At Gordon’s we offer the following programme of Careers and Work Related Learning.
What will my child learn about the workplace at Gordons School?
Year 7
In Year 7 pupils are introduced to Careers primarily through their PSHE lessons.
As part of their PSHE course they:
- Look at jobs within the school and evaluate these.
- Undertake a three week module with work simulation activities including teamwork regarding profits and skills sharing in a work situation, and the value of a production line.
- In other academic subjects they use the Connexions website to introduce pupils to the concept of researching skills required for a variety of subject specific careers.
Year 8
In Year 8 students continue to examine Careers in PHSE with one module specifically looking at the cost of living. Also, during the school Enrichment week, Year 8 have a specific work related learning afternoon based on running an airline, with outside input from Young Enterprise.
Year 9
In Year 9 we emphasize the importance of Careers throughout the year as our students make their first subject choices for GCSE at the end of the Summer Term.
As part of their PSHE course they receive this booklet which helps them to make good choices for their options.
This is a 5 week module. Included in this is:
- Self Awareness, qualities and skills including transferable skills Decisions and choices.
- Familiarising the pupils with the Careers section of the Resource Centre.
- Using the Connexions software programme to consider possible jobs. These are then researched using the Internet and internal resources.
- How to make their option choices for Year 10.
- An opportunity to consider ideas for Work Experience for Year 10, including writing a sample application letter.
In addition, the following activities are available to all pupils:
- Careers Service available at Year 9 Parents evening.
- Careers Fair.
- Work related learning day during Enrichment Week.
Year 10
In Year 10 the primary focus of the Careers department is to prepare our students for the one week of Work Experience which they will complete at the end of the Summer term and students are encouraged to independently find their placement company. In order to help them students:
- Have SHAPE (Surrey Heath Area Partnership) led sessions to help find a suitable Work Placement.
- Attend Study Skills sessions with an outside speaker.
- Examine skills, qualities, interests, abilities and values. Pupils come up with a personal statement.
- Create a flow-chart on their individual plans for the future.
- Examine why people work.
- Examine why a Work Placement is necessary and future expectations of salaries.
- Write a CV. Attend talks by professionals from different walks of life.
- Fill in a work placement diary including Health and Safety.
Year 11
The Careers department is especially busy in Year 11. To prepare our students for life after their GCSE’s we offer:
- Careers interviews with a Careers Advisor.
- Pupil interviews regarding their future.
- A jobs and salaries module in PHSE which considers the link with national house prices and mortgages.
- A Money management module in PHSE investigating - paying your own way, including taxes.
- Speed interviewing.
Year 12
In Year 12 the Careers department offers students the following:
- One week's work experience.
- Outside speakers (6 in total) talking about careers.
- Taster days at Universities.
- Practice CV writing.
- Practice interviews for both University and jobs.
- Study skills sessions with an outside speaker.
- Interviews with a Careers Advisor.
- Young Enterprise in Business studies
Year 13
And finally in Year 13 we organize the following:
- Work experience evaluation projects.
- Outside speakers.
- Study skills with an outside speaker.
- Taster days at university.
- UCAS evening for students and parents.
- Interviews with a Careers Advisor.
- Budgeting and money managing advice
What can I do as a Parent?
Talk with your child about their career - it’s never too soon to start.