Introduction
At St Richard’s, Careers Education and Guidance is the preparation of our pupils for their lives beyond full time education and is available for all pupils. Our aim is to inspire and motivate you, and provide you with the information, advice and guidance you need to help you take control of your learning and future working life. We know that everyone has the ability and potential to develop and grow in their lives and careers, but we understand that sometimes things get in the way and can hold you back. As a college we are here to help you identify and overcome these barriers and achieve your potential.
Careers Lead: Mrs Adams (mrsadamsc@strichardscc.com)
Contact number: 01424 731070
View our Provider Access Policy here
View how the school measures and assesses the impact of the careers programme on pupils here
Next information review: July 2021
Pupil Opportunities for Careers Education and Guidance
As a college we will work with your child to support them in making the best transition in and beyond St Richard’s. The majority of the Careers Education, Information and Guidance will be provided via PSHEe lessons.
By the end of Year 9 you will:
By the end of Year 11 you will:
Staff
Parents
Governors
Employers
Alumni (ex-pupils)
For more information on the school’s career programme, and how you can get involved, please contact Mrs Adams, Careers Lead – mrsadams@strichardscc.com
Downloads:
This website is simple and easy to use, using sophisticated psychometric assessments to highlight each person’s interest, attitudes and motivations. Fast Tomato is then able to suggest individualised and personally tailored careers and courses. Pupils are given genuine insights into accurate and highly relevant career information.
To register please contact Mrs Adams for the registration code.
The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. The service offers confidential, helpful and impartial advice, supported by qualified careers advisers.
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
Downloads:
This website is maintained by East Sussex County Council and it contains a broad variety of information, local and national. It is the key site for updating young people on key areas of concerns (e.g. travel grants) and providing links to local support services or providers. It also has links to some of the vital national websites such as the National Apprenticeship Service.
Help to find and land your dream job win-that-job.com
Oxplore is an innovative digital outreach portal from the University of Oxford. As the ‘Home of Big Questions’ it aims to engage those from 11 to 18 years with debates and ideas that go beyond what is covered in the classroom. Big questions tackle complex ideas across a wide range of subjects and draw on the latest research undertaken at Oxford. Oxplore aims to realise aspirations, promote broader thinking and stimulate intellectual curiosity.
https://sjcinspire.com/
Choosing your subjects
Find out which A levels you need to get to the next step? E.g. what do you need to get onto the university course / career you want?
Do an internet search for the course requirements for you chosen course/career.
It is always worth finding out what universities generally want for their courses or for specific courses; you can find this information by searching on the UCAS website: https://www.ucas.com/
You can also look at the requirements for the Russell Group Universities:
https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/
A good suggestion is to choose 3 subjects relevant to your career or university choice and 1 subject you know you will enjoy which might not be relevant – to keep your enjoyment levels up. Colleges often like you to choose 4 subjects and perhaps drop one course if you find it too hard.
Think about doing an apprenticeship at college, most colleges offer them. Please refer to the page on apprenticeships for more information.
Choosing your College
Have a look at the colleges in the local area, consider:
Trying using the UCAS progress website, you can explore and compare the courses available at colleges, sixth forms and training providers across the local area. You can search by postcode, subject, and school, college or work-based learning provider for courses for 16-19 year olds.
Applying to a College
Talk about your college application with your parent / carer and get them to check your application for errors / spelling mistakes.
Most applications are made through the UCAS progress website. You will have received your username and password via email. Please ensure that you have had your application checked before you submit.
Depending on the apprenticeship offered, you can earn money while being trained on the job and get qualifications including a degree, A-levels, NVQs, etc.
The apprenticeship website is huge as it is for apprentices, employers, parents, colleges and more, so here are some sections you might be interested in if you just want a quick look:
Links:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
What is employability?
Employability skills are defined as:
“A set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all labour market participants should possess to ensure they have the capability of being effective in the workplace – to the benefit of themselves, their employer, and the wider economy”.
So what does employability mean for you?
Employability is about much more than just getting your first job – it’s about having a positive self-image and presenting yourself successfully, both as you leave school and throughout your life.
Your skills, knowledge and personal attributes and the ability to convey them effectively all contribute to your employability as do your personal circumstances and labour market conditions.
You probably already know that you need to get good results, complete some work experience and improve your skills in order to get a good job. As part of this process you will take part in a mock interview in Year 10.
Year 10 pupils have an one week block placement in the summer term. This week is particularly valuable as it really gives you a chance to experience the world of work. The week should not necessarily be thought of as a ‘Career Taster’ week, as there are some organisations that will not take pupils under the age of 16.
All placements are organised via the Aspire database and you will have a username and password issued to you.
https://aspire.eastsussex-brighton.org.uk/wexpupilchoiceslogin.aspx?aspirenetview=student
Entry Level | If you do not have experience, and are not feeling confident about your abilities, then this level could be a good place to start. | Preparation for GCSE
ASDAN Skills for life Basic skills Foundation Learning |
Level 1 | This covers routine tasks and basic knowledge and it is ideal if you are starting out or are new to the subject area. | GCSE D-G/1-4
BTEC Level 1 Diploma NVQ 1 Foundation GNVQ Pre-Apprenticeship |
Level 2 | You need to have some knowledge or experience of the subject area. | GCSE A*-C/9-5
BTEC Level 2 Diploma Intermediate GNVQ Foundation Apprenticeship NVQ 2 |
Level 3 | This level will further develop your knowledge and understanding of the subject area. | A Levels
BTEC Level 3 Diploma National Diploma IB Diploma Programme Advanced Apprenticeship NVQ 3 |
Level 4 – 8 | These courses offer specialist knowledge and understanding of the subject area. | Foundation Degree
NVQ 4/5 BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma BA or BSc Degree Master’s Degree Postgraduate certificates & Diplomas |
Volunteering is simple. It is about giving your time to do something useful, without getting paid. It is a useful way of getting experience which is so valuable when applying for jobs. It can also be a great way to: meet new people, learn new skills and gain useful experience.
The range of opportunities is huge and there is no age limit. Whatever skills and experience you have, there is something that you can do.
Once you start volunteering you should usually expect:
If you are not clear about anything, do not be afraid to ask someone.
Top Tips
Hints to help you start volunteering: