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Careers Education

Careers Education is much more than being just about jobs- it’s about preparing for life after school. As a parent, and governor, its wonderful to see the excellent provision at Gordon's is agile, comprehensive and embedded right from Year 7.

Mr D Horton, Parent and Governor

Careers learning journey

Gordon’s School is committed to providing a planned programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG), framed by the Gatsby Benchmarks, for all students in Years 7-13. Gordon’s School is also committed to achieving a range of outcomes for young people including the careers and work-related learning outcomes identified in the Careers Development Institute's (CDI's) Framework for Careers, employability and enterprise education (April 2021), as well as practical outcomes such as positive destinations, successful transitions and on-going development of employability skills. More information on both the Gatsby Benchmarks and the CDI Framework can be found here.

The programme is implemented through regular curriculum moments in PSHE and across each department, assemblies on options and pathways, and information events for both students and parents. There is exposure to employers and employees via the careers insight talks and during tutor time, giving students a chance to ask meaningful questions. Access to labour market information is delivered through tutor time activities and regular careers bulletins showcasing a wide variety of career sectors. Themed events throughout the year, including National Apprenticeship Week and National Careers Week strive to inspire and inform our learners and offer access to information on the full range of FE, HE and vocational pathways including apprenticeships and T levels. In addition, Gordon’s annual Careers Fair enables students across all years to engage with both employers and providers both locally and nationally.

Students in Years 10 and 12 benefit from the work experience programme to further develop their understanding of the world of work and what it takes to be successful. Work experience supports students in gaining insight into their career interests and values, and builds confidence and employability. The school also partners with INNERVATE Careers Service to provide impartial 121 careers advice during Year 10 and 12.

Overview 

years 7-9

Careers education for Years 7-9 is mainly delivered through the PSHE curriculum. 

In Year 7 students will be introduced to the world of employment through topics such as assessing their personal strengths, careers, raising aspirations, leadership, and understanding behaviour at work.

In Year 8 there is an exciting competition about working in the NHS with a focus on equality of opportunity - the theme is careers in the NHS and life choices. Students are exposed to job descriptions, adverts and create their own application for the job for which they feel they are best suited. There is an analysis of the skills needed for the job. Students also learn strengths and behaviours required in the workplace.

In Year 9 students will understand career sectors and be exposed to labour market information. They will explore career pathways and important themes such as equality at work.

Some careers' education is undertaken in tutor time when students assess where their subjects can take them. 

For every year group there are speakers regularly educating students on apprenticeships, university pathways and employment. Themed events such as Apprenticeship week and National Careers week ensure that students meet with employers and employees in order to have a meaningful exchange. All students receive access to our extensive Careers-Industry Talks, and career assemblies. Careers information is embedded in all subjects' schemes of work. All students attend the Careers Fair with external companies available for meaningful interaction. Labour market information is shared regularly.

years 10-11

Careers education in Year 10 is mainly through PSHE with specific employability modules. In Year 10 they will learn how to write a CV, how to apply for a job with confidence and will also have an opportunity to learn interview skills.

In Year 11 the careers modules continue to be embedded in PSHE and in this year the focus is on self-efficacy, future opportunities, personal leadership and readiness for work.

In both years there are speakers regularly educating students on apprenticeships, university pathways and employment. Themed events such as Apprenticeship week and National Careers week ensure that students meet with employers and employees in order to have a meaningful exchange. 

In addition, all Year 10 students receive a one-to-one careers guidance interview with our external careers consultant and all students attend the Careers Fair with external companies available for meaningful interaction. All students in Year 10 and Year 11 have access to our extensive Careers-Industry Talks taking place across specific weeks, as well as our career assemblies. Careers information is embedded in all subjects' schemes of work and labour market information is shared regularly via bulletins.

All Year 10 students also undertake work experience which is designed to develop their employability skills and prepare them for their next steps beyond school. 

Click here for the Key Stage 4 Options and Academic Guide

years 12-13

In Year 12 and Year 13 careers guidance has a focus on Post 18 progression which can take the form of gap year, employment, apprenticeships or university. Most students choose to go to university, although an increasing number successfully secure apprenticeships.  To prepare for these pathways there are numerous key events across the two years which engage both parents and students.  There are speakers regularly educating students on apprenticeships, university pathways and employment. Themed events such as Apprenticeship week and National Careers week ensure that students meet with employers and employees in order to have a meaningful exchange. 

 Year 12 students also attend the UCAS fair in addition to the Gordon's School Careers Fair.  All students in Year 12 and Year 13 have access to our extensive Careers-Industry Talks taking place across specific weeks , and our career assemblies. Careers information is embedded in all subjects' schemes of work and labour market information is shared regularly.

Click here for the Sixth Form Options and Academic Guide

Impact matters

DROP in careers Support - every Tuesday breaktime

Are you looking for advice on post 16 or post 18 options? Do you need support with your CV or personal statement, guidance on apprenticeship applications, or help with work experience and UNIFROG? Do you have any suggestions for job roles or industry sector speakers you would like to hear from? Drop in careers support with Mrs Kennedy is guaranteed every Tuesday at 10:30am or you can book an appointment by email.

 

Careers Lead: Mrs A Kennedy 
Careers Link Governor: Mr D Horton   
Contact Email: careers@gordons.school
The information on these pages is subject to review in September 2024