Aims

We aim to raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes and encourage students to consider a wide range of careers. The careers programme in school offers information, guidance support and advice to assist students with making well informed realistic career decisions.

In particular we intend our students to:

develop a broad understanding of the world of work and student’s ability to respond to changing opportunities

  • develop independent research skills so that they can make good use of information and guidance
  • develop and use their self-knowledge when thinking about and making choices
  • develop the skills they need to review achievements, plan future actions, make decisions, present themselves well and cope with change and transition

We are committed to:

the provision of resources and advice to enable students to understand and develop career choices and to ensure that careers education is seen as part of the overall curriculum and learning framework for all years

  • encouraging students to achieve and to be ambitious
  • involving students, parents and carers in the further development of careers work
  • working with Connexions so that no students is disadvantaged in gaining access to education, training or work

Provision

Careers includes both education and guidance. Careers education helps our students develop the knowledge and skills they need to make successful choices, manage transitions in lessons. We have a well-resourced Careers Library containing a wide range of careers information as well as access to a number of specially designed ICT Careers Programmes to provide our students with up to date information.

Our Careers Adviser is available to see students every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and offers a drop in service at breaks and lunchtimes to all year groups. There is also an appointment system for individual careers guidance interviews.

Career sessions within the PSHCE programme are delivered to all year groups covering self-awareness, occupational awareness and decision making skills.

These sessions link in well with the overall programme and gives the opportunity for students to be fully aware of the role and the support offered throughout their time at school.

Measuring Impact

The college measures and assesses the impact of the careers programme by our students’ destinations. This will be demonstrated by the higher numbers progressing to apprenticeships, further education colleges, universities, traineeships, and other positive destinations. We also work closely with students who are disadvantaged, offsite, have English as an Additional Language and Special Educational Needs to ensure they have a positive career pathway.

Year 7

Self-Awareness

  • Careers session delivered by Careers Adviser to the year group.
  • Explanation of the role of the Careers Adviser and the careers support that students will receive throughout school.
  • Interactive session with a variety of activities encouraging students to think about the tasks and skills required for different job roles, considering their own skills, interests and abilities.

Year 8

Occupational Awareness

  • Careers session delivered by Careers Adviser to the year group
  • Interactive session allowing students to consider a range of occupational areas and to reflect on the variety of different job roles within these areas.
  • Outside speakers provide an interactive day based around raising aspirations
  • Careers lessons delivered on:
    • Jobs and gender
    • Action planning their future using SMART targets

Year 9

Careers Research

  • Careers session run by Careers Adviser to the year group
  • The aim of the session is to develop careers research skills.
  • One to one Career Guidance interviews with typed Careers Action Plan – supporting students with choosing options to study in years 10 and 11.
  • Careers lessons delivered on:
    • Individual learning plans
    • Salary management

Year 10

The Catholic Partnership Careers Convention – A variety of local employers, colleges, universities and apprenticeship providers will be present to answer any queries.

PSHCE lessons include the below themes:

  • Post 16 Option talk
  • Applying to college/sixth form
  • Apprenticeship Talk
  • Guest speaker from University informing students about Higher Education as a future option.
  • Careers lessons covering;
    • Work experience
    • Skills and qualities (job suitability)
    • Pay slips, tax, and NI

Summer term

  • C.V. workshops
  • One to One Career Guidance – interviews supplemented with Careers Action Plan

Year 11

Post 16 Options Talk – informing students of the routes available post Year 11 including detailed explanations of courses and qualifications.

One to One Career Guidance – interviews supplemented with Careers Action Plan.

Break/Lunchtime and After School Drop in Careers Sessions – to support students with the completion of college and sixth form applications.

College Visits – including a tour around the college and interactive activities for students to gain an insight into the college lifestyle, support available and courses and qualifications on offer.

Apprenticeship Provider Sessions – offering information about Apprenticeships and the opportunity to register with the National Apprenticeship Website (website where pupils can search and apply for apprenticeship vacancies).

The Catholic Partnership Careers Convention – A variety of local employers, colleges, universities and apprenticeship providers will be present to answer any queries.

C.V. Workshop

The Careers Adviser will attend the following parent/carers events

  • Year 8  Options Evening
  • Year 10 Parents Evening
  • Year 11 Parents Evening
  • The Catholic Partnership Careers Convention

If you do not wish your child’s details to be forwarded to the Youth Support Service (formerly Connexions), please contact the school office.”