We are committed to an extensive programme of careers education and IAG and work related learning that is delivered through PSHE and subject areas which is coordinated through the Head of Careers and IAG. We are actively and productively strengthening our links with businesses and the local community to ensure we can provide our students with the exposure and access to as many external op​portunities as possible.

Download our careers programme here, and our parents’ guide here.

Useful links

The following links can support parents, carers and students when considering this important area:

• Careers Advice for Parents: Advice for parents on how to support their children with choosing their options
• Target Careers: Great information and guidence for parents to help their children explore career options
• Success at School: Find out more about the possiblites of Degree apprenticeships
• National Careers Service: Includes general career information, career prediction software and an A-Z of job profiles
• Get In, Go Far: Explains what an apprenticeship is and links to live local vacancies
• icould: From accountants to zoo keepers watch videos of real people in employment and learn what they like about the job and how they got into it in the first place.
• Plotr: An in-depth career prediction tool which asks questions about your personality and matches it to different jobs. Although it is not a quick test, the results are really interesting and can be inspirational. Click on the ‘Play the Game’ icon to start.
• UCAS: The University and Colleges Admissions Services. All students wishing to go University must apply through UCAS, but the website offers so much more. If you are thinking of going to University this is a ‘must read’ website.
• SACU: An all-purpose career site with information about your choices for the future. You must register to use this site.

Work experience

Work Related Learning is a well established and valuable part of the Academy curriculum. Work Experience is one of the most effective ways we have of introducing students to the opportunities that await in the workplace. Work experience enables students to enhance and focus their learning as they move through Key Stages 4 and 5 towards adulthood. Work Experience allows students to explore potential career choices in a structured way and enables development of essential skills such as writing letters of application, writing CVs, attending interviews, planning transport and meal arrangements. All of which are essential skills in the fast moving world of work.

• All Yr 10 students will undertake work experience for one week from Mon 12 June – Fri 16 June 2017
• All Yr 12 students will undertake work experience for one week from Mon 3 July – Fri 7 July 2017

We ask that parents/carers support their child through this process encouraging them to meet their deadline for finding placements (February half term 2017) and helping them to find suitable placements through their own network of contacts. The students tutor and our WEX Administrator – Mrs Kandola – will support them throughout the year as students look for placements and to prepare for their week in the workplace. Please contact Mrs Flanagan (Head of Careers and IAG) or Mrs Kandola if you have any questions.

Careers advisor

We also have access to an independent Careers Advisor, Neil Selvey. Any student can arrange to speak with him, and parents are welcome to the meetings as well. All year 11 and 13 students will be invited to meet with him to discuss their career options and pathways. He also runs sessions working with students to write CVs, complete job and apprenticeship application forms and develop interview skills.

Mr Selvey also maintains the Careers Folder in the Students Shared area of our intranet where information and adverts for courses, apprenticeships and jobs are placed for the different range of careers.