A strong emphasis is placed on providing Careers Education and Guidance throughout each student’s time at school. Careers Education is delivered specifically through Work Related Learning by the Business Studies Team. It also occurs in other subject lesson time on a formal and informal basis. Careers Advice and Guidance is provided by specialist staff at school by Connexions consultants.
In Years 7, 8 and 9, emphasis is placed on the development of self-analysis and self- awareness. Students are taught techniques for information gathering and how to make balanced decisions based upon the evidence and their particular needs. In Years 10 and 11, the focus moves to gathering ideas and relevant information for particular types of work, specific careers, higher and further education aspirations, as well as work skills.
Through our Industrial Liaison and Business contacts we are able to organise a wide variety of speakers and presentations from firms and organisations promoting career opportunities locally and wider a-field.
In Year 10, all students are offered the chance to experience "The World of Work" first-hand by undertaking a week’s work placement. This allows them to familiarise themselves with the routine, responsibility and commitment necessary for high performance in the workplace as well as teaching them the necessary personal and social skills required to work in a predominantly adult environment. In the Sixth Form, there are further opportunities which directly relate to the vocational area the students are studying.
In Year 11, students are involved in developing a high quality Curriculum Vitae. Each student has a ‘mock’ interview for a job or further training place, with a local business person, which prepares them for the ‘real thing’. From Year 9, students can also have a personal interview with the careers staff in school as well as a more formal interview with the Connexions consultant to which parents are invited to attend. The role of parents in supporting their child with these crucial decisions is very important, and, parents are invited to attend all formal career interviews.
We hold an Annual Careers Convention as well as Information Evenings for choices at 13+ and 16+.
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