Our Careers Programme

All pupils and students are entitled to be fully involved in an effective CEIAG programme. They are encouraged to take an active role in their own career development, so the careers programme emphasises pupil participation with a focus on self-development; learning about careers and the world of work and developing career management and employability skills.

During their time at Archbishop Ilsley, all pupils can expect:

• The support they need to make the right choices in Year 9, Year 11 and in Sixth Form.
• Access up-to-date and unbiased information on future learning and training, careers and labour market information.
• Support to develop the self-awareness and career management skills needed for their future.
• Career lessons during tutor time from Year 7 to Year 13 covering options after school, the world of work, the job market and the skills needed for the future.
• At least four meaningful encounters with representatives from the world of work; this could be through work experience, workplace visits, assemblies, careers talks (in or outside lessons), projects, specific lessons, workshops and the annual careers fair.
• To hear from a range of education and training providers, including colleges, universities and apprenticeship organisations; this could include visits and taster days, as well as assemblies, talks and our annual careers fair.
• The opportunity to relate what they learn in lessons to their life and career beyond school.
• The opportunity to talk through their career and educational choices with staff including form tutors, subject teachers and the careers team.
• Access to one-to-one guidance with an impartial careers advisor, by appointment in Year 10 or Year 11 and in Years 12 and 13; this is available to pupils of any year group.
• The school to keep parents/carers informed of their progress and provide parents/carers with information to support pupils’ and students’ career planning and decision-making.

Young people do not make career decisions in isolation and parents/carers can have a substantial impact, as well as a clear interest in the right outcomes for their young person. The school is keen to foster parental involvement in the careers programme, wherever possible.

Parents/carers are invited into school to discuss their son/daughter’s progress in Parents’ Consultation Meetings (part of review day and progress evenings). In readiness for these events, pupils’ career aspirations are collected by tutors to allow discussions around progress relating to next steps, career ideas and (in KS4 and KS5) career planning, as well as academic progress. In addition, specialist events for parents include Year 9 Options Evening and Sixth Form Open Evening (Year 11 parents).

Parents/carers are kept up to date with career-related events and activities affecting their son/daughter via communication home, the school website and social media. With the pupil’s agreement, a copy of the action plan from one-to-one careers meetings will also be sent home. Parents and carers are also welcome to make contact with the Careers Team at school, should they have any questions or concerns.