Careers Programme
Careers Lead: Mrs L Wynne-Jones – Assistant Headteacher
l.wynne-jones@cardinalgriffin.staffs.sch.uk
01543 502215 (ext. 212)
Level 6 Independent Careers Advisor: Jackie Flint
Link Governor – Mrs V Rivett
Intent & Purpose
CEIAG is deemed a priority at Cardinal Griffin Catholic College. There is a strong belief that the students who attend the college should be equipped with the information, knowledge and understanding of their options that will allow them to make informed decisions at key transition points in their school life and beyond. In addition, we place a high priority on students being given the chance to develop their workplace and employability skills which will allow them to become effective employees in the future and are a rewarding career.
Student Entitlement
All students have an entitlement to access impartial information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) through their time at school. Since 2012, all schools have been required to secure independent and impartial careers and guidance for all students in years 8-11 when they need it. At Cardinal Griffin, this is currently provided by our independent careers advisor who works in school 1-2 days per week. Y11 students are prioritised but the guidance is available to all students as require. There are also opportunities for students in Y12 and 13 to access careers advice when necessary. The Governing body ensures that the school meets its commitment to providing independent careers advice and that a range of post 16 progression opportunities are presented to students.
The Careers Programme
In addition, a clear, planned and progressive programme of activities has been created from Y7-11 with transition activities from Y11 to post 16. The programme has the aim to create high educational and career aspirations for all students, whilst equipping them with the knowledge and skills that they will require to fulfil their potential and achieve their goals. The current programme is outlined below but is constantly reviewed, improved and updated.
The CEIAG programme is varied and encourages students to consider a range of careers through investigation activities and through contact with employers. The Y10 and Y12 work experience programme and at least one event for every year group facilitates this. This inspires the students to understand the world of work and the range of opportunities that it can present.
CEIAG is delivered through dedicated drop-down days, the pastoral curricula and the formation programme. The programme is delivered by a range of staff who are prepared and trained so that they are able to effectively deliver the activities. These events are also supported by the employers whenever possible to increase student engagement.
Enrichment Visits
In addition to the planned programme above enrichment events and visits are organised where available. Students in Y10 and 11 are invited to the ‘So you want to be a Doctor?’ conference held at Keele Medical School every year. Other NHS careers are showcased at specific healthcare careers events which the school participates in whenever possible. All Y12 and Y13 complete two hours enrichment per week, during one of the academic years it has to be future work orientated e.g medical society, law society, journalism, EES and Young Enterprise.
Careers in The Curriculum
All subject areas have developed their own careers programmes and wherever possible, subject learning is related to careers skills and opportunities. Dedicated lessons that showcase the possible careers related to specific subjects are planned and delivered both in KS3 and 4. Each department area has careers information related to their subjects displayed within their department. Subject areas arrange for subject specific carers talks from professionals to talk about their work to students whenever possible.
Evaluation
CEIAG provision is regularly evaluated by students, staff, parents and volunteers and the feedback is used to improve the provision for future year groups. Every activity is evaluated by students and staff. Volunteers and Parents are asked for feedback when this is applicable.
Work Experience
In July of Year 10 and Year 12, every student participates in 5 days of work experience. The placements are found and arranged by the students themselves, which is intended to help them develop their skills in finding work. All placements are thoroughly checked for health and safety. Work experience is an invaluable experience for our students that helps them to grow in confidence and maturity, as well as equipping them with an insight into the skills that they will need when they enter the workplace. Y12 and Y13 are expected to complete a minimum of 3 days’ work experience with the opportunity to do further work experience on a Wednesday afternoon.
POST 16 OPTIONS
A LEVELS
A-levels are the main academic route. They are achieved after two years of study and there are lots of different subjects to choose from. You can also take A-levels alongside vocational qualifications.
They often have quite high entry requirements (usually Grade 6+ at GCSE) but this does vary between providers.
You will study fewer subjects than you did at GCSE but, as A-levels are advanced qualifications, your will need to develop a much deeper understanding and knowledge of these subjects
At A-level, you have a lot less input from teachers and are expected to do more independent study
However, you will have more lessons for each subject, so you can have more time with your teachers to ask questions.
While A-levels are a great entry ticket to university, there are some subjects that certain universities won’t accept, and some they will prefer
– so do your research!
APPRENTICESHIPS
When you do an apprenticeship you’re out in the workplace four or five days a week and earn a wage, but some of your time is also spent working towards professional qualifications.
Certain types of apprenticeships can also lead to university qualifications.
An apprenticeship is a type of job you can get from the age of 16 where you work full-time for a company but are also trained at the same time. You earn a salary and are treated like an employee, giving you all the independence and responsibility that you’d get if you went straight into a job, but at least 20% of your time will be spent in training, learning the hands-on skills you’ll need to progress in your chosen career.
You can choose to do an apprenticeship anytime from the age of 16– there’s no upper age limit so it doesn’t have to be straight after your GCSEs. They can take anything from one to five years to complete, but at the end you’ll be fully trained and qualified in your chosen role.
Apprenticeships are organised into different levels which are equivalent to traditional educational levels, like this:
Intermediate (Level 2) = GCSE level
Advanced (Level 3) = A-level
Higher (Levels 4 – 7) = Foundation degree and above
Degree (Levels 6 and 7) = Bachelors or masters degree
Entry requirements will differ depending on the industry, job role and level you’re interested in. If you’ve just finished your GCSEs you’ll probably want to look at Intermediate or Advanced apprenticeships.
VOCATIONAL COURSES
You can also opt to take vocational qualifications offered by a sixth form or local college
Vocational qualifications are qualifications related to a specific area of employment, e.g. if you want to do care work, you can take Health and Social Care
They’re much more hands-on: you could be in a studio, workshop or on a farm.
APPLIED GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applied General Qualifications are on a par with A levels. They are for students 16 – 19 who want to continue their education through learning applied to a general job area e.g. Law, Creative and Media, and Business.
Applied General Qualifications allow entry to a range of higher education courses, either by meeting the entry requirements in their own right or being accepted alongside other qualifications at Level 3 such as A levels.
Often Applied General Qualifications are endorsed by employers and professional or trade bodies.
Many of these qualifications are BTECs.
Resources/Documents
UniFrog Student Quick Launch-KS3
