All pupils receive a planned programme of careers education and guidance. This is a programme appropriate to individual needs which will give students knowledge of their skills and abilities and help them to make decisions about their future. The programme is delivered in modular form as a component of the Personal and Social Education curricula, in years 8 - 12. Students in years 13 and 14 receive at least one period of Careers per week.
Outside speakers are invited to talk to interested groups and targeted audiences and, where appropriate, vocational visits are organised to local businesses and agencies, thereby ensuring that up-to-date and reliable information about careers opportunities, education and training is readily available to all students. The school has a purpose built Careers Suite incorporating a study area which can also be used for interviews. These facilities along with the latest computer software enable students to make effective career choices during the transitions that affect their future education.
Students in year 13 have the opportunity to go on work experience for which they have been thoroughly prepared, which supports learning, and for which they will receive credit in their National Record of Achievement (NRA). This is further developed with emphasis on Interview Skills, Study Skills and other links with a Business/Education partnership, Industry Matters and Young Business Enterprise schemes.
Further curriculum development initiatives include the Company programme, which provides practical business experience through running a company. Project Business UK, a partnership between education and business for Year 11 pupils, also helps to develop business skills at an early age.
Pupils in years 10, 12 and 14 all have individual interviews at the appropriate times in their school year. This guidance is from people who have appropriate and up-to-date training, is confidential, free from bias and is regularly reviewed, giving students an opportunity to discuss, agree and review an action plan.
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