- Home
- About Us
- Raising Aspirations
Raising Aspirations
'To ensure that all the children and young people in our care have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through achieving highly, regardless of their ability or background.’
De Ferrers Trust vision
And as a result, every student at The Pingle Academy is encouraged and supported to set their sights high and broaden their ambitions, irrespective of their background or their individual circumstances. Our Raising Aspirations Programme aims to foster this process through a diverse range of events, speakers, visits to universities, businesses and mentoring.
Professional
Throughout their time at The Pingle Academy, students are encouraged to think about their capabilities, strengths and the careers that might interest them. Notable speakers from a multitude of professional backgrounds participate in our speaker programme, including entrepreneurs, barristers, politicians, journalists, doctors, scientists and sports people.
Students are given guidance on CV writing, interview skills and presentation, as part of their preparation for life beyond the school. This preparation includes a week of work experience in Year 10 and Year 12.
Education Beyond The Pingle Academy
Our ambition is to equip our students with the academic talent and the confidence to achieve a place at university or college and derive the most benefit from their time and experiences once there. The Raising Aspirations Programme aims to inform students about university, debunk myths, and arrange university visits, including meeting students and lecturers, touring the building and having a taster of university style lectures and seminars. We also keep parents and carers informed and up to date with the UCAS system and provide reassurance around the sometimes daunting issues of university life. Advice is tailored to each individual student’s needs and ambitions, and includes guidance of vocational courses after The Pingle Academy.
For students who wish to follow a vocational route, we have an excellent partnership with several local colleges. We work closely with several employers in the local area and are able to support and guide students who want to obtain an apprenticeship.
Support Us
Our Raising Aspirations Programme relies on the generosity of volunteers to work with, and help enrich the lives of the students at school. If you remember the helpful advice you received as a young adult, or the inspiration that spurred you to aim for university, and would like to encourage others in a similar way, then you could support us by:
- talking to students about university
- talking to students about careers
- mentoring students
- offering academic support
- participating in our work experience programme
Some Useful Links...
Local Jobs Market Information (LMI)
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough LMI
Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire LMI
Leicester & Leicestershire LMI
All levels of apprenticeships including Degree Apprenticeships
University & Careers
UNIFROG Careers Resources
General Careers Resources
Apprenticeship Pack for 16-19 Year Olds
Links to local colleges
The Pingle Academy Sixth Form application form
The Pingle Academy Sixth Form: Apply Online
Burton and South Derbyshire College
Burton & South Derbyshire College
Stephenson College
Derby College