An engineering specialism within a grammar school

Since September the students have participated in a range of career related activities outlining the variety of options and career paths available to them. This has included an introduction to the career planning process and to the excellent computer resources that we have in school to support this. In December a number of former students visited the school to talk about the varied careers and training which they have pursued, and students also attended talks introducing them to the wide range of routes available to them. These covered higher education in the UK and overseas, management training schemes, sponsored and part-time degrees, apprenticeships, vocational training and starting up in business. Students have also had the opportunity to attend lunchtime talks and presentations with external speakers.

Now that students have had chance to settle in to the sixth form, they are strongly encouraged to research the post-18 options which are of interest to them and to identify ways to add to their skills and experience. Students who are considering applying for university entry in 2014 will be completing UCAS applications during the first half of the autumn term and it is important that they spend time over the coming months thoroughly researching the range of courses which match their interests, abilities and career aspirations. Similarly, applications for many of the most sought after apprenticeships and sponsored degree programmes open in September 2013 and it is vital that students use the next few months to research these opportunities and gain suitable work experience, so that they are equipped to make well informed choices later this year.

Opportunities are planned throughout the year to support the students in their research, and at this stage I would particularly like to draw your attention to the following:

Careers Appointments. Students can arrange individual careers guidance appointments with Mrs Wilson to discuss their career ideas and plans. In addition a drop in facility is offered daily during free periods, breaks and lunchtimes, with both myself and Mrs Wilson.

Centigrade Analysis at a subsidised cost of £16.95. Many of our students have found this a useful aid to choosing the right university course and it has recently been extended to include courses taught in English at European Universities as well as the full range of UK university courses. If you wish your son or daughter to participate, please return the slip in the attached brochure to me together with a cheque made payable to Ripon Grammar School by Tuesday 26^th February, 2013.

Careers Notices. These are delivered through tutor groups and are intended to inform students of opportunities to add to their skills and experience and explore career ideas. They include external events such as industry days, leadership courses and university taster courses as well as careers presentations within school. These are also posted in the careers section of the ‘shared area’ which can be accessed through Portico on the RGS website using the student’s username and password. It is recommended that students check this regularly.

Careers Noticeboards. Students should also keep a look out for events advertised on the sixth form careers noticeboard in the corridor leading to the school hall and on the boards outside the careers library.

RGS Website. The careers education section of the RGS website is designed to assist students to explore their options and includes pages on higher education, studying abroad, job hunting and gap years, together with links to recommended websites for further information.

Higher Education Evening, Thursday 25 April, 2013 at 6:30 pm. Parents and lower sixth students are invited to attend this event, which will include presentations from university representatives and senior staff on choosing universities, the UCAS application procedure and student finance etc Further information will be sent out nearer the time.

Work Experience 8-12 July, 2013. It is important that every effort is made to ensure that this is organised and that Mrs Southwell is informed of placements by 25 March, 2013 at the very latest.

Higher Education Visits. Arrangements are being made for students to visit the West and North Yorkshire Higher Education Convention at Leeds Metropolitan University on Wednesday 19 June, 2013 and the Newcastle University Open Day on Friday 28 June, 2013.

More information about future events will be provided by the 6^th form office and the careers department during the year.

Our careers programme is continually reviewed in order to enhance the information, advice and guidance that we can offer to the students. We are always pleased to hear from parents, whether it is to discuss courses or careers that are of interest to your son or daughter, or if you would like to be involved in the careers programme. If you feel that you, or your organisation, would be able to assist in future events please complete the attached pro-forma or email lockej@ripongrammar.co.uk

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Jill Locke

Careers Department

To view the Parental Involvement Pro-forma please click the link below.

Attached Letter Document - click here to view

Back to letters