We recognise that education is about much more than learning a body of knowledge; it is also about preparing our students for life after school, and ensuring they are aware of all the opportunities and pathways they might take once they have left our school.
This term saw ‘Workplace Opportunities Week’ take centre stage in school. Students found out about destinations that they might choose including pathways into higher education, the different levels of apprenticeships as well as the whole range of fascinating careers they might follow.
With Careers Guidance in school and online, and lots of experiences for learning across all year groups, students can be confident of being well prepared for a successful future. One important development is a Careers Champion in each faculty – we asked what our champions think of their role, and how their subjects prepare students for their next steps in education and for the world of work.
Mrs Hall, Champion for ICT said, “For me, being Careers Champion for Computer Science and Business Studies is about showing the great opportunities there are, not only in our area, but country wide. You can go anywhere with these subjects.”
Mr Jenkins, Champion for Maths added, “As a Careers Champion, we emphasise how important Maths is in enabling students to problem solve and reach their own convictions, as it is objective and logical. It quickens our minds and helps us to think when we are faced with complex problems.”
And Miss Smith, Champion for Humanities said, “Often when we learn topics in a classroom it can feel very academic and it’s difficult to understand how this knowledge would be used in the real world. Student access to employers allows the curriculum to come alive. Humanities-related careers can really vary, from town planning to archaeology, to working for national charities or in jobs our students may not even have heard of.
Over recent years we have consistently achieved the ‘Inspiring IAG Gold Award for the quality of our careers information, advice and guidance. This requires regular assessment so that we keep our standards high. We are delighted to announce that the school has been further recognised with the award for another three years.