Depth of Knowledge: 

All students develop depth of knowledge about how to pursue their Post 16 and Post 18 ambitions whether it is Oxbridge, university, apprenticeships or the career of their choice. We aim to promote the development of key employability skills to support students in achieving personal economic stability and wellbeing.  Our programme provides comprehensive, fully up-to-date information to alert students to the wide range of future progression opportunities, and to support students with their thinking and decision-making.

Richness of Experience:

Students are given opportunities in school to expand their horizons in an ever changing workplace through visiting speakers, employer engagement and leadership development.  We aim to empower students to plan, access and manage their career choices and transitions.

Development of Character

Students have opportunities to develop the skills and attributes that are needed to excel in the next step of their education and to prepare for Post 16 and Post 18 ambitions.  Activities are designed to raise aspirations, foster self-esteem and motivate students to achieve their full potential.  We promote equality, diversity, social mobility and challenge stereotypes.

The eight Gatsby Benchmarks are a guidance system developed to enable secondary schools to provide students with the best possible careers education, information, advice and support. 

1. A stable careers programme5. Encounters with employers and employees
2. Learning from career and labour market information6. Experiences of workplaces
3. Addressing the needs of each student7. Encounters with further and higher education
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers8. Personal guidance

These benchmarks have been firmly embedded into our stable careers programme from Year 7 all the way through to Year 13, through a bespoke PSHCE programme, enterprise days, extracurricular activities and charity events, as well as blended into curriculum delivery.  There are also opportunities for students to have one to one discussions with our independent Careers Advisor.

Delivery of Careers Programme

Delivery of the taught careers programme is supported by external speakers and wider opportunities are offered as part of co-curriculum.  A variety of activities are designed to introduce students to the concepts of employment, higher education, careers and career paths/portfolios.  We provide information about the wide range of potential pathways open to students as they progress on from school and the information, advice and guidance that is available to them at CCHSG to help them decide between, and access, these opportunities.

 Year 7
  • Starting the journey
  • Investigating resources and employability skills
Year 8
  • The Real Game
  • Post 16 options
  • GCSE options
Year 9
  • Careers week
  • Employability skills
  • The Cereal Box Challenge
  • Enterprise Day
Year 10
  • Interviews for employment, testimonials, professional correspondence
  • CV Writing
  • Enterprise Day
  • Apprenticeships
  • Building a portfolio volunteering
  • Post-16 opportunities
  • Getting a Saturday/Evening/Vacation job
  • Child Labour and the Law
  • Opportunity to participate in the DofE Award at Bronze Level
Year 11
  • Options Post 16
  • How to choose A level subjects
  • Introduction to Russell Group
  • Oxbridge application process
  • Advice on searching for a job
  • Advice on taking a Gap Year
  • Volunteering
  • National Citizen Service
  • Possible activities over the summer holidays
  • DofE Silver Award is available to Year 11 students
Year 12
  • Gap year opportunities
  • Applying to University
  • Apprenticeships
  • CV writing
  • Taking a Gap Year
  • National Citizen Service
  • Applying to Higher Education
  • Oxbridge discussions with Heads of Department
  • UCAS registration, volunteering, writing Personal Statements and review a of Personal Statements with subject specialists
  • Forward Thinking Day – a day off timetable which includes external speakers from Higher Education and employers
  • Students are encouraged to attend open days, take part in masterclasses and summer schools 
  • Students have an opportunity to take part in the Young Enterprise programme 
  • Students are encouraged to undertake work experience in order to support Post-18 progression
  • DofE Gold Award is available to Year 12 students
Year 13
  • Applying to university
  • Admissions Test support
  • Mock interviews
  • Oxbridge support
  • Applying for employment
  • Guest speakers: Admissions tutors from Oxbridge, The UCAS Process, Personal Statement Refinement, Student Finance, The World of Work, Apprenticeship Schemes, GAP and general Q&A regarding futures

Additional support is provided on an individual basis, by our independent Careers Advisor, subject teachers and Pastoral Team.  The Pandemic did not deter CCHSG from providing our students with the best possible opportunities to ensure their Post-16/18 goals. 

