Careers Education
Careers at SFG
At SFG, we believe in offering our students as many opportunities as possible to support them in preparing for the future and the world of work. Our careers roadmap provides students and parents and carers with an overview of what our careers education provision includes.
Further information is available from our CEIAG Lead, our Assistant Headteacher, Ms Weatherley, who can be contacted via weatherleyj@bmatsfg.org.uk
Gatsby Benchmarks
SFG is committed to The Gatsby Benchmarks through a well-planned careers programme suitable for students’ needs. The benchmarks mean that our programme includes the following elements:
A stable careers programme – At SFG we have a clear careers strategy for all students which can be accessed by staff, parents/carers and governors.
Learning from career and labour market information – Through form-time activities students are able to access guidance on careers paths and labour market to make informed decisions on study options. Also, this is displayed around the school but can be accessed here: harlow.jpg (1414×2000)
Addressing the needs of each pupil – Students have the opportunity to meet with staff to help guide them on their next steps such as at pivotal points of their education such as in year 9, 11 and 13. In addition, the careers drop in sessions mean any student can ask questions or receive support regarding their potential next steps. In addition, students have access to Unifrog using their school log in details so can explore potential careers of interest using this platform. Support for using this website can be found here: PowerPoint Presentation
Linking curriculum learning to careers – At SFG, all departments are given guidance on linking curriculum to careers which is embedded in schemes of learning. These links will be shared with students, including careers that the students may not be aware of.
Encounters with employers and employees – From year 7 to 11 students take part in a variety of careers workshops involving colleges, businesses, universities and organisations. These workshops include CV writing, interview skills, enterprise, and business skills.
Experiences of workplaces – In year 10, students have the opportunity to apply for work experience as well as during their time in sixth form. In addition, lower school will also have experience of workplaces.
Encounters with further and higher education – Before students leave SFG, they have an opportunity to speak a range of colleges and sixth forms specialising in a variety or academic and vocational qualifications.
Personal guidance – Our students have opportunities to receive personalised guidance on their next steps.
Our Provider Access Statement: The arrangements we have in place to ensure that providers of further education and technical education are able to visit our schools are summarised in our BMAT-Provider-Access-Policy-v2.0.pdf. Our statement includes reference to the Baker Clause, which requires schools to allow colleges and training providers access to students in Years 7 to 13. This access ensures that students are informed about approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeships. The goal is to ensure that students are aware of all their educational and training options, not just the traditional academic routes. If you wish to look at information now regarding some potential options for students post 16 and post 18, please follow these links:
University information: 2019_awpo_parents_guide.pdf
Apprenticeship information: Parent-Guide-Apprenticeships.pdf
Form Time
During form time, we run careers sessions to help students prepare for life beyond skills and build the soft skills to prepare them for adulthood.
Experience of a Workplace
Key stage 3 students will have experiences that link to the world beyond SFG. As a result, they will take part in five days in which they learn about workplaces.
Students in Year 10 and 12 will be given more information about work experience as they progress in the year. In addition, all students are able to access the opportunities that are posted here:
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Talks from industry professionals: Inspirational Talks | Futures For All
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Work experience database: Future Finder - Futures For All
In addition, all students in year 12, will take part in Enterprise Day to help students develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through real-world business challenges. It builds confidence by encouraging students to present ideas, work collaboratively, and think creatively.
Post 16 and Post 18 Options
To help students prepare for post-16 options, annually, we host a sixth form open event in the autumn term to enable students to learn more about post 16 study and life as a sixth former at SFG. In addition, SFG sixth form attend the Burnt Mill careers and the Passmores/ Stewards alliance careers fair. In addition, we signpost students to a range of open events including local colleges.
In order to prepare students for when they finish sixth form, we offer the students the opportunity to hear about work opportunities, apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and university. This includes trips to apprenticeship providers and universities. In addition, we visit the UCAS fair where hundreds of post-18 providers showcase their opportunities.
We then support students with applications and the admissions process and all students are welcome to attend the careers drop in with Ms Weatherley.
Alumni Network
Our alumni network continues to grow and enjoy inviting former students back to see the evolution of SFG and to act as role models for the next generation of Gibberdians. We always appreciate the support of our secondary network to help educate our young people on careers. If you would be interested in supporting with this, please email: weatherleyj@bmatsfg.org.uk