Preparing Students for the Future Through Careers, Enterprise and Workplace Experiences

It has been an exceptionally busy and exciting period for Careers Education at The Langley Academy, with students from Year 7 through to Year 12 benefiting from a wide range of employer encounters, enterprise challenges, workshops and career-focused experiences. These opportunities continue to help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Year 11 and Year 12 Mock Interviews

Our Year 11 and Year 12 students recently took part in Mock Interview Days, supported by volunteers from the local business community and the Arbib Education Trust.

These sessions provided students with invaluable experience of professional interview situations, allowing them to practise their communication skills, build confidence and receive personalised feedback from experienced professionals.

Interviewers were highly impressed by students' enthusiasm, confidence and ambitious career aspirations.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to members of the Trust's Governing Bodies, parents and business volunteers from organisations including Cardo Group, Build Recruitment, Akzo Nobel, Sky and Equinox. Their generosity and expertise played a vital role in helping prepare our students for life beyond school.

Exploring Apprenticeship Opportunities

Representatives from Windsor Forest College Group visited the Academy to deliver informative apprenticeship assemblies for Year 10 and Year 12 students.

Year 10 students learned about apprenticeship pathways, how apprenticeships work and the wide variety of industries that offer opportunities for young people.

Year 12 students explored Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in greater depth, gaining valuable insight into qualifications, career routes and post-18 opportunities that combine employment with further study.

Students also discovered the apprenticeship programmes available through Windsor Forest College Group's campuses in Langley, Windsor and Maidenhead, helping them better understand the options available locally.

Enterprise Skills Challenge

Year 10 and Year 12 students recently participated in the Entrepreneur Skills Index Challenge, an exciting and immersive enterprise experience delivered through Learning to Work.

Students stepped into the role of entrepreneurs, making real-time decisions, managing budgets, taking calculated risks and working collaboratively to create and operate their own virtual coffee shops.

Using innovative digital tools provided by Engage Lime, students experienced the realities of business ownership while developing critical skills including teamwork, resilience, communication and problem-solving.

We are grateful to Learning to Work and their business volunteers for providing such a valuable real-world learning opportunity that closely reflects the skills sought by modern employers.

Year 7 Respectful Relationships Workshop

Year 7 students recently took part in a Respectful Relationships Workshop delivered by Learning to Work in partnership with the Dash Charity and supported by local business volunteers.

The workshop aimed to help students develop the interpersonal skills needed for positive friendships, effective communication and healthy relationships both now and in the future workplace.

Students learned how to:

• Identify respectful and disrespectful behaviours
• Communicate confidently and effectively in real-life situations
• Respond safely to conflict and challenging situations
• Understand the importance of diversity and inclusion
• Recognise how relationship skills contribute to future career success

The session provided valuable learning that will support students throughout both their education and future working lives.

Climate Change Challenge Success

Year 10 students recently took part in an exciting Climate Change Challenge facilitated by Learning to Work.

Supported by business volunteers from Orange Business, Equinix and Plus X Innovation, students worked collaboratively to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges before pitching their ideas to a panel of professionals.

The winning team, Scavenger Society, developed an imaginative app designed to reduce littering and increase awareness of environmental issues. Their success earned them a place at the Climate Change Challenge Finals, where they competed against teams from seven local schools.

We are incredibly proud to report that the team finished as close runners-up and received a special commendation from the judges for the quality of their work.

The judging panel included senior leaders from Orange Business and Equinix, as well as the CEO of Plus X Innovation.

Through excellent teamwork, creativity and research, the students developed a thoughtful solution and delivered a highly professional presentation. Their confidence, enthusiasm and commitment were evident throughout the competition, making them outstanding ambassadors for the Academy.

Congratulations to Pharrell, Grace, Daisy, Missy, Rayya and Gurlal on their fantastic achievement.

Looking Ahead

There is an exciting programme of careers activities planned for next term.

Year 7 students will take part in the SEGRO Futures Workshop, exploring the diverse career opportunities available through businesses based on the Slough Trading Estate.

Year 8 students will welcome British Airways representatives for an Apprenticeship Talk and STEM Workshop. Students will hear from a former Academy student now working at British Airways before participating in an interactive STEM session led by a British Airways STEM Ambassador.

Year 9 students will participate in a Medical Mavericks Workshop as part of Saving Lives Day. Led by current medical students, the session will provide hands-on experiences including measuring blood pressure, testing reflexes and learning about careers within healthcare.

Year 10 students will attend a Workplace Insight Day, visiting local employers and gaining first-hand experience of professional working environments.

Year 10 and Year 12 students will also hear from Windsor Forest College Group about further and higher education pathways available across local campuses.

Work Experience Opportunities

Work experience remains an important part of preparing students for future careers.

Year 12 students have the opportunity to undertake work experience placements during the final week of the summer term. All placements must be organised through the Unifrog Placement Tool, with final authorisation required by 18 June.

Year 10 students will participate in a Workplace Insight Day on 17 June, visiting local businesses in groups and gaining valuable exposure to different industries and career pathways.

Supporting Careers at Home

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping young people prepare for the world of work.

We encourage families to discuss career aspirations, workplace experiences and future opportunities with their children. We would also welcome support from parents and carers who may be able to offer work experience placements, workplace visits, careers talks or mock interview support.

Anyone interested in supporting the Careers Programme is invited to contact the Academy via careers@langleyacademy.org.

Careers Guidance and Support

Our Careers Adviser, Melissa from Learning to Work, continues to provide professional Careers Information, Advice and Guidance to students across the Academy.

Students can also access a wealth of careers resources through the Unifrog platform, helping them explore pathways, opportunities and future destinations.

Preparing for Post-16 Destinations

Year 11 students should now have conditional or unconditional offers in place from sixth forms or colleges, with both a preferred option and a suitable alternative pathway identified.

Any student who does not yet have a confirmed destination should speak to Careers Officer Ms Turner as soon as possible.

Building Futures

At The Langley Academy, we are committed to ensuring that every student leaves equipped with the knowledge, experiences and confidence needed to thrive in the next stage of their education, training or employment.

Through strong partnerships with employers, colleges, charities and community organisations, we continue to provide meaningful opportunities that help students develop the skills, aspirations and ambition needed for future success.