Autumn Term

1.       A stable careers programme

  • Programme planned for all Year Groups and resources in place

2.       Learning from career and labour market information

  • Weekly bulletin disseminated to students and parents – including links and information about virtual events

3.       Addressing the needs of each student

  • Aspects of the career programme cover a wide range of careers information and advice, in addition there is a weekly opportunity to discuss ideas and plans with our Impartial Careers Adviser; Jen Poyser
  • University preparation including advice on guidance for university admission tests
  • Forward Thinking Day preparation

4.       Linking curriculum learning to careers

  • Virtual Sixth Form Open Evening – post 18 options directly linked with subjects
  •  The ‘learning journey’ is discussed with students which prepares them for their journey post-18

5.       Encounters with employers and employees

  • Encounters with employers are facilitated through the links to events and opportunities which are shared in the Weekly Student Bulletin
  • Year 10 Work experience in Year 10 at Colchester Zoo.

6.       Experiences of workplaces

  • The Aim Group – delivered a presentation outlining ‘real life’ workplace expectations and experiences –  Year 11-10
  • A fire safety talk for Year 8 students gives an insight into careers in the emergency services
  • Young Enterprise Scheme
  • Some Sixth Formers have jobs outside school

7.       Encounters with further and higher education

  • UCAS programme, support and guidance given.
  • Virtual Tours and Open Days for universities are promoted
  • Online lectures/events from universities used to extend learning at Sixth Form
  • Jen Poyser delivered a virtual presentation on apprenticeships (gap years & internships also mentioned)
  • CPD undertaken to keep up to date with changes to university interviews. Information to be shared with all staff conducting Mock Interviews for Year 13

8.       Personal guidance

  • PSHCE lessons delivered every week includes personal guidance
  • Careers guidance from a specialist, as well as teachers, Form Tutors and Pastoral Assistants

Spring Term

Spring Term

1.  A stable careers programme

  • Programme planned for all year groups and resources in place

2.  Learning from career and labour market information

  • Weekly bulletin disseminated to students and parents – has links and information about virtual events
  • Careers library in place with bespoke resources

3.  Addressing the needs of each student

  • Aspects of the career programme cover a wide range of careers information and advice, in addition there is a weekly opportunity to discuss ideas and plans with our Impartial Careers Adviser; Jen Poyser
  • University preparation and support in meeting national deadlines
  • Forward Thinking Day

4.  Linking curriculum learning to careers

  • The ‘learning journey’ is discussed with students in lessons which prepares them for their journey post-18
  • Chemistry; Research Career Pathways from Chemistry A-level
  • History; making preparation to offer Research Career Pathways information
  • Economics; ex-student hosting a talk on her role at KPMG and studying Economics at University 
  • The Real Game Activities for Year 8

5.  Encounters with employers and employees

  • Jen Poyser provides students with links to a wide range of career opportunities 
  • Encounters with employers are facilitated through the links to events and opportunities which are shared in the Weekly Student Bulletin
  • Preparations for LinkedIn page for CCHSG students
  • Kudos platform (talk) given to Year 12 and Year 8 to navigate potential Post-18 options and requirements

6.  Experiences of workplaces

  • The Aim Group – delivered a presentation outlining ‘real life’ workplace expectations and experiences to Year 12 and Year 13
  • Young Enterprise
  • Some Sixth Formers have jobs outside of school
  • Virtual Work Experience
  • The future of the workplace – talk

7.  Encounters with further and higher education

  • UCAS programme, support and guidance given
  • Virtual Tours and Open Days at universities are promoted
  • Online lectures/events from universities used to extend learning at Sixth Form
  • Jen Poyser delivered a virtual presentation on university offers and Employment Applications

8.  Personal guidance

  • PSHCE lessons delivered every week bespoke to remote learning from home
  • Careers guidance from a specialist, as well as teachers, Form Tutors and Pastoral Assistants

Summer Term

1.  A stable careers programme

  • Programme planned for all year groups  and resources in place

2.  Learning from career and labour market information

  • Weekly bulletin disseminated to students and parents – has links and information about virtual events
  • Student and parent engagement with the bulletin eg asking for references/funding guidance to participate in the events
  • Careers library in place and being utilised by students

3.  Addressing the needs of each student

  • Aspects of the career programme cover a multitude of careers information and advice, in addition there is a weekly opportunity to discuss ideas and plans with our Impartial Careers Adviser; Jen Poyser
  • University preparation starting formal UCAS processes with Year 12 Cohort
  • Higher Education Evening planned ready for delivery to support needs of students and  parents
  • Forward Thinking Day

4.  Linking curriculum learning to careers

  • The ‘learning journey’ is discussed with students in lessons which prepares them for their journey post-18
  • Chemistry; Research Career Pathways from Chemistry A level
  • Economics; ex-student hosting a talk on her role at KPMG and studying Economics at university 
  • The Real Game Activities for Year 8
  • Year 9 Careers Week will provide an opportunity for all staff to collaborate to show students the career choices are available through their subject,  generating a real focus on the breadth of careers available to students

5.  Encounters with employers and employees

  • Jen Poyser provides students with links to a wide range of career opportunities 
  • Encounters with employers are facilitated through the links to events and opportunities which are shared in the Weekly Student Bulletin
  • LinkedIn page set up for CCHSG students. Student survey asking for what they would like to see on the page
  • Kudos platform (talk) given to Year 12 and Year 8 to navigate potential Post-18 options and requirements continues to be accessed
  • University of Sussex Economics Professor gave a talk on International Relations
  • Law Society has a Human Rights Lawyer presentation
  • Year 10 Genomics Future Student Symposium
  • Year 9 Careers Week, 5 guest speakers planned to present every day for the week to expose students to a variety of careers and expertise
  • As part of the Year 9 Matrix OTT day, we have a talk organised from a female programmer. She will be talking to the students about her experiences, how to make a career in the CS industry and study / career paths available to girls

6.  Experiences of workplaces

  • The Aim Group – delivered a presentation outlining ‘real life’ workplace expectations and experiences to Year 12 and Year 13
  • Year 9 Enterprise Day preparations finalised and ready to be delivered
  • Some Sixth Formers have jobs outside school
  • 59 Sixth Formers responded with information relating to volunteering or working. Examples include; gymnastics and swimming coaching, retail, charity work with Oxfam and care home, Scout leaders and St John’s ambulance

7.  Encounters with further and higher education

  • UCAS programme, support and guidance given
  • Virtual Tours of Open Days of universities continue to be promoted
  • Online lectures/events from universities used to extend learning at Sixth Form
  • UCAS Programme underway
  • Apprenticeship and Career Advice compliments the UCAS process

8.  Personal guidance

  • PSHCE lessons delivered every week bespoke to the Sixth Formers needs
  • Careers guidance from a specialist, as well as teachers, form tutors and pastoral assistants

Monitoring, Review and Evaluation of our Careers Programme

The Scheme of Work and the CEIAG Policy is reviewed every two years. The School monitors delivery in lessons by observations and learning walks, and student evaluation and feedback to inform future planning. Each year’s Careers Department Improvement Plan is constructed to reflect the objectives outlined in the School Improvement Plan, and develop CEIAG provision further.

Areas of quality assurance that we take into consideration:

  • The programme is reviewed using the Gatsby Benchmarks.
  • The quality of independent careers providers is assessed
  • The quality of careers professionals working in the school is assessed
  • The impact of the careers programme is measured by the analysis of destination data
  • We seek feedback from students, parents, teachers and employers

CCHSG has been awarded the Quality in Careers Standard, the national quality award for careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in secondary schools, colleges and work-based learning.

