Enterprise education is an important part of the careers programme at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy. Students have opportunities to develop creativity, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills through enterprise activities and employer-led projects.

Enterprise education is an important part of the careers programme at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy. Through enterprise activities and employer-led projects, students develop key employability skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving.

These experiences also support the development of the Hatton Character Qualities, helping students build the confidence, resilience and social intelligence needed to succeed in the workplace.

Enterprise opportunities may include:

• Employer challenge projects
• Enterprise competitions and events
• Business and marketing challenges
• Teamwork and problem-solving activities
• Curriculum projects linked to real-world business contexts

These activities help students develop the enterprise mindset and employability skills valued by employers.

Key Stage 3 – Exploring Careers and Developing Skills

Year 7 – Skills for Work and STEM Careers

Aim:
Students begin their careers journey by developing core employability skills and exploring careers linked to STEM subjects.

Students will:

• Identify key employability skills and how they are developed in school
• Explore careers linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• Begin setting career and character targets through HBACC

Provision includes:

• Lifeskills lessons on employability skills and the world of work
• Careers target setting through HBACC
• Workplace experiences within school (library and reception roles)
• Workplace visits such as Birmingham Think Tank and Bletchley Park
• Careers and character reflection activities
• Trips including Natural History Museum and theatre visits

Year 8 – Exploring Careers and Linking Skills to Jobs

Aim:
Students explore how their interests and skills relate to possible careers and begin investigating different sectors.

Students will:

• Explore careers in creative and cultural industries
• Understand how skills link to jobs
• Develop financial awareness and employability skills

Provision includes:

• Lifeskills lessons on money, finance and employability
• Employer and provider encounters, including college, university and apprenticeship talks
• Virtual work experience opportunities
• Employer engagement activities linked to STEAM careers
• Careers research projects linked to GCSE options
• Workplace visits including Aberdovey residential and Twycross Zoo

Year 9 – Options, Career Goals and Future Choices

Aim:
Students begin linking their interests and ambitions to future education and career pathways.

Students will:

• Understand how GCSE options relate to future careers
• Explore labour market information and employment opportunities
• Develop personal career goals

Provision includes:

• Unifrog virtual work experience during Ethos Week
• Lifeskills lessons on employment rights, contracts and wages
• HBACC careers target setting and review
• Employer projects such as MFL employer briefs
• Workplace visits including Drayton Manor marketing challenge

 

Key Stage 4 – Preparing for Future Pathways

Year 10 – Careers for Your Future

Aim:
Students begin exploring post-16 pathways and experience the world of work.

Students will:

• Research possible career routes
• Develop job application skills
• Gain experience of the workplace

Provision includes:

• Lifeskills lessons on careers, employability and labour market information
• CV writing, job applications and interview preparation
• One-to-one careers guidance with a qualified careers adviser
• Employer encounters and workplace visits
• World of Work employer experience day
• University and college events including Northampton University STEAM Day
• Employer projects such as Wellingborough Council work experience project

Year 11 – My Next Steps

Aim:
Students prepare for their transition into post-16 education, training or employment.

Students will:

• Explore sixth form, college, apprenticeship and training pathways
• Receive personalised guidance and support with applications
• Develop interview and employability skills

Provision includes:

• One-to-one careers guidance interviews
• College and apprenticeship provider encounters
• Support with applications and interviews
• Parents’ information events with post-16 providers
• Apprenticeship application support sessions
• Targeted support for students at risk of becoming NEET

 

Sixth Form – Preparing for Post-18 Destinations

Year 12 – Careers and Your Future

Aim:
Students begin planning their post-18 pathways through university, apprenticeships or employment.

Students will:

• Research higher education and apprenticeship opportunities
• Develop professional skills for employment
• Complete meaningful work experience

Provision includes:

• University of Northampton Futures Day
• One-to-one careers guidance
• Preparation for university and apprenticeship applications
• One week of work experience for all students
• University and apprenticeship encounters
• Visits such as Bedford UCAS Convention

Year 13 – Life After Sixth Form

Aim:
Students finalise and transition to their chosen post-18 destination.

Students will:

• Complete UCAS or apprenticeship applications
• Develop professional and independent life skills
• Prepare for employment or university life

Provision includes:

• Targeted one-to-one careers guidance
• UCAS application support
• Oxbridge preparation where appropriate
• Student finance support sessions
• Lifeskills lessons on employment rights and professional conduct
• Transition support into higher education, apprenticeships or employment