An engineering specialism within a grammar school
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Careers"If you don't know where you are going you will probably end up somewhere else" (Laurence Peter)Aims of the DepartmentTo help pupils to develop the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices about learning and work through a coherent cross-curricular approach. Pupils are encouraged to take the time to understand themselves and the influences on them, as well as exploring job and learning opportunities to enable them to manage their own career progression. Careers ResourcesThe careers room is situated directly above the school library and is open to pupils each day. Sixth formers are encouraged to use the resources during individual study periods and pupils from any year group may use the room at morning break and most lunchtimes from 1.15pm. Resources include books and information sheets about a large range of careers providing information about the type of work involved, skills required, entry requirements and related occupations. Leaflets are catalogued using the CRCI system (Connexions Resource Centre Index) and may be photocopied for individual use. There is also a good stock of up-to-date prospectuses and a range of Trotman and other publications containing information and advice about choosing and applying for higher education courses. Licences are held for “kudos”, an interactive careers matching programme which provides career ideas based on individual interests and “careerscape” which has detailed careers information, real-life case studies and current articles covering education, training, student finance, employment and labour market information. These programmes are available on the school network but can also be accessed at www.cascaid.co.uk using the password available from the Careers Room and the IT Department. Pupils who would like to discuss their own career and learning choices in more depth can make an appointment with Mrs Wilson who is the Personal Development Curriculum Co-ordinator. Mrs Wilson can be contacted in the careers room or by e-mailing wilsonf@ripongrammar.co.uk. Similarly form tutors can refer a pupil for an appointment if they identify a particular need. Appointments can also be made with the Connexions Adviser who visits the school most weeks. In addition the Connexions Adviser will arrange to see all fifth form pupils during the course of the year. Mrs Wilson and a Connexions Adviser will also be in attendance at a number of parents' evenings. Key Stage 3Although formal careers education begins in the third year as part of the PSHCE curriculum, pupils are encouraged to start thinking about the world of work before that through a number of subjects across the curriculum. The Building Bridges project undertaken in the second year is a particular example where pupils work in teams to solve a work related problem. During the project pupils encounter many job related and career issues ranging from filling in application forms to acting as a critical part of a team. Prior to choosing GCSE options third year pupils are encouraged to increase their own self-awareness and they spend time using “kudos” and visiting the careers room to access resources which are available to support them in their decision making process. All third form pupils receive a copy of "Which Way Now?", a booklet produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to help with option choices. The DCSF Guide for Parents and Carers is also sent to each family to support and encourage discussion at home prior to pupils deciding on their GCSE subjects. Interactive versions of both these booklets can be found at www.connexions-direct.com . Third form pupils and their parents are also notified about the York and North Yorkshire area prospectus available on-line at www.futures4menorthyorks.com. Key Stage 4Pupils are encouraged to continue to think about their own skills and interests and to take an active role in their career learning by developing the skills to investigate opportunities. All fourth form pupils participate in a co-ordinated programme of work experience, which lasts for up to two weeks during the summer term. Fifth form pupils receive a copy of the annual DCSF publication "It's Your Choice" which forms the basis for discussion in form periods prior to deciding on post 16 options. Pupils are encouraged to be organised through the use of the personal calendar which has been developed to help plan for fifth form choices and to draw up and maintain their own individual learning plan. Fifth form pupils also receive guidance interviews with the Connexions Adviser who will assist them to investigate opportunities and to make and adjust plans in the light of their developing knowledge and skills. Information about courses across the region is available from the North Yorkshire14 - 19 Prospectus on www.futures4menorthyorks.com. Most pupils decide to stay on for the sixth form and they are encouraged to give careful consideration to choosing AS and A2 subjects that reflect their interests, aptitudes and career aspirations. Sixth FormStudents are encouraged to be pro-active in developing their career exploration and management skills and in taking advantage of opportunities for adding to their experiences and achievements. Careers education and guidance forms part of the general studies programme and includes talks by admissions tutors, gap year organisations and past pupils. Visits are organised to the UCAS Higher Education conference and a number of university open days, and students undertake a week's designated work experience in the lower sixth. Where possible practice interviews are arranged for sixth formers who are required to attend for interview as part of the selection process for their chosen courses. All sixth form students are encouraged to make full use of the careers room resources and arrange individual appointments with Mrs Wilson to explore courses and career options. Higher EducationStudents who want to go to university are encouraged to start looking at the official Universities and Colleges Admissions website www.ucas.com well in advance of making an application. The site contains details of over 50,000 courses at more than 300 institutions together with guidance on how to apply, student finance, clearing and many related issues. There is also information for parents on how to support students with their choices and there are links to all of the websites of higher education institutions that recruit through UCAS. When choosing suitable courses it is important to understand the UCAS tariff system which for AS and A2 is currently as follows:
The AS points only apply to those subjects which are not being continued to A2 level as they are included in the final A2 grade if the subject is continued beyond AS. Further information and websites that contain information to assist pupils in making informed choices about their career progression can be accessed via the following links:
Links with Parents and CarersAs in other areas of the school great value is placed on the relationship with parents and carers. We are most grateful to those parents who already offer an input to our careers education programme through their own employment experiences. We take the view that contact with employers can be of huge benefit to pupils as they prepare for their future and is often welcomed by organisations wishing to build up their own involvement with schools and young people in education. Any other parents who feel that they may be able to offer some input into this programme are invited to complete the pro-forma attached to the linked letter to parents. Internet Links
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