As parents, you play a vital role in shaping your child’s future career decisions. Whilst schools provide valuable guidance, resources and opportunities. Your support, encouragement and involvement are equally essential in helping your child to navigate their options. Career planning can feel overwhelming for young people and having trusted support at home can make all the difference. By fostering open conversations, encouraging exploration and guiding them to reflect on their interests and strengths, you can help to lay the foundation for informed and confident choices. Whether your child is choosing their GCSE options, considering post-16 pathways or thinking about long-term goals, your understanding and active participation will empower them to envision and pursue a future that aligns with their aspirations.
This FAQ section is designed to address some of the common questions parents have about careers and to provide practical advice on how you can support your child every step of the way.
- How can my child decide what career path is right for them?
Encourage your child to explore their strengths, interests and goals. They can use the career explorations tools on Unifrog, talk to their subject teachers or book a careers appointment with Miss Giles for personalised guidance. - How will the Careers Department at Ferndown Upper School help my son / daughter?
Students will take part in a programme of events throughout their 3 years at Ferndown Upper School through dedicated off-timetable events, trips and as part of the tutor programme. - Where can my child study post-16?
There are many different options locally where your child can study either vocational or academic courses. A full list of all Sixth Forms and Colleges in Dorset can be found on the Dorset Council website. - What are T-levels and how do they compare to A-levels?
T-levels are vocational qualifications equivalent to 3 A-levels. They include classroom learning and industry placements, making them ideal for students who prefer practical, career-focused learning. - How does the careers department support students with Special Educational Needs?
We provide tailored careers guidance through collaboration with our SEN department and connect students to local providers to ensure they have the right opportunities and support. This is done through trips to the local colleges for students who may be interested in Level 1 or 2 courses.
Are there any resources to help with career exploration at home?
Yes! There are lots of fantastic resources online to help with career exploration which can be found on our resources page here!