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Our Careers Education Programme is delivered via discreet lessons in the PSHE classroom and specific events and experiences for pupils and parents.  These are linked by our strong tutorial system and tailored academic support.

The programme is underpinned by three aims:

. Self development- that pupils will understand themselves and the influences on them

. Career exploration- that pupils investigate opportunities in learning and work

. Career management- that pupils can make and adjust plans to manage change and transition

Information

There is a wealth of careers information in book and DVD format available in the Careers Library.  Posters positioned around school highlight relevant websites linking subjects to professional bodies.  Others advertise open days and gap year opportunities.

Events

Specific events, such as the ‘Learn to Earn’ day, give pupils in Year 10 the time to question business men and women and explore through role play, game and activities, the rewards of work, the cost of living, the relationship between levels of knowledge and salary, etc.

Invited speakers have included Alex Longmore - Fashion Stylist and Jess Hayes – cellist.  Pupils also benefit from regular inspirational talks from the Army and Royal Navy. These all raise aspirations and give the opportunity to ask questions and consider new opportunities.

Guidance

The ‘Real Game’ software package is being integrated into Key Stage 3 to encourage discussion in tutor time on work related learning. Other areas covered include gender and stereotyping, using reliable information on
labour market trends and Pathfinderlive software.  The independent Cambridge Occupational Analysis Preview questionnaire is used in Year 11 and 12.  This is followed by one-to-one interviews, as we help pupils identify skills and interests.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of our Careers Educational Programme. In particular there are informative meetings for parents in Year 9, 11 and Sixth Form. Pupils’ decisions on option choices are influenced by valuable contributions from their network of family friends, tutor, houseparent and teachers, as well as their parents and personal research.

Basic advice can be found at:
www.connexions-direct.com/whichwaynow
wwww.connexions-direct.com/itsyourchoice
www.careerscope.uk

Sixth Form

Sixth formers benefit from more focused preparation in a weekly seminar programme.  Sessions include: Choices Post 18, UCAS, Gap Year Planning, Writing a CV, Handling Change and Stress, Finance Issues, Preparing for Interviews, Applying for a Job and the Value of Work Experience.

Visits to a gap year fair in October and the Reading Higher Education Fair in March, prove invaluable.

Transferable skills are built up through extra curricular activities such as Model UN and the Young Enterprise business scheme.

Useful websites include:
www.ucas.com
www.opendays.com
www.ukcoursefinder.com
www.prospects.ac.uk/student/cidd/wdgd
www.notgoingtouni.co.uk

Post school

The online support from COA is available beyond a pupil’s career at Kingham Hill.

We plan to set up a database of work experience opportunities, drawing on our current parents and our extensive network of alumni.

We also enjoy hearing from past pupils and value all that they offer to current pupils.