We consider that careers education and guidance is a vital part of the curriculum and therefore ensure that it is available at significant stages in the college life of all students. Every possible use is made of available sources of information and delivery is provided through Active Tutorial work in the vertical tutor groups. The college is proud of its achievement of the prestigious Investors In Careers award.
The National Framework 11-19 (DFES, 2003) document presents a national Framework for Careers Education and Guidance 11-19. The framework offers guidance on how schools, colleges and work-based training organisations can develop improved programmes of careers education and guidance, which better prepare young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. This framework has been used as the basis for the Careers Education Programme that students receive. The following learning objectives are integral components of our new Careers Curriculum.
The Learning Objectives:
Key Stage 3:
- To help explore The World of Work
- To help students develop information finding skills
- To identify skills and qualities and foster a sense of self-awareness
- To help students make considered decisions regarding the transition to key stage 4
- Use goal setting, review, reflection and action planning to support progress and achievement
- Recognise stereotyped and misrepresented images of people, careers and work and how their own views of these issues affect their decision making
- Recognise and respond to the main influences on their attitudes and values in relation to learning, work and equality of opportunity
- Identify and use a variety of sources of careers information, including ICT
Key Stage 4:
- To help students explore career/ post-16 opportunities
- To provide information to students regarding the Local Labour Market
- To help students make realistic decisions about future opportunities
- To help students complete an action plan and CV
- To explore interview skills, equal opportunities and application processes
- To help smooth students’ transition post-16
- To provide students with the opportunity of Work Experience
Key Stage 5:
- To help students re-assess and update their medium and longer term goals
- To help students to identify career management skills for development
- To help students critically analyse career and further education information
- To provide students with the opportunity to develop self-presentation techniques
- To help students to consider sources of financial support and management to sustain higher education
Year 9: During Year 9 time is spent during Active Tutorial sessions building on decision-making skills in order that students may make informed subject choices and be aware of the possible implications on their future. Links with the IT programme, ‘Keyclips’, provide an introduction to career exploration.
Year 10: Students are given a range of sources of information so that they know the requirements of various jobs and the opportunities offered by them. Exercises help students be aware of their own strengths, weaknesses, skills and abilities, in order that they can identify careers to which they would be best suited. Students are encouraged to explore computer programmes and internet sites such as Kudos which ask questions about attitudes to aspects of work and, in response to the answers given, suggest possible careers. In addition, some of the time will be spent preparing for the work experience programme which is in July.
Year 11: It is possible for students to have interviews with Connexions. In particular the students are told about all the opportunities which will be available to them at the end of the year. They are also given help with regard to looking for work, applying for jobs and attending interviews. They also use ‘Keyclips’, ‘Higher Ideas’ and the internet as an integral part of this programme.
