Supporting Your Child’s Education and Career Journey in Swansea
Guidance for Parents of Pupils in Swansea at Every Stage of Their Education
Primary school: Building Foundations
In the early years, it’s important to nurture your child’s interests and strengths.
While they may not yet know what careers they are interested in, it’s never too early to encourage curiosity and develop foundational skills:
- Explore Interests: Encourage your child to try different activities (sports, arts, reading, problem-solving games) to discover their passions.
- Skills Development: Focus on essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
- Positive Reinforcement: Praise effort, curiosity, and persistence in learning, as these traits will support future academic success.
Your child’s school will begin including career education in the new Curriculum for Wales, helping your child develop the abilities and confidence to explore future career options.
Starting secondary school (years 7 – 9): Expanding Horizons
As your child enters secondary school (Years 7-9), they begin to explore a wider range of subjects, which will help them better understand their strengths and preferences:
- Encourage Broad Exploration: Support your child as they try new subjects and activities, from art to science and technology. This helps them identify what they enjoy and are good at.
- Growth Mindset: Encourage them to embrace challenges, view mistakes as learning opportunities, and persist even when subjects feel difficult.
- Talk About Career Aspirations: Begin casual conversations about the world of work, exploring various careers, the skills required, and how education can play a role in future opportunities.
- Research Careers: Help your child research different professions using websites like https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information to gain insight into various job roles and industries.
Final years of secondary school (years 10-11): Shaping Future Pathways
By Year 10 and Year 11, your child is beginning to make more specific decisions about their academic future and career interests. Here’s how you can help:
- Understand Their Options: Help them choose subjects that match their interests and career goals. Encourage them to balance their choices between subjects they enjoy and those that open more career opportunities
- Talk to Teachers and Career Advisors: Encourage regular discussions with teachers and careers advisors at school. Careers Wales plays a crucial role in supporting your child through the learning and career decisions they’ll need to make throughout their life. Their team of professionally trained Careers Advisers provides guidance, coaching, and inspiration to help students make informed choices about education, training, and work.
- Each secondary school in Wales has a dedicated Careers Adviser who offers personalised support to students, helping them explore career options, develop key planning skills, and make decisions about their future. Your child’s school also integrates career education into the new Curriculum for Wales, ensuring that your child is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for future work opportunities. See https://careerswales.gov.wales/parents/how-careers-wales-supports-your-child
- Work Experience: Help your child gain practical experience through work placements or voluntary opportunities in Swansea. You can explore options with local employers, or industries such as healthcare, retail, and hospitality.
- Plan for Post-16 Education: Your child will have several options after Year 11, including staying in school to take A-Levels, enrolling in a college, or considering an apprenticeship.
Preparing for the World of Work
As your child moves closer to adulthood, it’s important to begin focusing on preparing them for the professional world:
- Job Search Skills: Teach your child how to write a CV, apply for jobs, and prepare for interviews. These are vital skills that will serve them in any career.
- Financial Literacy: Introduce your child to budgeting, saving, and understanding the value of money. These skills are crucial for both university and the workplace.
- Professional Development: Encourage your child to participate in extra-curricular activities, volunteering, or internships to build their skills, network, and gain valuable experience.
Ongoing Support: Being There for Your Child
As your child progresses through their education, continue to provide support and guidance:
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the education system, career options, and opportunities available to your child. Websites like Careers Wales offer a wealth of information and tools.
- Be Open and Supportive: Encourage your child to talk to you about their plans and any challenges they face. Make sure they know they can always come to you for advice and encouragement.
- Foster Independence: Help your child develop independence by encouraging them to take ownership of their career path, make informed decisions, and seek out opportunities on their own.
Resources
Careers Wales – Parents and carers page https://careerswales.gov.wales/parents
Careers Wales – Future Jobs Wales – Southwest Wales https://careerswales.gov.wales/future-jobs-wales/jobs-in-south-west-wales
Careers Wales – 10 top tips for talking careers with your child https://careerswales.gov.wales/news/10-tips-for-talking-careers-with-your-child
Qualifications Wales – Exams and assessment 2024 – 2025 https://qualifications.wales/exams-and-assessments-2024-2025/
Welsh government – Power up https://hwb.gov.wales/resources/power-up
Mind Cymru – https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/mind-cymru-mind-in-wales/
