Careers Education: a Whole School Approach

The school, through the work of their lead member of staff in careers, achieved career educator of the year. Attendance logs in the careers library bear testament to the participation by the pupils.

We were conscious of the need to provide all of our young people with appropriate and supportive structures to enable them to flourish. We already did a lot to extend the experiences of the less able, and there were ample opportunities for the more able. However, we wanted to ensure that our school motto, ‘Excellence: for each, for all ’, applied to every single child.

We have put careers at the centre of the school by:

• We have a dedicated large space in the school for our careers library, which is open to our pupils and students at all times, to enable them to access their achievements’ folders;
• The folders are presented to them at their graduation ceremony at the end of Year 11, with ribbons awarded for different aspects of their achievement.  The pupils are required to evidence their achievements with reference to specific criteria for each ribbon relating to employability, creativity, community etc. These are strengthened for the sixth form.  However, they do start the process again in the sixth form to ensure that the students that come in from other schools are not disadvantaged;
• There is an extensive calendar of careers events involving both national and local companies and providers.  Parents are often involved.  Pupils sign up to events, but a close eye is kept on ensuring any child that has expressed an interest around a particular pathway is included at the event; 
• The strategic lead for careers is held by a deputy head, ensuring that there is a holistic, embedded approach;
• There is an extensive and interactive page on the school’s website, with relevant and updated displays around the building.  The bi-monthly school magazine, ‘Portrait’, is centred around the celebration of achievements and community involvements around the school;
• A programme of CPD for tutors is in operation, with some staff holding a Level 6 qualification.  They have been awarded the Careers Mark.  However, it is important to note that the school really considers the needs of the children first and central of what they do, rather than doing things for the award.  They frequently signpost other colleges and providers as they feel it is essential that their pupils have access to and knowledge of the right course and pathway for them;
• There is an extensive range of activities planned throughout the year, from enrichment days, Saturday courses, talks by local employers, drop-in sessions, clinics and workshops, Oxbridge group, speed networking with local employers, etc.;
• Work experience is an integral part of the careers education.  Instead of the whole year group going out at the same time, which often leads to inappropriate placements, pupils are encouraged and supported to arrange work experience totalling ten days over the course of Key Stage Four.  This may equate to a day a week, or a week in one place and then a further week, later on, in another placement.  Pupils have to arrange with their subject teachers to catch up with work missed, and provide teachers with a month’s notice.  The advantage of this approach has meant that the placements are better matched, and relationships with the employers are stronger and more flexible to mutual need and timing.

It isn’t cheap, but we have sought sponsorship for some aspects of our offer from local businesses, and we seek volunteers from our parent body and local companies for talks etc.

The Career Development Institute said of the head of careers; ‘Beverley Baker is a careers educator from a rural school in Suffolk. Over the last few years she has worked tirelessly to develop herself and the provision within her school. She has achieved an outstanding amount in the time she has taken over careers in her school and is always enthusiastic and innovative. She is a role model for careers educators in Suffolk and beyond.’