CAREERS AT WOODKIRK INFORMATION FOR PARENTS SUMMARY Careers education is tailored to meet the needs of the students at Woodkirk Academy. It is regularly updated to account for the constantly evolving workplace. Careers is delivered through a specific programme of PDS (Personal and Development Studies) and also through departments (see information below). In addition, guest speakers are utilised to inspire students and make them aware of the diverse and new career pathways available. A careers fayre is held annually and students in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 are able to discuss different career options with the various representatives. A careers advisor is employed 2 days a week and students (and parents) are encouraged to make appointments when they feel this is necessary. Personal tutors and the Senior Leadership Team also support students to make important decisions in Year 9, 11 and in the Sixth form. The success of the information advice and guidance is demonstrated by the fact that virtually all of our students secure a place in the Sixth Form after Year 11 (or other Educational provider) and the majority of our Year 12 and 13 students secure a place at University/College or on an approved Apprenticeship programme. Additionally students are extremely positive in their evaluations of the programme. CAREERS PROGRAMME – YEARS 7-13  Year 7 – investigation of the world of work and changes in the future.  Year 8 – investigation of careers and qualifications required for specific jobs. Information evening for parents to explain the options available. All students are interviewed to ensure they make the correct choices.  Year 9 – Use of ‘Fast Tomato’ to carry out further indepth investigations into career opportunities.  Year 10 – Review of career action plan devised in Year 9. Pros and cons linked to different careers paths. Work experience available for vocational pathway students.  Year 11 – Personal statement writing, options talks, interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Careers fayre held in the Autumn term. Mrs Wykes, Careers Advisor, available for further interviews/advice. A programme of guest speakers is held in the Autumn Term through the using ‘Inspire the Future’ volunteers. This enables Year 11 students to gain an insight into various professions and career paths.  Year 12 – Students follow one of two accredited courses – the Progression Module or Key Skills in Leadership. These enable students to investigate and prepare for their pathway after Sixth Form.  Year 13 – Personalised support from their personal tutor and the Sixth form pastoral team to apply to University/College, Apprenticeship Scheme or employer. Strong links exist with local Universities and talks are arranged on apprenticeships other career paths. CAREERS THROUGH THE CURRICULUM         Maths – Links with Banking, The Apprentice. Art – Production of business plans in Year 12/13 BTEC. Students complete a project where they look at freelance artists/designers while designing an idea for setting up their own business. Business Studies – Stock Market Challenge, trip to Thorntons. Students follow a Recruitment and Customer Service Unit. DT – Construction carry out site visits in Leeds. Speeches for careers in Engineering. Geography & History – Careers display linked to subject. Display of famous people with History degrees. MP talks from Ed Balls, discussion about becoming a politician. MFL – University student comes in to talk to Year 11 and A Level students about careers in Modern languages. Music and Performing Arts – Community Music Project – Year 12 BTEC plan and deliver workshops at primary schools. Enrichment (Year 13). Technical roles within school productions. Social Science – First Aid Training, Students from Leeds University talk to students about career paths linked to Sociology and Psychology. CAREERS FAYRE 2014 Exhibitors: Apprenticeship Hub Army Babbington Group BAE Systems Applied Intelligence BAM Construction / Architecture BPP Law School Bryan G Hall Civil Engineering College of Animal Welfare Joe G’s Sport & Fitness King Street Solicitors Kirklees Community Health Leeds Metropolitan University Navy NHS Philips Hair Salon Picassos – Beauty Therapy / Nails Police Royal Air Force Sulzer Pumps Trinity & All Saints Woodspeen Training