Careers - striding out

Striding Out is our unique programme that takes an innovative and holistic approach to careers and higher education preparation. 

There are three main pillars to our approach: Explore, Equip, Experience.

Explore

From Year 7 and at regular points through their school career, students are encouraged to explore the vast array of futures available to them, and, as they get older, how these align with their interests, aptitudes and skills. Lunchtime and after school talks give girls insight into options, alongside Higher Education events, a large careers fair every two years, and regular touch-points with our amazing alumnae, who come back to share their experiences and give tips to the next generation.

Equip

Through PSHE and designated careers sessions, as well as everyday school life, academic lessons and co-curricular clubs, we ensure students become equipped with the skills they will need for a successful career in the 21st century. This will often these days be 'portfolio' careers, with many different elements, side steps and job moves, in a way that may seem unfamiliar to parents. The skills of resilience, adaptability and creativity are all key.

Taking the OECD's Learning Compass 2030 and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals as guiding principles, we encourage our students to grow into responsible citizens of the world, collaborating with and supporting their peers, and recognising the part they can play within their local and broader community.  

Experience

Nothing beats actually experiencing different jobs, and the insight gained from work experience opportunities, from enterprise days and group workshops is invaluable. The GDST Alumnae Network can help with contacts for work shadowing and summer placements.

Entering and being shortlisted (or winning!) national competitions has proven an excellent way of gaining access to mentors in industry. We've had enterprise winners whose pencil case designs were taken forward to manufacture by Ryman; a DT design is currently being prototyped in the NHS and our Arkwright Scholars and Engineers on the Engineering Education Scheme are mentored throughout by experts in their field.

Our focus is on the individual. You will see from the list of university destinations that the range of courses our students go onto is vast - they really do pursue their passions, equipped with transferable skills and a 'can do' attitude which stands them in good stead in a crowded job market.