Careers Overview & Policy
The current careers programme is delivered through a combination of methods, including Personal Development Time in Years 7 to 11 and through assemblies, competitions, presentations, employer visits, workshops and 1:1 sessions from Years 8 to 11. Additionally, several special events are organised such as the NCOP mentoring scheme for all year 11 students and targeted university visits from year 9. These guidance lessons are delivered by Form Tutors along with inputs from Independent Careers Adviser, the Personal Development Coordinator, Year Leaders, assemblies, careers-themed days, and external visitors such as employers and guest speakers.
The objectives of our careers programme are to
- Provide comprehensive information and advice
- Raise aspirations
- Actively promote equality of opportunity and challenge stereotypes
- Help students to progress
- Empower students to plan and manage their own futures
- Respond to the needs of each learner
- Ensure that all students have the knowledge and understanding required in order to choose between learning options when planning for their future
The programme for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 serves to enable young people to make informed decisions about their options and ultimately their futures. In order to do this the following objectives are set out and the depth of study increases as students progress throughout the school
- Understand themselves and the influences on them
- Investigate opportunities in learning and work
- Make and adjust plans to manage change and transition
In addition, the programme for Years 10 & 11 becomes more specific as the school aims to support students through the transition of post-16 careers and in doing so the following objectives are set out
- Raising students’ self-awareness
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Increasing occupational opportunities awareness
- Developing planning skills
- Facilitating work experience. preparing for 16+ options
- Investigating 16+ study skills & promoting the notion of lifelong learning
Careers Policy
This policy is underpinned by the Education Act and has due regard to the DfE’s statutory guidance, ‘Careers guidance and access for education and training providers.
To view, the policy visit our MLT Policies page click here
The Gatsby Benchmark & CDI Framework
In addition to our overall aims for Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance work, the school works to ensure it is meeting the requirements of the Gatsby Benchmark and CDI Framework
| The Gatsby Benchmark | CDI Framework |
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All students at The Skipton Academy will:-
Take part in a careers programme in Years 7-11 that encourages them to:
- Understand possible options for future education and employment
- Develop decision-making skills that allow them to manage their own development and progression
- Source and use appropriate careers and employment information
- Make the most of work-related activities and experiences, including encounters with employers
- Contribute to the careers programme by providing evaluation and feedback
Have access to, and guidance in the use of, careers information that is:
- Accessible and straightforward to use (e.g. on school website/Google site etc.)
- Up-to-date and wide ranging
- Age appropriate and comprehensive
Be offered careers guidance that is:
- Impartial
- Confidential
- Appropriate to their specific needs and circumstances
- Supportive of diversity and equal opportunities
The Skipton Academy parents and carers are welcome to:
- Contact the Head of Careers by phone or email with any queries
- Arrange a meeting with the Head of Careers to discuss their child’s options and plans
- Receive information about careers events and activities
- Give feedback on the content and effectiveness of the careers programme
Evaluation, Monitoring and Review
The careers programme at The Skipton Academy is constantly improving as we look closely at the needs of our students and how we can best meet them. The careers development plan and policy are reviewed and evaluated and destination data enables us to monitor the progression of our students and the impact of the CEIAG provision. Ongoing feedback and evaluations will also be gathered during the year as we recognise the important role that students and parents have in shaping a child’s career development and the responsibility we have as a school to provide an aspirational, supportive and effective careers programme for all.
