Programme

At Ken Stimpson Community School we believe that Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance should be of a high standard in order that students are well equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding to make informed decisions regarding their progression throughout learning and into employment, training and further education.

Year 7

Students are encouraged, across the curriculum, to develop an awareness of the working world by studying aspects of life in the local community. In PSHE they start to think about how personal qualities influence the kind of work they might choose and how all jobs will have bad as well as good aspects.

Year 8

Students play an on-line game called The real Game. This is designed to explore many aspects of life and what students will face as adults.

Year 9

Individual Learning Planning helps students to reflect on their own learning, achievements and ambitions by using Plan-it  undertaking group work, individual interviews and target setting. Further PSHE work includes an introduction to the Careers Library and Key Stage 4 preferences preparation. Collapsed curriculum days are organised for the World of Work and RAF Enterprise Days.

Years 10 and 11

Students review their individual learning plans and set new targets. They are encouraged to recognise their own strengths and analyse their interests in relation to Careers using the Kudos programme. Students are introduced to the employment process of job adverts, job descriptions, CVs, etc. Speakers from local colleges and training providers are invited in order that students are aware of opportunities outside Ken Stimpson.   For some students, especially those following vocational courses, work experience undertaken in Years 10 and/or 11, will be part of their programme. 

The Post 16 Opportunities Evening gives students and parents the opportunity to speak to subject leaders about course available in Ken Stimpson. Post 16 taster sessions further broadens students’ knowledge of what is available to them. 

Information, advice and guidance is offered through the Connexions Service and through individual interviews with a personal tutor. The central aim, as students reach the end of Year 11, is to ensure that they have received impartial information so that they are aware of city wide opportunities available at Post 16 and are able to make appropriate choices. 

Post 16

Post 16 students are prepared through PSHE and the work-related curriculum to make realistic and informed decisions about their futures and to manage the transition from Post 16 into higher education, training or employment.  Work Experience in Post 16 is co-ordinated by the Head of Post 16.

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance services are co-ordinated by Mrs L. Jarvis.