Define the student decision first
A useful programme begins with the year group and the decision ahead: subject selection, exploration of work, university comparison or preparation for transition. Discuss the curriculum, language mix, group size and the school’s existing support before selecting activities.
Programme formats to discuss
A school can combine a common learning session with reflection and smaller conversations. Agree the actual format, facilitator, safeguarding responsibilities and fees before announcing a programme.
- Subject and career exploration workshops.
- Parent–student decision sessions.
- University comparison and application-readiness workshops.
- Teacher briefings and student follow-up worksheets.
Agree consent and information boundaries
Set out how students and parents receive information, what participation is optional, and who can access individual results. Keep personal assessment discussions separate from public classroom feedback. Ask about access needs and language before choosing a tool.
Evaluate what students can do afterwards
Useful outcomes include comparing two courses with evidence, identifying a question for a university, or writing an achievable exploration plan. An attendance count alone does not show that a student is better prepared to choose.
