This document sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to pupils at the school for the purpose of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.

To view our policy click here.

The challenges that our school leavers face are more complex and challenging than those faced by previous generations. Research conducted by Central YMCA have listed the top two as being

1. Lack of employment opportunities
2. Failure to succeed in the education system

Previous eras have focussed on the need for creativity to build futures in the advertising and marketing sectors, which were seen as the high flyers, the future now lies within the world of maths and science with the increasing replacement of jobs by AI. This was highlighted by the Government push in 2014, launching the “Your Life” Campaign to improve engagement in STEM subjects in order to prepare for the changing future.

Careers advice and guidance plays a crucial part in the preparation of young people who are facing an uncertain and ever changing future and job market. In addition to strong academic skills they need to be able to develop a portfolio of employability skills, these include, confidence, communication, self presentation and marketing, your ability to stand out from the crowd, the use of new digital and analytical skills including the ever changing social media.

Qualifications are undergoing a period of change, this is not just within schools and colleges, this extends to degrees and beyond with the introduction of degree apprenticeships associated to international employers enabling study and progression to be world wide. Thus the need for good quality careers education, information, advice and guidance. The Springwood High School Careers Plan sets out how it intends to provide a robust and comprehensive programme to enable all students to access the quality of information required for them to maximise their potential.

The plan outlines how we will inspire students and furnish them with the knowledge and opportunity to grasp the opportunity and take ownership of their future by building action plans and supporting their growth and development on their journey to their chosen career.

This plan will integrate with the West Norfolk Academies Trust corporate plan which sets out the scope of Careers, Information Advice and Guidance across the trust including its primary provision, enabling inspiration for careers to be developed in the early years.

The careers plan is based on the Gatsby Benchmarks and aims to deliver a coherent, integrated programme that is supportive through the education of each student and prepares them for their post 16 choices enabling them to build and manage their future. It is our duty to ensure that all students receive professional, independent and impartial information, advice and guidance regarding all options for their time within and on leaving mainstream education and how their choices affect their future.

By helping students to make informed decisions at all the crucial stages, informing them of their options and introducing them to the world of work we aim to empower them to succeed in whatever path they choose.

We aim to maintain and build new links with our Enterprise Co-Ordinator, Advisor Networks, Further Education and Higher Education providers and a network of employers so that each year group can benefit from meaningful education and employer engagement. This aims to improve social mobility within our student population and move away from stereotypical careers advice.

Springwood High School Careers Strategy 

All students will have the skills, confidence and aspiration to make the most of their life choices and follow the career path that best allows them to meet their potential. To view our Careers Strategy click here.

Year 7 Students are:

• encouraged to build confidence and independent skills to strengthen their personality traits and are encouraged to have high expectations of themselves
• encouraged to identify areas of inspiration both within academics and future aspirations
• introduced to the world of work and careers resources and informed of the importance of their future and the link with their education
• part of an industrial awareness day that enables them in an interactive way to experience the process of manufacturing food.

At this stage in a students life it is important to widen their scope of future possibilities rather than have them limited to home or family ideas.

Year 8 Students are:

• encouraged to continue with their personal development, increasing independence and maintaining high expectations of themselves at all times both socially and academically
• guided to identify their strengths, talents and encouraged to link these to specific careers enabling informed GCSE option choices to be made
• provided with CIAG in conjunction with parents/carers at Options Evenings to emphasise the need for core subjects in the ever changing world of work in addition to those chosen subjects
• encouraged and supported in building research skills to enable them to research careers that interest them and use this as a basis for discussion with an advisor in careers information, advice and guidance drop in sessions
• provided with a range of careers resources that demonstrate and build employability skills including an Enterprise Challenge and subject specific opportunities
• introduced to money management skills and essential like skills
• provided with a one to one meeting to review option choices and link to strengths/talents prior to finalising GCSE options
• expected to attend career information assemblies and talks provided by local organisations.

Year 9 Students are:

• encouraged to reassess their personal strengths and identify skills which are transferable to the world of work
• encouraged to focus on those transferable skills which are relevant to their chosen careers, and build a portfolio of evidence to support those skills
• encouraged to increase independence and start to develop planning skills that enable them to develop a healthy study/social life balance in order to reduce stress in the future
• encouraged to become economically aware
• encouraged to challenge and find ways to overcome barriers, challenging stereotypes and raising aspirations
• introduced to CV building, letters of application and interview techniques, they are encouraged to use this process when applying for roles within the school
• set tasks to develop careers research skills to ensure they have access to the most up to date requirements and are aware of changes in trends/needs 

Year 10 Students are:

• introduced to Post 16 choices and the application process and are encouraged to explore the range of opportunities that are available to them
• introduced to the techniques and skills they need to master to maximise their chances of success in their chosen path, this could include the range of interview methods that may be used including telephone, online, video and face to face, the use of social and digital career management skills, the benefits of gaining experience in their chosen field to consolidate their choices
• instructed in writing personal statements, completing education application forms, writing CVs and job applications
• encouraged to attend opportunity evenings, meetings, higher education visits and use careers resources to ensure they are fully informed on what is needed for their short and long term plans
• experience Careers Fairs, focussed employment workshops, educational open days, guest speaker presentations

Year 11 Students are:

