Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is embedded throughout the curriculum, meeting the eight benchmarks of Good Career Guidance set out by Gatsby.
During Years 7 – 11, pupils study the world of work as part of the PSHE provision, including lessons on Careers Choices, the Labour Market, Employment, Employment Rights, and writing CVs.
In Year 10, pupils also undertake the Morrisby Assessments which create a 20-page report highlighting each individual’s strengths, A Level choices and potential career options. In Year 11, this report is subsequently used by tutors as part of the guidance for students in deciding which subjects to choose to study at Sixth Form level.
In the Sixth Form, Year 12 students benefit from a timetabled Futures lesson that follows a diverse curriculum and enables them to explore their next steps, while Year 13 discuss their choices directly with their tutors and other appropriate staff (e.g. Assistant Director of Sixth Form).
All students enjoy one-to-one meetings with tutors on a regular basis, have access to Morrisby and Unifrog, and the whole School community receives a weekly Futures newsletter with information, support and opportunities. Students also benefit from trips, Futures lunches, and reflective exercises on their transferable skills (DELTAs).
Year 7: Life beyond School – Careers and your future (PSHE)
Year 8: Life beyond School – Labour market information and exploring Careers (PSHE)
Year 9: Life beyond School – Employment and financial management (PSHE)
Year 10: Life beyond School – Employment rights and understanding a payslip (PSHE)
Students complete Morrisby Assessments in the Summer Term.
Year 11: Life beyond School – Writing a CV and personal statement (PSHE)
Students decide what to study at Sixth Form level using their Morrisby Report.
Year 12: Pupils start the UCAS process during weekly Careers lessons meeting the eight benchmarks set out by GATSBY.
Year 13: Students complete UCAS entry and receive guidance on GAP years/Apprenticeships
Futures Lunches: Throughout the academic year we welcome Old Blues and Parents through our Foundation Office, as well as local businesses, enriching our academic curriculum with careers-specific information, advice and guidance. Recent guests have included Paul Greengrass (film director and Old Blue parent).
Futures Trips: Year 10 undertake an annual trip to a relevant Careers in STEM workplace visit (recent examples include Silverstone Circuitk, and we regularly attend other suitable events such as the Henley Female Network meetings at Leander Club.
Morrisby Testing: In Year 10 all students sit a series of Morrisby assessments which results in a formal report. In Year 11 feedback will be provided to parents via an evening presentation and students will discuss their results with tutors to help guide them in their A level choices.
Futures Convention: Summer term, open to students in Year 11 and 12. We host a wide range of universities and employers including Oxbridge and Russell Group teams, advertising both university courses and degree-level apprenticeship opportunities. Local schools are also invited.
Higher Education Evening: Open to all students in Year 12 and taking place around Easter, with advice on university applications provided by an advisor from a Russell Group university admissions team member (e.g. University of Birmingham).
Futures Days: During Activities Week, Year 12 have dedicated sessions with specific advice on e.g. Personal Statements and Student Finances provided by university staff, and we also host Careers talks provided by Old Blues and Parents through our Foundation Office.
As part of their regular one-to-one tutor meetings, students will receive advice and guidance at relevant times of their academic journey, for example GCSE, A level and university choices.
In order to ensure our students are ‘future-proof’ and thus allow them to traverse an ever-changing job market, we also employ McKinsey & Co’s Distinct Elements of Talent (DELTAs) study in their one-to-one discussions with their tutors as a reflective exercise. This assists students in identifying their transferable skills, helping them understand the wide range of characteristics they are developing through their engagement in our exemplary co-curricular offering while also building their self-confidence.
