Careers Information and Guidance
Careers education at Spalding High School is taught through the PSHCE Programme in Lower School and through dedicated Careers lessons in the Sixth Form. The Careers Education and Guidance programme aims to prepare young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life, so that they can make and implement well-informed and realistic decisions about their future.
From Year 7 pupils are encouraged to develop key personal skills, set targets and begin to explore the world of work learning about factors such as soft skills, introduction to STEM and Careers Stereotyping.
Year 8 pupils are given the opportunity to participate in the Real Game activity - a lifestyle, learning and earning resource, which allows students to explore adult life. Through the game pupils experience a range of different learning styles to develop employability and key skills. Pupils also spend time learning about STEM to widen their knowledge of future career paths.
Year 9 pupils are introduced to the Fasttomato programme, which helps them to find progression routes appropriate to their interests, current studies and career ambitions. The platform also makes labour market information available. Pupils receive a presentation from an independent careers advisor and begin writing their careers plans, which will be continually reviewed throughout the rest of their school years. In preparation for GCSE options, pupils also get the opportunity to attend the Options Fair, as well as the Options Evening, which takes place for parents. There is also a CV writing session in preparation for work experience in Year 10.
Year 10 pupils have a further careers presentation from an independent careers advisor and have time to revisit their initial careers plans and update these where necessary. This is then followed by time to research options outlined in the careers presentation. They spend the majority of the first part of the year preparing for their work experience. This takes place for 10 days in March/April, offering a valuable opportunity for pupils to experience the world of work and develop employability skills. In preparation for their placement, pupils learn how to produce a covering letter to accompany their CV and learn valuable skills such as interview techniques and Health & Safety in the workplace.
Pupils will also be introduced to Fasttomato careers platform (for 2018-19 only as this is now incorporated into the Year 9 programme). This is followed by a session introducing aspects of apprenticeships, employability skills and higher education.
Year 11 pupils have further opportunities to revisit and review their career plans to help them focus on future aspirations. Pupils have the opportunity to experience life in the Sixth Form and are provided with information on other local Sixth Form/College open days. Any pupils requiring additional advice and guidance have the opportunity for a careers interview with senior staff and/or an independent careers advisor if necessary.
Sixth Form students receive a designated careers lesson every two weeks. This provides the opportunity to obtain advice, guidance and skills in many areas and to research higher education/apprenticeships and the world of work. In April/May there is a Parents’ Information Evening for parents and students to find out about UCAS applications and student finance. In addition to this, in June, Year 12 students have a personal statement writing day to receive guidance on drafting their personal statements. On this day, we also have a workshop for students who do not wish to apply for higher education, with apprenticeship guidance available. There is a presentation about university life from a university outreach representative. We also invite a local employer in to talk about opportunities for employment and apprenticeships.
Throughout the year we have a number of outside speakers attend on a Friday afternoon from various sectors, to present to pupils and students and give advice and guidance in their area of expertise. These talks are open to all Year 10, 11, 12 & 13 pupils and students wishing to find out more about a particular career. This offers them an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand experience and ask questions, to help them fully understand the different areas of work and the best routes into these.
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