Careers and Work Experience

The programme is designed to help pupils make discerning use of careers information, advice and guidance by helping them to

• Understand the structures, systems and factors that guide, shape and influence people’s career prospects and career development
• Explore how these could affect their future choices, why they need to consider them when making their own career decisions and plans and how they can do so
• Develop and practice the self help skills they need to progress their own career plans and development
  

All pupils are provided with accurate, up-to-date and objective information about learning and career opportunities, progression routes, choices, where to find help and advice and how to access it. The information, advice and guidance contributes directly to the achievement of the following ECM outcomes:

• Stay Safe – by giving young people opportunities to reflect on risk and behaviour
• Enjoy and achieve – helping young people to set priorities for learning, work and leisure and to develop work life balance
• Achieve economic well being – challenging aspirations and helping young people to progress into further learning, training or employment and to realise their potential

Curriculum

Throughout all Key Stages pupils take part in a range of activities designed to focus on their aspirations and capabilities, which build on prior attainment and experience. These include self evaluation tasks at the end of Years 7 and 8, leading in Years 9 and 10 to an Individual Learning Plan. These allow pupils to undertake a realistic self-assessment of their achievements, qualities, aptitudes and abilities.

Third Form:

All pupils take part in an Options afternoon which encourages them to focus on how the world of work is changing and the skills that promote employability. This also encourages pupils to focus on their aspirations and capabilities, ensuring they make the correct choices for GCSE.

Fourth form:

All pupils undertake a two week work experience placement. All efforts are made to ensure the placement reflects pupils’ interests and capabilities. This gives all pupils the opportunity to develop the personal qualities and work skills that will enable them to contribute effectively to the community and eventually be able to transfer to working roles.

Fifth Form:

All Fifth Form pupils have an individual careers interview arranged which focuses on their strengths, weaknesses and aims. All pupils receive written feedback from the interview. In addition differentiated careers support is provided. This includes an Apprenticeship Information Session which involves several external apprenticeship providers such as Jaguar, BT, JTL and Motor Industry Training. To help all fifth form pupils prepare for the world of work a Preparing For Opportunities session takes place which guides pupils through the process of completing application forms, writing letters of application and CV’s and helps them to develop their interview skills.

Lower and Upper Sixth:

All Lower Sixth pupils have an individual careers interview with a representative of VT Enterprise. Various speakers are invited to address the pupils including representatives from Raleigh International, The Brokerage and Accenture. All sixth form pupils have access to a careers library and can use careers software in the library. Sixth form pupils are made aware of and encouraged to apply for a variety of scholarships, internships and careers events aimed at A Level students. This has included applications to Goldman Sachs, Deloitte Touch and the annual participation of eight high achieving pupils in the Upper Sixth in a “Working in the City” programme.

In addition all pupils in the Fifth and Sixth Form are given several opportunities throughout the year to have personal interviews with the School’s Army Careers Liaison Officer. This is particularly aimed at those pupils interested in both sixth form and university scholarships leading to officer training.

Outside the classroom

All pupils have access to the careers library and careers software which is available on all school computers. Pupils in the Sixth Form are given the opportunity to attend extra-curricular talks given by external employers from a range of industries. Many sixth formers are keen to undertake periods of work experience and the department helps to arrange these with our Fourth Form work experience providers.