Careers Pathways for students and their parents/carers
Introduction
This information is designed to inform young people and their parents/careers about the careers programme here at Wilson Stuart School and their entitlement.
Key people
Jo Bowen – Head of Sixth form / Career Lead
Jo holds a pivotal role within the lives of our students and acts as a guide and mentor to students looking to develop further and move towards greater independence and where possible future employment.
Jo is also heavily involved in careers through her work evidencing student progress towards the Gatsby benchmarks using Compass Plus as well as providing students with a varied programme of work experience both in and out of school.
Student entitlement
Wilson Stuart School has students with a wide range of abilities and all make progress at different speeds. The following is a broad overview of the entitlement to all our students when they are ready.
To meet employers and providers throughout the academic year. This can include a mixture of mainstream and specialist colleges, sixth-forms, employers and apprenticeship and training providers.
To hear from a range of local and national employers and providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options evenings, assemblies and group discussions, employability days, workplace visits and taster events.
To find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point.
To understand how to make applications for the full range of academic, apprenticeship, and technical courses. To assist in making applications for voluntary, part or full-time work.
To understand the importance and value of voluntary work within the community.
Primary Phase
Students are not taught directly about Careers although there will be links made clear in planning that link to the skills and values needed for employment. These will be mapped out and evident in curriculum planning.
Key Stage 3
Similar to primary students, for many of our Key Stage 3 students, thinking about careers is not their first thought. However, many lessons include references to real life and work situations. All Key Stage 3 students have a one to one careers interview with class tutor or teaching assistant.
Careers Week linking subject areas or skills taught through the different subject to jobs and careers. Staff will talk about jobs they have had and the skills they have needed and learnt. Guest speakers visit school to talk about their jobs.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 is when students start to really consider their next moves and careers. With this in mind students’ academic studies are complimented with a range of programmes, activities, Life and Social Skills. All students will take part in employability days or similar.
Students making the transition from KS4 to KS5 will have an interview and report from an independent careers advisor who will advise on next steps and offer guidance / answer any questions that students may have.
Key Stage 5 – Sixth Form
Students in the sixth form will complete several vocation / work based units in both the Princes Trust award and CoPE award. The curriculum also supports the Preparing for adulthood agenda and looks to provide students with as much hands on experience of work as possible, including work in the local community.
Throughout the academic year and across all year groups when offered, arranged or available Wilson Stuart look to bring in or visit as many employers, colleges or providers as possible. These contacts are both directly and indirectly linked to careers.