CAREERS EDUCATION

Work-related learning (WRL) and careers and higher education guidance

Sixth Form Work Experience:
This normally takes the form of one or more of the following:

	Work experience that is career related; language related work experience takes place for 1-2 weeks in France, Spain and Germany for Modern Linguists
	Work shadowing
	Completing A-level assignments within the context of industry/commerce
	Young Enterprise Scheme
	Business Challenge
	Community Work
	Undertaking a job to assist in making decisions about a future career or course

From September 2008, students have had the opportunity for WRL in one of the curriculum enrichment sessions. Form tutors will discuss with girls a suitable form of work experience as part of their profiling interview in Year 12. The Careers staff will be able to give further details. All students undertaking WRL must complete appropriate paperwork about insurance/business contacts with the WRL Co-ordinator, Mrs R Key, well in advance of starting placements.

Careers Education
In addition to the cross-curricular elements of careers education, specific provision is made in Years 12-13 as follows:

• Girls receive guidance on options after A-levels and information on experiences required in pursuing those options. This is delivered through tutor periods, PSHE lessons, interviews with form tutors and subject tutors. Interviews with the Connexions Officer, Head of Sixth Form or Careers Teacher may also be requested. Mock interviews with professional experts are arranged to support Higher Education applications.
  
• Attendance at careers conventions, conferences, open days, etc. is encouraged but should not exceed two days in school term time. Where appropriate, visiting speakers will be invited to give information on specific careers, interviews, student grants etc.
  
• The sixth form has an expanding resource base for careers information with up-to-date literature, web based information on a wide range of occupations and employment opportunities. Prospectuses of universities and colleges of Higher Education, together with all relevant reference sources, are available for consultation at any time. Connexions advisors are available on request for individual student interviews. Students are given comprehensive advice about Post 18 courses, GAP year, Year in Industry experiences. During the summer term for Year 12, visiting representatives of higher education institutions, banks, management teams and law offices etc. are invited in to a Higher Education Day and Careers Convention. An increasing resource on Higher Education courses and Careers will come from Alumnae undergraduates and postgraduates who are regularly contacted for careers forums.
  
• Careers room:
  The careers room is located in the Community Building and provides a suitable area for conducting interviews and storing careers literature. The room is normally staffed at lunchtimes and is available for use during careers lessons.
  
• Careers Service:
  The school works in collaboration with Connexions in delivering the Careers Education Programme. Representatives from Connexions attend Parents’ Evenings in Year 12 and 13. In Year 11 all girls have at least one interview with the Connexions Officer to which their parents are also invited. Girls in Year 12 may also choose to have interviews during the Spring Term and subsequent terms in the Sixth Form through the Careers Office and the Head of Sixth Form, courses organised through university workshops and the Aim Higher organisation.

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