Key Stage 3
All students are taught to reflect on their progress and set and work towards targets in the subjects that they study. The Skills for Success are a part of lessons and students are encouraged to track their progress in these through personal mentoring.
In the Autumn term of Year 9, in preparation for making subject choices in the Pathways process, students follow a half term Careers Education unit taught in Humanities. This is supported by information, advice and taster sessions in subject areas and assemblies.
Key Stage 4
Year 10
Students get an opportunity to learn through work by undertaking a week’s work experience. In 2012 this is the week beginning July 2nd.
The process begins in October with the Humanities department teaching students how to write letters of application and Curriculum Vitae. Students learn to use some important careers tools such as Fast Tomato and Kudos.
The Work Experience Launch event follows, mentors work with their mentees to explore the Webview database, to search for work experience placements and begin to apply for positions. Students learn about what work experience entails through working with their mentor and an assembly.
Mentors and the ECM team leader follow this up by working with students and Rose Grisman in Careers until placements are secured. A few weeks before the placement students have Health and Safety briefings and a lesson on how to make the most of their week, and completion of the work experience diary.
All placements are passed as appropriate by the Devon Education Business Partnership.
There is a Parent Information Evening that explains work experience to parents.
Year 11
All students will reflect on their work experience placement and update their CV.
The focus of Careers Education moves to enabling a smooth progression to Post 16 education or work with training. All students will register with the National Careers service, and have access to the National Apprenticeships Service website.
Mentors are able to give basic advice on where to look for information, the post 16 providers, which are the most useful websites and tools, and when and how to refer students to a Careers South West advisor in College. PSHE lessons focus on enabling students to acquire the information they need to understand all the options available to them. Mentors help students to complete post 16 application forms, personal statements and support students applying for apprenticeships. Assemblies include information about all post 16 providers and support the process.
All Year 11 students will be offered support from an adviser from Careers South West who offer face to face personalised, independent and impartial careers advice. Students also have access to online and helpline services from Careers south west.
Sixth Form
Sixth Form students are offered careers guidance through the Careers South West service. One to one meetings can be booked with Careers South West staff and the Careers Area holds a large amount of current information on careers and opportunities for future study and employment.
This is supported by a programme of guidance through the UCAS university applications process led by the Head of Sixth Form and the mentor team. All Year 12 students are encouraged to visit the annual UCAS Higher Education Convention in Exeter, which is attended by representatives of most universities and colleges. Students aiming for Oxbridge, Medicine and Veterinary Science are given specific support. The ASPIRE group operates all year to support students with understanding and preparing for university applications.
There is support for students wishing to enter work through the work we do with the Rotary Club who offer mock interviews and mentoring. All students are encouraged to undertake work experience in Year 12.
The College hosts an annual Careers Convention which is an excellent opportunity for students to find out more about familiar and unfamiliar careers.
Last updated: 27 June 2012
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