There is a statutory obligation on all students to remain in some form of education, training or employment with formal training until the age of 18.
“The School is committed to providing all its students with a planned programme of careers education activities throughout their school career, with opportunities at key transition points to access impartial information and expert advice and guidance.“
HRS CEIAG Policy 2018 -20
The delivery of CEIAG and Work Related Learning is built around the Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education curriculum(PSHCE), year group assemblies, morning tutorial periods, with other planned ‘off time-table’ activities as required.
What can the students expect?
HRS STUDENT CHARTER
All students at HRS have access to a qualified impartial Careers Guidance Adviser who is available for them to see on a drop in basis when she is at HRS. (Students need to check the days with Mrs Abbott.) She attends Year 8 Options evening and our Sixth Form Information evening.
All students are made aware that we have a fully equipped and resourced Careers Resource Centre, staffed full-time by our Careers Coordinator, where pupils can gain access to detailed information about the wide range of careers available. They can collect hand-outs, brochures, local college prospectuses or have information copied. The Careers Resource Centre is open to students at break and lunchtimes. A selection of books is also available in the school Learning Zone.
All students have access to careers software. In particular, Kudos, a web-based site, is widely used to help students with career exploration and to encourage them to aim higher.
Key Stage 3 – Transition support is given to Year 8 to aid Options choices.
The students will have classwork to help them explore their career ideas and encourage them to make the connection between subject choices and the key skills learnt which may be useful for particular careers. They will be taught how to use Kudos to explore their careers ideas and assess their suitability.
Key Stage 4 – Preparing students for Post 16
Students in Year 10 attend an Occupational Talks event as part of their Work Related Learning. Guest speakers representing a variety of occupational areas engage with the students, who have free choice as to which talks they attend.
At the start of the academic year, Year 11 students are introduced to the range of progression options in two year group assemblies given by our independent Careers Guidance Adviser. Subsequently, all students in Year 11 are given an individual guidance meeting with her to discuss Post-16 options and career paths. Further support is available for CV writing, filling in application forms and interview skills.
Key Stage 5 – Preparing student for Post 18
In the Sixth Form the focus is on giving guidance and support in the process of applying to university or employment, and careers work is an element of the Enrichment programme.
During the course of the academic year, students are engaged in various Work Related Learning activities. We arrange visits from various outside speakers, for example, from the National Careers Service, or specialists to inform the students about opportunities available to them, such as Higher/Degree Apprenticeships.
In Year 12, Work Related Learning is supported by work experience. Students also have the opportunity to visit events such as the Higher Education Fair.
Year 13 students attend Skills Workshops, to develop their skills further for making successful applications and gaining interview skills.
All students have the opportunity to attend district events, such as the biennial Uttlesford Careers Fair and the Uttlesford Schools Apprenticeships Fair.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a skilled job with training. Every apprentice is guaranteed a minimum wage linked to their age. They are available at all academic levels – whether you are leaving school without GCSE’s or completing your A levels. There are apprenticeships in industries like engineering, health and accountancy – plus a host of careers you would never think of.
Higher apprenticeships
A higher apprenticeship is your ticket to a high-skilled job. You will usually need at least 2 A levels to start one, and you will come out with qualifications equivalent to a foundation degree or higher – with any tuition fees paid by your employer! Higher apprentices can earn between £300-500 per week (although you may start lower). You could train to be a solicitor or a lab scientist, for example.
Degree apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships guarantee you a university degree, as well as on-the-job training for a high-skilled job. You will spend 30 hours a week learning from experienced colleagues at work, and the equivalent of one day studying towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree at uni or college. It gives you the academic grounding of a degree along with sought-after employability skills employers say graduates do not have.
Should I apply for an apprenticeship or university?
Currently, apprenticeships offer a route into highly skilled jobs that previously would have required going to university to train before entering the job market. If you know what career path you want to follow, an apprenticeship could get you there without the fees, whilst enabling you to develop employability skills too. University is essential for certain careers and great for those with passionate academic interests. Carefully consider the pros and cons of both university and apprenticeships before making your decision.
| Staff Names | Staff Titles |
| Mrs Pamela Abbott | Careers Coordinator |
| Mrs Julie Kay | Independent Careers Guidance Adviser |
| Mrs Helen Witty | Curriculum Director |