Key Strengths of our Careers Provision Include:

  • Wide range of opportunities
  • Coherent programme from Year 7 to Year 13, embedded into PSHCE
  • Use of the Kudos programme to investigate career options, qualifications and salaries
  • Opportunities created relating to specific subjects/careers e.g. Medical profession, journalism, IT.
  • Broad and balanced advertising of opportunities; items included in weekly bulletin to students & parents, PSHCE, Year Information
  • Students encouraged to be ambitious: Careers week to specific Year Groups & Careers Fairs signposted
  • Impartial Careers Advisor available to students
  • Every opportunity for every child – a variety of careers, apprenticeships and higher education opportunities are included in the programme
  • Development of cultural capital; activities such as visits from guest speakers and work experience, support students in developing wider awareness, skills and attributes
  • Students are supported in developing skills and personal characteristics, such as resilience and teamworking which will prepare them for the future (Young Enterprise, Dragon’s Den, Year 9 Enterprise Day), 
  • Guest speakers provide insight into particular areas of work or study e.g. School of Economics, University of Essex
  • The Careers Library is open to students, providing full internet access, specialist Careers software and wide-ranging paper-based resources

Impact

CCHSG measures the impact of our careers programme in several ways:

Work Experience

Students successfully participate in Work Experience especially in Year 12 and 13 to try careers before embarking on a course of study; organised by students and parents.  Work experience to expands horizons and provides students with opportunities to be exposed to cultural capital.  It also provides opportunities to overcome challenges eg coaching.

  • Range of experience; online, face to face, volunteering, paid
  • Examples of work experience: Care Home, Hospital, nursing home, animal hospital, Library assistant, retail
  • Coaching; swimming, dance, gymnastics, riding stables
  • Leaders; Cubs, rainbows, youth club
  • Charities; Oxfam, Wilderness, Hospice
  • St John’s Ambulance

Leadership and Personal Development Opportunities

  • Role model to other students
  • Organising, planning and execution of events e.g. Wellbeing Reboot Day
  • Develop skills; time management, good communication, organisation & team working
  • Lead meetings, give speeches, attend and actively participate in events
  • Positions include; Head Student Team, Society Leaders, Mentors, Subject Prefects, organising hospitality events, Duke of Edinburgh, leading activities in productions, sports and lessons

 Promotion of character development

  • Achieve personal goals
  • Achieve academic success
  • Improve strengths and talents
  • Find fulfilment and satisfaction

Students are provided with high quality careers guidance and access to the knowledge and experience to enable them to select ambitious and fulfilling progression options which meet their interests and aspirations.  

Destinations: Summer 2021

Year 11:  A levels, college, apprenticeship

Year 13:  116 students accepted a place at University

  • 10 Oxbridge
  • 9 Medicine
  • 2 Vets
  • 8 Gap Year
  • 2 College
  • 0 Apprenticeship

We use the Compass Tool https://compass.careersandenterprise.co.uk/info to evaluate our programme, in addition to student evaluations, event evaluations and student voice. Adaptions are made to improve the programme year on year to give our students the best up to date provision possible.

Further Information:

Organisation of the Careers Department:

Careers Leader: Mrs Hughes 01206 576973 email: office@cchsg.com

Mrs Hughes is the first point of contact for any questions or suggestions about our careers programme. Parents, employers or education/training providers can contact Mrs Hughes using the above contact details.

The school employs an independent Careers Adviser. Students can request an appointment via one of the Pastoral Assistants or their Form Tutor.

Our policy statement on Provider Access sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to students at the school for the purposes 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.

Policy Statement on Provider Access

References:

DfE Statutory Guidance: Careers Guidance and inspiration in schools (October 2018)

Good Career Guidance – Reaching the Gatsby benchmarks: The Gatsby Charitable Foundation

Careers engagement – a good practice brief for leaders of schools and colleges by ASCL, ATL, NFER and 157 Group (April 2014)

A Guide to Best Practice and Commissioning Careers Guidance Services by the Career Development Institute (June 2018)

HM Government – Inspiration Vision Statement (September 2013)

DfE The Education Act 2011

An annual review of the information published in the careers section of our website takes place in November.