrook from Oasis School of Human Relations for her thoughts on this topic. If you require further support in this area, Oasis can help. ‘What’s Next For Me?’ is their two day programme tailored to work with the needs of your students, whether they are choosing their options, starting their GCSEs or making decisions about sixth form, college, employment or university. If you would like to find out more please contact Sheila Bradbrook by calling 01937 541700 or email sheila@oasishumanrelations.org.uk

At a time when schools are under fire from Ofsted over not giving the right careers advice, a shining example of good practice was recognised last week.

Teachers and professionals from across Merseyside, Lancashire and Cheshire gathered at the awards dinner to recognise the many achievements of schools across the North West.

The Career Aspiration Award was awarded to Calderstones School in recognition of them helping pupils and parents understand the different career pathways open to school leavers. The advice features apprenticeships alongside other options that are available at 16.

Deputy Head, Sharon Ellis, says: ‘We do everything that we possibly can to help pupils forge a successful future. Career advice is a priority in the school and it’s amazing to get the recognition through the award.’

For the third year in succession the award has been sponsored by the umbrella organisation for 80 training providers. Greater Merseyside Learning Providers’ Federation (GMLPF) Chief Executive James Glendenning says: ‘Schools are responsible for offering robust and comprehensive careers advice to their pupils including viable career alternatives to staying on at school’.

‘The award puts the spotlight on schools that are taking their responsibilities seriously. We sponsor this award to highlight good practice and provide inspiration to other schools.' he said.

GMLPF and its members offer support services to schools to coach and assist them in raising awareness of apprenticeships as a valid route into a career.

Mr Glendenning added: ‘Not all young people are suited to sitting more exams. A vocational approach, such as an apprenticeship will help them work towards a qualification at their own pace, while getting work experience and a wage’.

The award was one of 19 presented on the night. Categories included Outstanding Commitment to Sport, Creative and Innovative Literacy and Science Project of The Year.

For more information about the GMLPF and the support it provides for schools, visit the website at www.gmlpf.net

Join Achievers International and run an enterprise project with a school in another country

A group of students and their teacher form a company, and import and export goods with a partner school overseas.

Your school is linked with an overseas school; the two schools then form a company and work together, trading actual products with each other. In the past, schools from all over the world have traded jewellery, chocolates, football jerseys and many other things with their partner schools through Achievers International. The project gives students a unique insight into how businesses are formed and managed, whilst also increasing their awareness and understanding of other cultures.

The programme is aimed at students aged 12 to 19 and usually runs for a year (though timing can be flexible). All the work carried out would provide excellent evidence for International School Award accreditation with the British Council.

If you already have an existing partnership you would be eligible to apply together or, if not, Achievers International can help to find you a partner.

If you are interested and can commit to the project, please email info@achieversinternational.org or call 0207 400 8800

Achievers International