Careers Pathways for students and their parents/carers
Introduction
This information is designed to inform young people and their parents/careers about the careers programme here at Queensbury School and their entitlement.
Click here to view our Career Pathways
| Key stage 3 | Key Stage 4 | Key Stage 5 – 6th Form |
Key people
My name is Mr Mitchell and I am the Careers Lead and Work Related Advisor.
My role covers careers, work experience, onward progression and anything career or work related. I am responsible for the careers programme. I will meet with students at scheduled points as they make their journey through school. I am also happy to have additional meetings with students and parents/carers when and as needed. I am currently working towards my Level 6 Careers Advisor qualification.
You can contact me in the following ways; by telephone on 0121 373 5731 extension 31534 or by email at a.mitchell@queensbury.eiat.org.uk or I am happy to meet people in person at pre-arrange appointments.
Mr Kearns – Mr Kearns is responsible for Key Stage 3, that’s Years 7, 8 and 9. He makes sure the curriculum including PSHE and Social Skills, which includes careers is delivered to all students.
Ms Watkins – Ms Watkins is responsible for Key Stage 4, that’s Year 10 and Year 11, she makes sure the curriculum including PSHE and Social Skills, which includes careers is delivered to all students. Year 10 students also get a careers interview from a Level 6 qualified careers advisor to help explore their career and transition ideas.
Ms Adnan – Ms Adnan is responsible for Key Stage 5 which is our Sixth Form covering Years 12, 13 and 14. She makes sure the Skills Builder curriculum including PSHE and Social Skills, including careers is delivered to all students. She also oversees community access and college access courses. She is also responsible for the assembly rota and content.
Ms Richards – Ms Richards is our Independent Travel Trainer. She can help by making sure students, when they are ready, can travel on their own to school, work placements or colleges.
Student entitlement
Queensbury School has students with a wide range of abilities and all make progress at different speeds. The following is a broad overview of the entitlement to all our students when they are ready.
To meet employers and providers at our annual Future Options evening in September. Attended by a range of mainstream and specialist colleges, sixth-forms, employers and apprenticeship and training providers.
To hear from a range of local and national employers and providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options evenings, assemblies and group discussions, employability days, workplace visits and taster events.
To find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point.
To understand how to make applications for the full range of academic, apprenticeship, and technical courses. To assist in making applications for voluntary, part or full-time work.
Key Stage 3
For many of our Key Stage 3 students, thinking about careers is not their first thought. However, many lessons include references to real life and work situations. All Key Stage 3 students have a one to one careers interview with class tutor or teaching assistant.
Year 7
In Citizenship and PSHE students follow the Making A Start – Jobs module. They make a careers display from brochures. Ask some family members to talk about their jobs. Make a visit to a local supermarket and investigate the different jobs.
Year 8
A mini careers meeting with Mr Mitchell to talk about student’s interests, skills and career ideas and then use JED (Job Explorer Database) to give students some ideas of jobs that may interest them.
Year 9
Careers Week linking subject areas or skills taught through the different subject to jobs and careers. Staff will talk about jobs they have had and the skills they have needed and learnt. Guest speakers visit school to talk about their jobs.
Key Stage 4 is when students start to really consider their next moves and careers. With this in mind students’ academic studies are complimented with a range of programmes, activities, Life and Social Skills. All students will take part in Skills Builder employability days or similar.
Year 10
In Year 10 (and continuing in to Year 11) students study for WJEC Entry Pathways Independent Living course. Units include Being involved with the Community and Learning about workplaces
In mainstream schools, Year 10 is traditionally when students go on work experience. This is possible at Queensbury if students feel they are ready. Just like a mainstream school, students must try to find their own placement and arrange transport.
Students study practical subjects like Art, CDE or Food Studies. Within the qualification, units include looking at careers in the respective industries while also equipping students with the practical skills they need. Workplace trips linked to the above subjects are often arranged.
The Year 10 and 11 nurture groups study WJEC Personal Progress entry 1. Units include Developing communication skills, what money is used for, Health and safety and Developing skills for the workplace – Health and safety.
Year 10 students also get a careers interview from a Level 6 qualified careers advisor to help explore their career and transition ideas. The subsequent report can be used to inform ideas and then be sent with SENAR preference forms.
Year 11
Year 11 is a transition year and students are helped where needed to be ready for their next step.
Mr Mitchell is on hand throughout the year to help with advice and guidance regarding progression. He can also help with applications to providers in writing and online.
Taster days at colleges and other providers can be arranged. Students are encouraged to attend open events, days and evenings at as many providers as possible.
All Year 11 students have a one to one careers interview with class tutor or teaching assistant.
Students in Sixth Form study for the OCN Life Skills course. The main themes being Equality, diversity and inclusion and Independent living. The course units cover applying for jobs and courses, living in diverse societies, exploring different workplaces, interview preparation, completing application forms, building career portfolios, CV’s and the skills and qualities required in the world of work.
Community access – travelling to and from destinations, buying goods and using money and generally communicating with the public. As part of community access students will visit a local Job Centre to find out more about the labour market.
College links – new for 2021. Closer links with local college, taking six-week taster courses. This will include traveling to and getting used to college life. Students work with college tutors at college and in school. Students get to spend the day as a college student would.
Work experience is actively encouraged through Sixth Form. Both school and students find opportunities at a wide range of organisations. Students take part as individuals, pairs, small groups and occasionally as a whole class. The school now has internal opportunities such as the Q-Café and Q-Gardens allotments. It is hoped that other opportunities such as a craft shop will also be started.
Taster Days – students are encouraged to take part in college taster days arranged by Queensbury or other colleges or providers.
Year 13 students get a careers interview from a Level 6 qualified careers advisor to help explore their career and transition ideas. The subsequent report can be used to inform ideas and then be sent with SENAR preference forms. All Year 12 and 14 students have a one to one careers interview with class tutor or teaching assistant.
Access to JED programme
JED is short for Job Explorer Database and is internet based. This is ideal for students who are unsure what they want to OR what to find out more about a specific career or career groups.
All students are welcome to attend the annual Future Options evening. Colleges, training providers, employers and other organisations are available for students and parents to find out more about what they offer. Students and parents can find out about college courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment opportunities.
Throughout the academic year and across all year groups when offered, arranged or available Queensbury look to bring in or visit as many employers, colleges or providers as possible. These contacts are both directly and indirectly linked to careers.