Students aged 12 - 14
Course Information
Career Discovery Summer Experience
An experience-led introduction to real career pathways, designed for students who are starting to think more seriously about their future aspirations.
Through hands-on simulations, professional-led workshops, and guided reflection, students explore where their interests lie, how different careers really work, and how today’s school subjects connect to life beyond the classroom.
Discover Your Future Path
The Career Discovery Summer Experience at Dulwich College offers students aged 12-14 an in-depth taste of Computer Science, Engineering, Business and Finance, Medical Sciences and Robotics/AI to help you choose a career path that works for you. The course also contains visits to UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus where you will learn fundamental career skills to prepare for your career.
Delivered in partnership with
Career Discovery Experience
Students on This Programme Gain:
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A clear understanding of different careers and how to prepare for them, with insight into pathways, skills, and expectations.
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Practical experience through hands-on simulations and workshops designed by industry experts, helping students test interests in real scenarios.
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Strong teamwork and communication skills through group challenges, case studies, and collaborative problem-solving activities.
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Guidance from experienced professionals, helping students connect learning with future career possibilities.
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A confident first step into career exploration, building knowledge, self-awareness, and motivation for future academic and professional choices.
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Personalised feedback on strengths and progress, supporting informed decisions about their future.
Why Exploring Careers Early Makes The Biggest Difference
Many parents wonder whether 12–14 is too early to think about careers. In practice, this is the stage when subject choices, confidence, and motivation begin to shape future options.
This programme doesn’t ask students to decide what they want to be. Instead, it helps them understand what’s possible, how careers actually work, and how education fits into those pathways.
Choosing subjects in higher education can quietly shape future options. For many students, those decisions arrive before they’ve had any real exposure to careers themselves.
This programme gives students the chance to explore possibilities before doors begin to narrow. By experiencing different fields first-hand, they gain a clearer sense of what interests them, what motivates them, and how education fits into the bigger picture.
Download The Programme Overview
Get a detailed insight into our Careers Discovery programme, designed to inspire and challenge students in a dynamic learning environment.
Built Around World-Leading Careers Education Principles
The Career Discovery Summer Experience is designed around the Gatsby Benchmarks, the UK’s recognised framework for high-quality careers education. These eight guiding principles help ensure students gain meaningful exposure to real careers, future study pathways, and practical decision-making skills.
By aligning the programme with these standards, students gain far more than an introduction to different industries. They develop insight, confidence, and direction in a structured and age-appropriate way.
How Students Experience These Principles in Practice
Encounters with employees and employers – Benchmark 5
Learning Directly from Professionals
Encounters with further and higher education – Benchmark 7
Connecting Careers to Future Education
Learning from career and labour market information – benchmark 2
Understanding How Careers Are Shaped by the Modern World
Course Modules
Over two days, you will learn about the roles of a junior doctor, the role of a GP and have the opportunity to take part in several hands-on immersive simulations, including learning CPR on a state-of-the-art dummy, practising suturing on an everyday object and utilising VR software to respond to a simulated medical emergency.
Learn about several fields of engineering, including aeronautics, mechanical and civil and put these into practice with the support of industry experts. Take part in a series of principles of flight simulations and design your own bridge capable of withstanding significant weight and stress.
Explore how the world of business and finance really works, from investment banking to trading floors, and the wide range of roles within the sector. Learn directly from leading financiers and traders as they share how their careers began and the skills needed to succeed. Working in groups, you’ll create a business plan and pitch it to investors for feedback, then build and manage your own investment portfolio, using expert insight to develop your financial knowledge and decision-making skills.
Gain an insight into how computer science is evolving and the coding languages shaping the industry today. Learn from experienced software engineers as they share their career journeys, then explore both front end and back end engineering by writing your own code with expert guidance. You’ll design and test software, build a working game mechanic in Unity, programme a robot using Scratch or Python, and see how your skills connect to emerging roles across the future workplace.
Attend a day at London’s Global University – University College London and prepare yourself for school, university and job interviews. Learn how to develop a basic CV appropriate for all ages and understand how to differentiate yourself from an early age.
Career Discovery
What's Included?
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Academic Content
25 hours of career based academic workshops and simulations each week delivered by professionals working in the industry
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Presentation Skill Development
Opportunities to apply and share this knowledge with your peers through dynamic group projects, culminating in an assessed activity and graduation ceremony.
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Industry Programme
An action-packed programme of industry experts and hands-on immersive simulation each week, designed to give you first-hand insight into a range of careers
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English Language Development
Numerous opportunities throughout your academic programme to develop your English language skills, whether that’s building vocabulary to talk about your subject, or developing your speaking skills to present projects and pieces of work.
Career Discovery at Dulwich College
Dates & Prices
Dulwich College, Career Discovery FAQs
No previous study is required. The programme is designed for students with an interest in exploring their future career pathway, regardless of prior experience.
All specialist materials for workshops and practical sessions are provided. You only need to bring standard study items such as notebooks, pens, and a laptop or tablet if you prefer to take digital notes.
Yes. On successful completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement and may request a personalised Letter of Reference to support future academic or career applications.
A minimum level of B1 is advised in order to participate effectively.
After a summer with SBC I feel a lot different.
When I came here I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with my future…by experiencing all of these subjects I’ve got a better picture of what I want to do now. I have learnt a lot and I am ready for my future
Jasper, Oxford College, Canada - Student
Arrange a Free Consultation with Our Admissions Team
We’re here to help you choose the ideal summer experience. Schedule a no-obligation call with a member of our friendly team to explore your options, ask questions, and receive expert guidance tailored to your child’s interests and goals.