Careers Policy

Careers Policy

Careers Education, Information,

Advice & Guidance (CEIAG)

Striding out: we aim for every girl to leave us prepared to shape the society in which she lives and works.

This document is available to all interested parties on request from the Director of Higher Education and Careers and should be read in conjunction with the following documents: School Aims, Equal Opportunities Policy, Curriculum Policy, Pastoral Policy and the PSHE (GROW) Schemes of Work.

This policy has been informed by the following documents: Careers guidance and access for education and training providers Statutory guidance for governing bodies, school leaders and school staff January 2018 which takes as its base the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks

This policy applies to all members of our senior school community. Wimbledon High School is fully committed to ensuring that the application of this Careers Policy is non-discriminatory in line with the UK Equality Act (2010). Further details are available in the school’s Equal Opportunities Policy document. Wimbledon High School seeks to implement this policy through adherence to the procedures set out in the rest of this document.

Aims;

Our key aim is to ensure each young person, whatever their background, ethnic origin or ability, is as fully prepared as possible for the transition to higher education, training or employment. We believe that the development of self-perception and self-confidence in relation to other people in school and in the community is fundamental for successful careers education. This is fostered throughout the school, through a comprehensive and cohesive ‘Futures’ Programme of Careers and Higher Education preparation. We aim to encourage students to participate in a wide range of Futures related activities both in school and outside, throughout their school careers

Objectives;

Delivery of a broad and balanced Careers Education curriculum which attempts to meet the needs of all students and encourages the development of:

• Awareness of their own personal qualities and those of others
• Self-esteem and a balanced view of their potential
• Self-reliance and a positive attitude to life
• Knowledge of the full range of opportunities available to them from the age of 14 years through to 19 years.

Provision

Careers education is delivered throughout the senior school. Careers sessions are delivered as part of the PHSE (GROW) programme. In Y9 support is given in making GCSE choices. In Y10 and Y11 students are given support in assessing future options and in choosing their A level subjects, including 1:1 meetings with members of Senior Management. In Y12 and 13 students are given advice on Higher Education and other post-18 options. Between Y10 and Y13 all students are encouraged and supported to undertake work experience. WHS organises a range of events, including careers fairs, lunchtime talks and evening lectures - involving parents, alumni and industry contacts – with the aim of providing insight into a broad spectrum of career ideas. Further information regarding the Futures Programme can be found in the Futures Handbook

Resources

As well as accessing information stated above, students at Wimbledon High School have access to a number of online resources, including; Morrisby online and Unifrog, both of which offer access to independent and impartial career information. There is a Careers section within the library in school. The Year 11, all students have access to a one to one guidance interview with an impartial, independent and fully qualified careers advisor.

BUDGET

The budget for CEIAG is negotiated annually between the Director of Higher Education and Careers and DFO. The budget for Careers Education is predominantly used to support careers events and update career software programmes and includes specific provision for the additional support of students wishing to apply for medical related courses or to universities overseas, most particularly to the United States.

Monitoring, Review and Evaluation

The provision and effectiveness of the CEIAG programme is carefully monitored by the Head of Sixth Form, Director of Higher Education and Careers and Head of Enterprise, Employability and Entrepreneurship through a variety of procedures including feedback from a stakeholders including; students, parents, tutors, employers using a variety of methods e.g. online questionnaires, formal evaluation sheets, informal discussions. Students will also utilise their GROW books within sessions to ensure that they are engaged in the evaluation of their careers education.

Equal opportunity

Equality of opportunity is sought by:-

• By ensuring students are able to access all aspects of the Futures programme regardless of their ability
• Providing equal access to all work experience placements irrespective of gender, race or ability
• Students are encouraged to explore careers outside traditional gender roles
• By linking the CEIAG Policy in with the PSHE Policy and the school’s Equal Opportunity Policy