Professional Development Plan

Professional Development Programme

More than just A Levels

Sixth Form is an important opportunity to develop as an individual, not just as an academic. The PDP recognises that there is no single definition of success. Some boys will arrive in Year 12 with a clear university or career goal, while others may still be considering their options. The PDP is designed to accommodate both, giving each boy the opportunity to explore his interests, identify his strengths and develop in areas that will support his future ambitions.

There are two core strands:

“Outside the Classroom”

Boys choose a specialist area to explore in greater depth, with opportunities for academic enrichment, independent research, university-level study, online work experience, professional visits and interaction with people working in their chosen field.

---

“The Adult in the Room”

Through volunteering and working alongside adults in a range of settings, boys develop the practical skills, personal qualities and sense of responsibility that cannot be learnt from textbooks alone.

Together, these experiences help boys build a broader understanding of the world, become more confident and independent, and develop a portfolio of experiences to draw upon when applying for university, apprenticeships and future employment.

Professional Development Programme

Exploring interests

The PDP gives boys the opportunity to become more knowledgeable about an area that genuinely interests them, extending their learning well beyond the A Level specification.

At the start of Year 12, boys are introduced to the different specialist pathways and then select an area of interest to pursue through dedicated, timetabled PDP sessions.

---

Specialist pathways

The programme offers a range of areas for boys to explore, with opportunities reflecting different interests and future destinations.

• Engineering – Explore the breadth of the engineering profession, from aerospace and automotive to renewable energy, robotics and biomedical engineering.
• Science – For boys interested in science more broadly, this pathway will provide them with the opportunity to better understand specific scientific areas through online work experience, university taster courses and online study modules.
• Entrepreneurship – Through the entrepreneurship pathway, boys could develop a business concept, work as part of a team, take on director responsibilities, manage finances and sell to real customers.
• Clinical and Healthcare Careers – For boys interested in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and other healthcare professions, this pathway provides opportunities to explore different roles, understand application processes and develop relevant knowledge.
• Sport – Discover the breadth of careers within the sporting world, exploring areas such as sports science, performance, coaching, leadership, sports business and management.
• Critical Thinking – Through the study of influential philosophers, independent research, university-level learning and essay competitions, boys develop the ability to think critically, construct arguments and challenge assumptions.
• Creative – For those considering careers or university courses in areas such as architecture, art and film, the creative pathway provides support and opportunities to develop a portfolio that reflects their interests, abilities and potential.

Whether boys have a particular career in mind or simply want to explore a subject further, each pathway is designed to offer meaningful experiences and opportunities to develop relevant knowledge and skills.

---

What might this involve?

Depending on their chosen pathway, boys could:

• Complete a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) or university-level taster course.
• Undertake online work experience and independent research.
• Attend university visits, professional events and specialist trips.
• Learn from guest speakers and professionals with experience in their chosen field.
• Develop their presentation, research and communication skills.
• Build a record of their learning and reflect on how it relates to their future ambitions.

Professional Development Programme

Learning whilst making a difference

An important part of becoming a well-rounded adult is understanding how to contribute positively to the world around you. Known as The Adult in the Room, this strand gives boys the opportunity to step outside their usual classroom environment and become active members of the wider community; working alongside adults, taking responsibility and making a difference to others.

There are a variety of opportunities available, both within the Foundation and with local organisations. These might include:

• Supporting younger pupils with reading in local primary schools.
• Helping with sports coaching and activities.
• Assisting in Art, Design Technology and Languages departments.
• Volunteering at Fairfield Prep School.
• Supporting activities at John Storer House.
• Helping in community settings, including café and charity shop environments.

These are genuine responsibilities and not simply opportunities to observe. Boys work alongside adults, learning what it means to be reliable, proactive and accountable. They are expected to communicate appropriately, arrive on time, take responsibility for their commitments and let people know if they are unable to attend. These everyday professional behaviours are an important part of preparing for adult life.

Through these experiences, boys develop:

• Communication: building confidence when working with people of different ages and backgrounds.
• Responsibility: understanding the importance of reliability, commitment and following through on tasks.
• Initiative: learning to be proactive and identify where they can make a positive contribution.
• Teamwork: working collaboratively with others and understanding different roles and responsibilities.
• Empathy and social awareness: recognising the value of giving their time and skills to support others.

Most importantly, boys learn that being successful is not just about individual achievement. It is also about what they contribute to the communities of which they are part.

---

Professional Development Programme

What sets an LGS boy apart?

University admissions teams and future employers want to understand more than what a candidate has achieved academically. They want to know what interests them, how they think, what motivates them and how they have developed beyond their formal studies.

The PDP helps boys build the experiences and evidence to answer these questions with confidence and can help provide them with the following:

• A stronger university or apprenticeship application
• Greater academic curiosity
• Real-world experience
• Confidence and communication
• A clearer sense of career direction
• Preparation for life beyond school

---

More to talk about. More to offer.

The PDP also helps boys develop the ability to reflect on their experiences and explain what they have learnt.

From university applications and personal statements to interviews and apprenticeship assessments, boys will have meaningful examples to draw upon. Rather than simply listing activities, they can talk about the knowledge they have gained, the challenges they have encountered and the contribution they have made.

The aim is not to create a standard profile for every boy, but to help each individual develop a distinctive set of experiences that reflects his own interests, abilities and ambitions.

Professional Development Programme

A structured programme with an individual focus

A structured programme with an individual focus

The PDP is embedded within the Year 12 timetable, giving boys dedicated time to pursue their interests alongside their A Level studies. When boys join the Sixth Form, the first half term is dedicated to a programme of skills sessions. These introduce key areas of personal and professional development, helping boys develop the confidence and practical skills they will need to make the most of their PDP experience.

Sessions cover areas such as time management, communication, public speaking and workplace expectations.

Specialist pathways and volunteering

Following the introductory sessions, boys select their preferred specialist pathway which are incorporated into the Sixth Form timetable, providing dedicated time to pursue their chosen area through a combination of guided activities and independent work.

Alongside this, boys undertake volunteering as part of The Adult in the Room strand, committing time to a role within the School or wider community.

---

Preparing for the next chapter

By the end of the programme, boys will have developed more than an additional qualification or a list of extracurricular activities. They will have a better understanding of their interests, greater confidence in their abilities and practical experience of contributing to the world around them.

The PDP helps ensure that a Loughborough Grammar School education prepares boys not just for their examinations, but for the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead.

This ensures consistent support throughout the application cycle and that by the start of Year 13, our students have developed a strong portfolio of experience and reflection to support their applications.