O W N YO U R F U T U R E
21st Century Success Preparing girls for the future disrupted by 2027, our curriculum places a strong emphasis on adaptability, lifelong learning and digital resilience. Pupils are introduced early to critical futurefocused skills such as teamwork, communication, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship and creativity. Unifrog, used from Year 7 to Year 13, enables pupils to explore pathways, track skills and build meaningful career portfolios. Furthermore, Sixth Formers receive support in setting up professional LinkedIn profiles and mastering networking. Tiered Support for Every Stage of Development
In an era of unprecedented change, traditional careers education is no longer enough. Sydenham High School’s ‘Own Your Future’ programme isn’t just about preparing girls for jobs; it’s about instilling a future-focused mindset, empowering them with the confidence, curiosity and clarity to thrive in careers that may not even exist yet. A Pioneering and Intentional Design for 21st-Century Success
Ten years ago, we spearheaded the ‘Power Skills Programme’, a bespoke and unique aspect of our Sixth Form timetabled provision. This programme was an early recognition of the need to equip students with the transferable skills essential for life beyond school. Building on this foundation, we launched The Elevate Curriculum, offering timetabled periods across the Senior School for pupils to study key future skills, emphasising holistic development. Our goal is to ensure every girl is ready to take her seat at the boardroom table, whether that’s
for a global corporation or a startup agricultural innovator! Comprehensive Support and Real-World Immersion
One-to-one guidance from our Head of Futures, sector-specific talks, regular workplace visits and our annual Futures Fair, ensures students have continuous engagement with the evolving world of work. Our commitment culminated in the launch of our inaugural Futures Conference 2025. This landmark event brought together leaders from STEM, public service, the creative industries and graduate recruitment. The impact was clear, with a remarkable 94% of attendees reporting that they felt: “Better informed about the range of options available,” and “more confident about their future.” Aligning with Evolving Employer Needs and Technological Empowerment
In an environment where the World Economic Forum warns that 40% of core job skills will be
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From our Prep’s Daydream Believers programme to selfawareness and discovery in Years 7 and 8 and workplace visits and subject-career links in Year 9, each step is carefully designed. Years 10 and 11 focus on one-toone advice, research skills and work experience, while Sixth Formers receive tailored support for UCAS, apprenticeships and gap year planning, alongside essential life skills. Transforming Futures, Cultivating Mindsets
‘Own Your Future’ is more than a programme; it’s a transformational mindset. Our pupils leave not only with ambition but with the insight, skills and networks to realise it. In a world of uncertainty, we prepare our girls not just to navigate change, but to confidently shape it. Our pioneering curriculum transforms futures, equipping every Sydenham High girl to achieve anything she sets her mind to. LAURA HOOPER Director of Marketing and Communications www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net