The Careers Education course forms part of the Citizenship programme and begins in Year 7 at The Priory School.

Year 7

At this level students record their own strengths, weaknesses and achievements and are encouraged to set new targets for the coming year. They also begin to map out their key skills through work-related activities and through questionnaires to gain information about the law and part-time employment.

Year 8

Students experience "The Real Game" where they work off-timetable all day in small groups on a series of activities designed to stimulate thought, discussion and role play on life in the real world of employment, lifestyles, budgeting and ambitions.



Year 9

Students are introduced to the Careers Library and how to access individual information. They are also given support and guidance regarding the selection of their GCSE options. A highlight of the year is their one-day Insight into Business where the students work in small teams on problem-solving exercises. This day is sponsored and run by local business colleagues who work closely with Form Tutors. As in the world of work there is a competitive edge to the day and the students compete for prizes and certificates. Also in Year 9 students are able to attend an "Aim Higher" Day at the University of Hertfordshire, which focuses on careers guidance for Further and Higher Education. There is also provision for a Gifted and Talented group of students to take part in an "Aim Higher" seminar at the university.



Year 10

In addition to a Careers module on the world of work, students are off timetable for half a day where they are taken out in small groups to visit local companies. These Business Visits are designed to raise the students' awareness of the differences between school and the world of work and gives an insight into local employment opportunities. In the Spring Term they also have a week of Work Experience and students are given individual interviews to ensure that they are well matched to their work placement.

Year 11

Students follow a comprehensive careers programme throughout the Autumn Term and have the opportunity of an individual guidance interview with a Connexions Personal Adviser. A highlight of the spring term is our Mock Interview Afternoon, which again is run in conjunction with the local business community.

Year 12 & 13

At Sixth Form level students will be interviewed by the Head of Sixth Form to ensure that the course of study they choose is well matched to their ability and future career intentions. The world of work plays a prominent part in Sixth Form life with visits to Higher Education establishments (we have strong links with the University of Hertfordshire) and our students on vocational courses have block periods of Work Experience. Those students who wish, have the opportunity to Work Shadow a professional of their choice before making final decisions regarding university study.



In Years 10 and 11 there is the opportunity for a cohort of students to attend an Increased Flexibility Programme at the local Colleges in Hitchin and Stevenage. As part of their vocational education they are able to study subjects such as motor vehicle, hairdressing and child care one afternoon a week.



At the end of the Autumn Term 2006 the school was awarded the Hertfordshire Connexions Accredited Quality Award for demonstrating exemplary practice in Careers Education and Guidance. This was achieved after an in-depth audit of the careers provision in school and personal interviews with a number of students across the year groups.



An effective guidance programme requires the involvement of teachers, parents and students and The Priory School strongly encourages parental involvement throughout the stages in the students' school life.

Attendance


Attendance Poster

Route to Your Career


Route to Your Career

Connexions Lunchtime Drop-in interviews

Connexions Lunchtime Drop-in Interviews

Connexions Resources


Connexions Resources

Careers Newsletter


Careers Newsletter

Fast Tomato


Fast Tomato Getting Started

Useful Websites


E-CLIPS is an internet based software package containing comprehensive information and fact sheets for all young people. This covers research on approximately 1200 careers, college courses, qualifications and training. Additionally you can find information on health concerns, money management, housing, travel and leisure. You will then be able to print off up to date information to help you with important decisions in the various stages of your education, future career aspirations and information to help you with concerns on personal issues. When you access the site from the school network, the website asks you for the postcode (Priory postcode is SG5 2UR) or from your home computer, adding your own post code.

CareersBox - Primarily Careersbox creates film media focussing on peer-to-peer case study films of real young people doing real jobs.

E-Clips - Comprehensive career information and fact sheets for all young people

Connexions Hertfordshire - Help and support for all 13 to 19 year olds

Connexions Direct - Information and advice for young people

Connexions Card - Collect reward points and exchange for goods & services

Fast Tomato - Interactive career guidance and education for teenagers

Apprenticeships - Find out what an apprenticeship can do for you

Workthing.com - Search for jobs by industry

CV Advice - What makes a good or bad CV?

Volunteering England - Find out what is involved in volunteering

Gapyear.com - Your complete guide to taking time out

Disability Now - The UK's biggest selling disability related newspaper

Neighbourhood Learning - in disadvantaged communities

Year Out Group - information about a gap year or career break

BBC Learning - online learning, support & advice

Useful websites for Years 12 & 13



Mark Marlton
Head of Careers Education and Guidance

Liz Taylor
Administrator