Just like that, a new school year is upon us. A time for taking on new challenges, meeting new people, exploring your potential and achieving your dreams. At Dame Allan's, we can't wait to get started!
The end of August marked a real milestone for our young people as Year 13 received their A Level results and Year 11, their GCSE results. Almost half of grades achieved by the Year 13 pupils were A* and A grades, and 60 per cent of GCSE exams sat achieved grades 9 – 7 (A* to A).
We are all proud of how these year groups have performed; both having been disrupted by Covid lockdowns during their important pre-exam years. As well as performing so well academically, they have shown great passion in their co-curricular interests, and have become well-rounded individuals. They are a true testament to the power of resilience in trying times, and we know that they will go on to do Dame Allan’s proud as they continue in their education and future careers.
One of the highlights of results days is hearing about the aspirations of our students – from automotive design, AI, robotic engineering, modern languages and medicinal chemistry to name a few. Working out what you want to do with your life is one of the most significant decisions that young people face, so we are proud that at Dame Allan’s we can offer individualised, professional careers guidance to every pupil. No career is off limits.
At Dame Allan’s our Careers Guidance is from play level to A Level. Our pupils begin exploring careers in our Junior School, through events such as the Day in the Life showcase, where parents visit and talk about their jobs. As the younger pupils grow and enter our Senior School, careers education becomes an even more essential part of their learning.
We are also fortunate to benefit from excellent relationships with the local community, businesses, organisations and charities in the North East and beyond. These connections are essential for our numerous careers events, and offer a unique insight into the world of work, including placements and mock interviews, plus offering a wealth of specialist advice and opportunities.
Our wide-ranging network of Allanians also play a very important role, returning often to speak to current pupils about their career paths, from diplomats and celebrities, to screenwriters and physicists.
I’m sure every reader can remember the excitement that comes from deciding what you wanted to be ‘when you grew up’, and it is a privilege at Dame Allan’s to help shape these career dreams into reality each year.
If your business would be interested in getting involved with our Careers Provision at Dame Allan’s, please get in touch on enquiries@dameallans.co.uk
Bel Whitehouse is Head of Careers at Dame Allan’s Schools, a group of independent schools in Newcastle-uponTyne. To find out more, please visit dameallans.co.uk