Year 12 Step into Their Future with Inspiring Careers Programme
Throughout June our Year 12 pupils have been immersed in an exciting programme of careers education, designed to prepare them for life beyond school. From meeting industry experts and building professional networks to experiencing virtual work in space and tackling recruitment challenges, pupils have developed the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to take their next steps.
Learning from one of the UK's leading recruiters
On 4 June, pupils welcomed Christina Lee, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Midwich, who delivered engaging workshops on CV writing and interview skills.
Christina brought a wealth of real-world recruitment experience, having recruited talent for global organisations including Apple, Spotify, Michael Page and now Midwich. Drawing on her experience of reviewing thousands of applications and interviewing candidates across a range of industries, Christina gave pupils invaluable insight into what employers really look for.
From creating standout CVs to developing confidence in interviews, pupils gained practical advice that will support future applications for university, apprenticeships and employment.
Exploring future pathways at the UCAS Discovery Exhibition
The following week Year 12 travelled to the UCAS Discovery Exhibition at the University of Essex, where pupils had the opportunity to meet universities, employers and apprenticeship providers from across the UK.
The event enabled pupils to explore a wide range of post-18 pathways, ask questions directly to admissions teams and employers, and discover opportunities they may never have previously considered. Whether their ambitions lie in higher education, degree apprenticeships or entering the workplace, the exhibition helped pupils make informed decisions about their futures.
Building a professional presence on LinkedIn
In today's competitive job market, professional networking starts earlier than ever.
On 17 June, Dale Willis, founder of My Great First Job, delivered a highly interactive workshop showing pupils how to create an effective LinkedIn profile and begin building their professional brand online.
Dale shared practical advice on developing a strong digital presence, networking with employers, showcasing achievements and using LinkedIn to discover work experience, apprenticeship and graduate opportunities. Pupils left the session with newly created or significantly improved profiles and a much greater understanding of how social networking can support career success.
Stepping inside the International Space Station
As part of Enrichment Week, pupils experienced something truly unforgettable.
On 29 June, Archie Paton from Immersive Pathways delivered an innovative Virtual Reality Work Experience session, transporting pupils aboard the International Space Station.
Using VR technology, pupils took on the role of a Remote Handling Technician, operating the Canadarm robotic arm to dock a supply capsule with the station before experiencing a spacewalk outside the ISS. Alongside the immersive experience, pupils discovered how careers in robotics, engineering and remote handling are used not only in space exploration but also within the nuclear, defence, construction and offshore industries.
The session demonstrated how emerging technologies are transforming careers education and inspired pupils to consider opportunities within one of the UK's fastest-growing industries.
Experiencing a real recruitment Assessment Centre
The afternoon concluded with pupils taking part in a realistic Assessment Centre, led by Head of Futures, Lauren Bayliss-Fuller.
Working in teams, pupils tackled a series of employer-style challenges designed to replicate the recruitment processes used by many leading organisations. Activities included adapting to changing client briefs using Play-Doh, solving survival scenarios, constructing engineering challenges with spaghetti and marshmallows, and pitching ideas for improving life at RHS through a simulated £10,000 funding challenge.
Rather than testing academic knowledge, the activities focused on the behaviours employers value most, including:
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Communication
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Teamwork
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Leadership
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Problem solving
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Creativity
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Adaptability
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Commercial awareness
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Resilience
The fast-paced, collaborative challenges gave pupils a valuable opportunity to experience the style of assessment increasingly used for degree apprenticeships, graduate programmes and competitive employment.
Preparing pupils for whatever comes next
At the Royal Hospital School, careers education goes far beyond helping pupils choose their next destination. It is about equipping young people with the confidence, skills and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.