Careers

The school is committed to providing a planned programme of careers education, information and guidance for all students in Years 7-13. 

The aims of careers education and guidance are as follows:

 to prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life
 to enable students to develop skills, attitudes and abilities which will enable them to be effective in a variety of adult occupations and roles
 to help them develop career awareness and enable them to manage personal career development
 to enable them to handle careers information and assist them in making informed choices
 to enable them to experience the world of work
 to enable them to manage transitions in their lives such as the change from school to college or work

Careers Year 13

Those pupils who wish to apply to university will prepare their applications during the Autumn term.  They will be receiving an information booklet about this process and parents are also encouraged to look at this.  Details are available on the website.  Pupils not applying for Higher Education will use the time preparing CVs and carrying out research into employment possibilities. 

Careers Year 12

During this year, pupils are encouraged to use the Careers section in the Senior Study and surf the internet to carry out research into possible higher education and employment options.  They are also encouraged to attend Open Days and Taster sessions organised by universities.  In the spring, pupils will have the opportunity to attend a Higher Education Convention at Reading University where they will be able to attend workshops, lectures etc, informing them about life at university.

Careers Year 11

Year 11 will use the Connexions resource "It's your choice", and look at the study and career options available to the pupils as they reach the end of Key Stage 4.  They will attend a dedicated Options evening where their A Level/BTEC choices can be discussed in relation to their aspirations

Careers Year 10

At the end of Year 10, pupils are expected to undertake a week of work experience.  This Autumn, pupils are given information about the programme and asked to complete a form which sets out the type of work they would like to do.  Parents and pupils are invited to attend an event dedicated to work experience and parents are asked to discuss this with their daughters and encourage them to submit their forms by the due date.

Careers Year 9

Year 9 receives one careers lesson per week during the year.  In the Autumn term pupils explore the qualities and skills required for a variety of occupations.  Their own career aspirations are discussed in line with the skills they will need.  The Connexions resource "Which way now?" is used to assist them with their option choices for Key Stage 4.  In the Spring and Summer term pupils look further at specific careers and examine how jobs are interdependent.  The pupils will be encouraged to regularly log their achievements, aspirations etc.

Careers Year 8

Year 8 will receive 1 lesson of Careers per week for 1½ terms.  They will continue to work on the Progress File which they started in Year 7.  They also look at issues which affect employees such as equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities.

Careers Year 7

Pupils receive 1 lesson per week over the year.  They are introduced to their “Progress File”.  This is an on-going record of pupils’ goals and achievements.  It is a computer file which means pupils do not have to carry around paperwork.  The Progress File should be added to throughout the pupils’ time at school.

Page last updated on: 12 Apr 2010