Careers & Study Skills Week at Marjon inspires and informs Key Stage 4 pupils

Released: 24.02.20

The Careers & Study Skills Week was organised and delivered by the Outreach Officers, Maciej Krzyminski, and Nadine Johns, who work for Next Steps South West, at Plymouth Marjon University.

Running over the course of four days during the February half-term break, the project has a goal of inspiring and informing young people about their future career options, as well as letting them know what Level 3 options are relevant to subjects, which skills are valuable in the job sectors they are interested in, as well as the range of jobs that are available in prospective sectors and industries.

The project included careers advice, support with choosing the right Level 3 options, and working in small groups whilst also receiving 1-to-1 support. On the last day the importance and value of work experience was highlighted, and the pupils were provided with some useful tips to prepare them for their upcoming GCSE exams.

There was be a range of different workshops and activities in the that included a Careers Carousel, Sport and Health, Business, Performing Arts, and more.

Maciej spoke about how well the week went:

“The students were really engaged with all of the workshops and activities that we have planned for them, to help them make more informed decisions about their future.

“They are not due to make those post-16 decisions just yet, but when the time comes, they hopefully will feel more confident and prepared. It was nice to observe how they participated and grew in knowledge and confidence over a short period of time.

“Students attended from 6 different schools and colleges across Plymouth, but they have all worked well together in mixed groups throughout sport teambuilding activities. Yes, they have given up four days of their half-term, but I really hope they found this programme inspiring and helpful in enhancing their educational journey.”

The Careers & Study Skills Week is part of a wider project undertaken by Next Steps South West, which is a collaboration of fourteen partner universities and colleges throughout Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, funded by the Office for Students (OfS).  The projects aim to build aspirations, awareness and access to Higher Education, helping target students make an informed decision about their future.

This project is one of many events that take place at the University. Plymouth Marjon hosts a range of activities and events throughout the year, which are delivered by the Widening Participation team.

The next event to take place at Marjon is the Easter Revision School, which is aimed at Year 11 students, run jointly by Next Steps South West and Plymouth Marjon University, and will take place between 6th April-9th April 2020. Students in attendance of Easter Revision School at Marjon will benefit from small groups and one-to-one support in English & Maths. This programme will also include support with wellbeing, mindfulness, exam stress, revision skills and study tips.

Find out more by contacting nextsteps@marjon.ac.uk