Alongside their work experience placements, students participated in a packed programme of workshops and presentations delivered by a range of external partners. These sessions provided invaluable information, advice and guidance to help students feel more confident about the decisions they will make during Year 11 and beyond. The week was designed to support students as they begin preparing for life after Hessle High School, helping them explore the many exciting opportunities available. 

The programme included sessions on: 

• Apprenticeships and T Levels 

• Local Colleges 

• Sixth Form opportunities 

• Post-16 Pathway Support 

• PUSH Talks - Motivational Speaker 

• Getting into Teaching with YWTT 

• Careers in the Armed Forces 

• Engineering opportunities with HETA, BAE Systems and CATCH Apprenticeships 

• Career insights from professionals working in Policing, Engineering, Animal Management, Law, Health and Sport 

• CV Writing Workshops 

One of the standout moments of the week was undoubtedly the Aspirational Dinner, held on the final day of the 7-day programme. This unique event brought together students, local employers and members of staff for an evening of conversation, networking and celebration. The dinner provided students with the opportunity to build connections in a relaxed setting while seeing first-hand the extensive support network available to them as they plan their futures. They rose magnificently to the occasion. Looking incredibly smart in their formal attire, students showcased the very best of Hessle High School. It was a proud moment for everyone involved, particularly Year 10 Head of Year, Miss Pinkney, as she prepares to guide the cohort into their final year at Hessle High School.

The evening also provided valuable work experience for our Year 8 and Year 9 students, who worked alongside professional chefs and catering staff to support both food preparation and service. This hands-on experience gave them a real insight into how a professional kitchen operates and how a large-scale event is delivered successfully, while helping them develop important teamwork, communication and customer service skills. Well done to all involved! 

As we look ahead to September, we were delighted to welcome our incoming Year 6 pupils for their 3-day transition programme, marking the beginning of their careers and aspirations journey at Hessle High School. During their time with us, students began building the confidence, resilience and independence that will support them throughout their secondary education, reinforcing the message that every experience in school contributes to preparing them for life beyond the classroom. 

Whilst many of us are enjoying the start of the summer break, a group of our students are already embarking on the adventure of a lifetime in Peru with Camps International. Over the course of their 4-week expedition, students are taking part in a range of volunteering and community projects, working alongside local communities and contributing to initiatives that make a real and lasting difference. They are also experiencing Peruvian culture first-hand, exploring new environments and gaining a deeper understanding of life in another part of the world. The expedition provides an incredible opportunity for students to develop valuable life skills, including resilience, teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving and independence. Through the challenges and rewards of living and working in unfamiliar surroundings, they will build confidence, broaden their horizons and create memories that will stay with them for years to come. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, commitment and fundraising efforts that have enabled our students to take part in this experience. We look forward to hearing about their adventures and celebrating all that they have achieved when they return - good luck!! 

Have a great summer!  

Miss Lawes

Careers Leader

Continuing our exciting programme of KS3 careers events, we also hosted our annual Year 8 Ambition Day. This event is designed to broaden students' horizons by introducing them to a wide range of career pathways, opportunities and post-16 options. We welcomed a variety of employers, education providers and training organisations into school to deliver engaging workshops, giving students valuable insight into different industries and professions. Following the success of last year's challenge, Cranswick Foods returned to set students an exciting task as part of their interactive workshop. Students were challenged to design and market a new meat product inspired by the FIFA World Cup 2026, with prizes awarded to the most innovative and creative teams. As part of the day's carousel of activities, students also worked with representatives from East Riding College, HETA, Humber Outreach Programme, BCD Travel, Camps International, Consortium Sixth Form, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Siemens Gamesa and GEV Wind Power. Through a combination of practical activities, challenges and Q&A sessions, students gained a real understanding of the diverse range of careers available to them, as well as the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in different sectors. 

As part of our wider careers and employability provision, KS3 students have been taking part in the Curiosity Programme, a fantastic initiative designed to develop research skills, creativity and real-world experience. Students recently visited the Hull History Centre, where they engaged with archivists and learned how historical records are preserved and used in professional settings. They have also taken on a range of volunteering roles, acting as researchers, scriptwriters and filmmakers as they work towards producing content to celebrate the 100-year centenary of Hessle High School. This project has provided students with valuable insight into careers within heritage, media and research, while also developing key skills such as teamwork, communication and critical thinking. 

Our Year 10 Careers Week will take place over seven days in July and promises to be another exciting opportunity for students to explore their future pathways. Building on the success of previous years, the programme will include Work Experience, our Aspirational Dinner, post-16 provider sessions, industry sector talks and CV workshops. Students have been able to choose from a range of activities and sessions, with each student receiving a personalised timetable at the start of the week. To help students feel confident and prepared, colleagues from the Humber Outreach Programme (HOP) and I will be delivering assemblies focussing on how to make the most of the opportunities available. Ahead of their Work Experience placement, students will receive a detailed Student Information Sheet outlining important information such as start and finish times, lunch arrangements, a summary of expected tasks, dress code requirements and employer contact details. Students are also encouraged to contact their placement provider one to two weeks in advance to introduce themselves, confirm arrangements and ensure everything is in place before their placement begins. 

Careers Guidance Interviews are now underway with our Year 12 Sixth Form students, providing an opportunity to discuss their aspirations and plans beyond the age of 18. This is an important transition point, with many students beginning to make significant decisions about university, apprenticeships, employment and other future pathways. To support them throughout this process, students have access to weekly tutor sessions, university visits and a range of enrichment opportunities, including the upcoming UCAS Convention, ensuring they are well informed and confident in their next steps. 

Reminder of upcoming events/activities this half-term:  

• Sixth Form Induction – 23 & 24 June 2026 

• Year 12 UCAS Convention – 19 June 2026 

• Y7 & 8 STEM Roadshow – Friday 17 July 2026 

• Year 10 Careers Week – w/c 29 & 6 July 2026 

• Year 10 Work Experience – 1, 2 & 3 July 2026 

• Year 10 Aspirational Dinner – Tuesday 7 July 2026 

• Year 6 Induction Event – 8, 9 & 10 July 2026 

• Year 12 Work Experience – w/c 13 July 2026 

Miss Lawes  

Careers Leader