• supported in making their Post 16 applications ensuring that they fit with their long term goals and develop a 1, 3 and 5 year plan
• encouraged to consider all their options – 6^th Form, Independent Training, Apprenticeships, Regional College and UTC
• encouraged to complete their Help You Choose application to indicate their Post 16 destination choices
• invited to one to one careers information, advice and guidance interviews, where appropriate, in addition to group activities to ensure specific entry requirements can be met and that the chosen pathway fulfils future plans and also to develop contingency plans. Students are encouraged to aim high and not close down opportunities due to self doubt
• coached to enhance selection skills including personal statement writing, CV writing, interview techniques and confidence building
• asked to reflect on their current behaviour and achievement and identify if there are areas that need improvement and develop plans to address issues
• encouraged to gain experience in their chosen field whether that be volunteering, work experience, visits, and advised how this is a positive attribute for them when they are in the selection process. They are encouraged to think about personal achievements in both personal and school life and how these could benefit a future employer.

Further information for Year 11's can be found below:

Guidance for Year 11 students - What can I do to make this time count for me?
On Track for September - Guide of Year 11 Students 

Springwood High School - Mapping of Careers Provision 

To view our Careers Map please click here.

Careers information and experiences are key to your understanding of the world of work and your future choices be it 6^th Form, College, University or Apprenticeships. As a school we aim to give you at least one experience with employers per year and offer a range of Further and Higher educational opportunities such as University visits in Year 10 and College of West Anglia and 6^th Form taster days.

We want to enable you to make the most informed choices possible that are appropriate to you. The following websites are useful sources of information that will assist you:

NCC Information - On Track for Sept 2023 - What next after year 11?

https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/

https://www.ucas.com/

https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/

https://www.getingofar.gov.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

https://icould.com/explore/

Norfolk Work and Skills - Information and Guidance for Young People

As you should be aware there are a number of routes that pupils can choose to take when leaving Year 11. As a parent/guardian/carer you advice and knowledge are paramount for the student to make an informed choice for their future. As such we recommend the following websites that will enable you to have the most current information possible.

The Parents' Guide to - What's Next?

http://parentzone.careerpilot.org.uk/parent

https://www.careersadviceforparents.org/

https://ukcareers.ey.com/schools/career-advice/parental-advice

http://www.parentadviser.co.uk/

https:www.icould.com/explore/

Norfolk Work and Skills - Information and Guidance for Young People

Apprenticeships are a key route for students who wish to earn as they learn and in many cases gain a recognised trade qualification. Norfolk has skills shortages in a number of industries including Construction, Health and Social Care and Engineering consequently apprenticeships are increasingly available. For the latest up to date information on potential shortage sectors please see the Norfolk Work and Skills PDF Brochure on school website. The following are good sources of information on apprenticeships that the Government has provided.

https://www.getingofar.gov.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Should you wish to discuss any of the information or wish to be involved in any careers related events please do not hesitate to contact me directly

Careers Coordinator - Mr Jason Holmes

Tel: 01553 773393 extension 111

Email: j.holmes@springwoodhighschool.co.uk

 

At Springwood we are aiming to have the most prepared and sought after school leavers in the local area who are ready and equipped for the world of work. The school begins this preparation of the students by building up their awareness of industry in Year 7 and continues through to career guidance of choices in Year 11, this of course continues with Year 12 and 13 students. Each year we want the students to have contact with employers and this can be in many forms such as small focus groups, mentoring or assemblies.

Should you wish to be involved in this process please contact the Careers Coordinator on the following details:

Mr Jason Holmes

Tel: 01553 773393 extension 111

Email: j.holmes@springwoodhighschool.co.uk

Labour Market Information (LMI) is a useful tool to help research future jobs in the local area, understand the skills needed for certain roles and the demand for future employment.

LMI helps to break down the complex ‘world of work’– ranging from descriptions of different careers, their entry routes, promotional prospects, salaries paid, skills and qualifications needed, etc. Crucially for young people, LMI also covers future demand – what kinds of jobs will be in demand after leaving school and what kinds of skills will be needed.

Please click on the links below to view the current Labour Market information for the local and surrounding areas:

LMI Top Trumps	New Anglia LMI
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough LMI	South East LMI
Hertfordshire LMI	Labour Market Information - Norfolk

Springwood High School’s Futures Event - Tuesday 22nd October 2024 from 4.00-6.30

Springwood High School is organising a Futures Event on Tuesday 22^nd October 2024 to enable students and their parents to meet with a wide range of education and training providers and employers. The Futures Event is specifically aimed at 14-18-year-old students who are making important decisions about their post-16 and post-18 choices:

• For students in Year 10 the event is an ideal opportunity for them to be inspired by careers and training and employment opportunities that they may not have previously considered.
• Students in Year 11 are being encouraged to make decisions about their post-16 options including applications to sixth form or FE colleges and/or apprenticeships.
• Students in Sixth Form will be considering university courses or higher-level apprenticeships post-18.

We will be running career awareness and employability workshops with students in the morning, followed by a Futures Exhibition in the main school hall in the afternoon. Parents of Year 11 and 13 are encouraged to attend the after-school session from 4.00-6.30.  There will also be an opportunity to speak to careers advisers and apprenticeship specialists in our Careers Clinic and Café in the LRC.  We hope you are able to join us. 

For more information, or if you are an employer wishing to exhibit, please contact: Nicky Thompson, Careers Lead, n.thompson@springwoodhighschool.co.uk