XP School Year 10 Students Explore Career Pathways at John Leggott College

On Friday 3 July 2026, John Leggott College welcomed Year 10 students from XP School for an exciting Taster Day designed to help them explore the many opportunities available after GCSEs. Rather than simply introducing subjects, the day focused on career pathways, showing students how their interests today can lead to rewarding university courses, apprenticeships and careers in the future.

Throughout the day, students experienced college-style learning, met specialist teachers and discovered how different subject areas connect directly to industries and professions. The visit gave students a valuable insight into life at a specialist sixth form college while encouraging them to start thinking about their own aspirations.

Why are career pathways important when choosing post-16 courses?

Understanding career pathways helps students make informed choices about the subjects they study after Year 11.

Choosing a course is about much more than selecting a favourite subject. It is about recognising the skills that employers and universities value and understanding how different qualifications can open doors to future opportunities.

The XP Taster Day was designed to make these connections clear by allowing students to experience learning that reflects real workplaces and professional environments. Across the college, students explored how specialist facilities, practical activities and expert teaching prepare learners for progression into higher education and employment.

Whether students are interested in healthcare, engineering, business, education, creative industries, sport or the sciences, every pathway demonstrated how classroom learning can become a successful career.

How did Applied Science bring healthcare careers to life?

Applied Science gave students a practical introduction to careers within healthcare and medical science.

Led by Applied Science teachers Damien and Gareth, students took part in engaging practical activities designed to replicate situations they may encounter within the healthcare sector. Rather than simply learning scientific theory, students experienced how scientific knowledge is applied in clinical settings.

A highlight of the day was visiting John Leggott College's specialist mock hospital ward, where students explored realistic medical scenarios and developed an understanding of how healthcare professionals work together to care for patients.

The activities introduced students to a wide variety of careers, including nursing, paramedicine, biomedical science, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and laboratory science. They also demonstrated how Applied Science develops transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, observation and problem solving, all of which are valued by employers and universities. 

What did students think about the experience?

The practical nature of the sessions made a lasting impression on many of the visiting students.

One student said:

"Damien and Gareth were very engaging and funny."

Another commented:

"The medicine was interesting and the mock ward added to the experience."

Their feedback reflects the enthusiasm and welcoming atmosphere created throughout the day. By combining practical activities with approachable teaching, students were encouraged to ask questions, take part confidently and imagine themselves studying at John Leggott College in the future.

How does John Leggott College prepare students for future careers?

Experiences beyond the classroom help students understand where their education can take them.

At John Leggott College, Scunthorpe, career education is embedded throughout the student experience. Alongside excellent classroom teaching, students benefit from employer engagement, university partnerships, industry visits, enrichment opportunities and specialist facilities that support progression into higher education and employment.

The college works closely with employers, universities and industry partners to ensure students understand the wide range of opportunities available after sixth form. This helps learners develop not only subject knowledge but also the confidence, independence and employability skills needed for future success.

Students interested in learning more about JLC's courses can explore the full range of options through the courses page. 

Those travelling from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire and across the Humber region can also find information about getting to college via the Transport Page, while students considering additional financial guidance can discover the support available through the finance support page.

Looking ahead

The XP School Taster Day demonstrated how choosing a post-16 course is about much more than selecting subjects. It is about discovering future possibilities, developing new skills and understanding where education can lead.

By connecting classroom learning with real careers, the day helped students see how their interests today could become tomorrow's profession. Whether their ambitions lie in healthcare, engineering, business, education, the creative industries or another exciting sector, they left John Leggott College with a clearer understanding of the opportunities ahead.

Experiences like these are central to life at JLC, giving students the confidence to make informed decisions and take their next steps towards a successful future.

FAQ Section

What is a career pathway taster day?

A career pathway taster day helps Year 10 students experience how different subjects connect to future careers.

Students take part in practical activities, meet specialist teachers and explore progression routes before choosing their post-16 courses.

What careers can Applied Science lead to?

Applied Science can lead to careers in healthcare, biomedical science, laboratory work, nursing and many other professions.

The course also provides strong progression routes to university and higher apprenticeships.

Why should Year 10 students attend a taster day?

Taster days help students make informed choices about their future education.

Experiencing college lessons, meeting teachers and exploring specialist facilities gives students greater confidence before applying for sixth form.