It was pleasing to see so many students and their families from Years 9, 10 and 11 at Futures Evening to meet employers from a range of sectors, as well as them being able to discuss future pathways with local sixth forms, colleges, universities and public and uniformed services.

Futures Evening gave our Year 9 students a chance to consider the subjects they might like to study as options at KS4, Year 10 to make contacts in terms of work experience and future destinations and Year 11 to start drawing up their lists of those places they want to apply to post-16.

Mrs Hendra, Senior Vice Principal, gave a short talk about the opportunities that are available post-16 before everyone moved to the atrium, where a wide spectrum of companies were in attendance, including representatives from BMW, Arval, TE Connectivity, NHS Pharmacy, Gel Studios, UHY, KBR, care providers, the Army, Navy and RAF, as well as New College, Cirencester College, UTC, Bath University, apprenticeship providers, public services, local sixth forms and many more.

Being able to discuss entry requirements and routes, prospects in a range of careers and so much more, this event offered them an insight into the world of work and education so that they can make well informed decisions as they move either from KS3 to KS4, or on taking their next steps as they move on from Nova.

We loved being part of Nova Hreod’s Careers Fair. It was fantastic chatting with such creative students and sharing advice as they take their next steps in education. We only wish opportunities like this had been around when we were in their shoes!”

Beth Wakefield, Creative Strategist at Gel Studios Ltd

This was a great event for my year 9 child – the discussions with exhibitors have definitely given us something to consider as a family and was great to see my son excited about future opportunities, thank you and well done

Year 9 Parent

I am very happy and less scared about my future.  Thank you for giving me this opportunity

Student in Year 11

During the evening, students took part in a competition which encompassed gaining valuable information from the employers, colleges etc and were able to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the potential that higher education provides, different levels of apprenticeship, T levels etc, in order to raise their aspirations for the future.  The winner will be announced shortly.

The Village Hotel Swindon also ran their own competition around the number of Christmas dinners they had served in 2024 with a prize of a £10 Starbucks voucher.  We are pleased to announce that the winner was Louis in Year 10 who is pictured below being presented with his prize from Charlie Metcalfe, Director of Sales.

A big thank you to everyone who helped to make this event a success.

Ursula Gawthorn

Careers Officer