What is careers education?
Careers education is a planned programme of learning activities that helps young people to think about, set goals and prepare for the future. It does this by helping them to develop the knowledge and self-help skills they will need to grasp opportunities, manage change and deal with success, disappointment and the unexpected. At the Math School careers education is provided through Life Skills lessons in the Lower School and in tutorials across all key stages.
What is impartial advice?
Impartial advice basically means that we will not tell you what to do. Impartial careers advice aims to provide young people with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about what options they have key points in the school life. For example: in choosing GCSE options in year 9, A level options or suitable alternatives at year 11 and in year 13 whether or not to go into further or higher education, or enter the world of work.
It aims to motivate and raise aspirations by providing clear goals and encouraging young people to participate in learning and to attain qualifications that reflect their potential. Qualifications are like keys – the more qualifications you have, the more doors are open to you. These doors represent opportunities.
Within the curriculum
Careers education is found across the curriculum in many different subjects, for all year groups and across the academic year, for example:
- PE – leadership and teamwork
- English – communication skills needed in organisations
- Music – researching careers of music heroes
- DT – study of jobs involved in particular projects
- Art – image in the workplace
- Maths – data analysis is an employability skill
- Psychology – presentation skills
- Drama production – you have to audition for parts or jobs like stage-hand /lighting – these are like interviews for jobs
- Prefect roles – you have to be interviewed for the role
How can Parents and Carers Support Children in their Career Plans?
Young people need support from the people who know them best, their families, as they make crucial choices and plans for the future. Your encouragement is vital, especially given the current uncertainties and disruptions.
There are many ways you can offer valuable support. We have grouped our advice into three key areas: Conversations, Exploration & Research, and Involvement & Encouragement.
Conversations: Start the Dialogue
The most effective support begins with open and positive conversations about your child’s future.
- Discover Their Interests: Talk to your child about their aspirations, hobbies, and interests. Find out what they already know about different career paths.
- Review Class Resources: Encourage them to look back at the ‘Job of the Week’ posts on their year group Google Classroom. Ask them to consider the questions posed by the Careers Coordinator to deepen their understanding of various occupations.
- Discuss Assessment Results: Encourage your child to complete a computer-based career choice questionnaire, such as the Icould Buzz Quiz, or the National Careers Service skills assessment. Ask to see the results and discuss them together, focusing on the suggested areas of work, rather than just specific jobs.
Exploration & Research: Finding Opportunities
Help your child actively research the pathways available to them, both in school and beyond.
- Utilise School Resources: Encourage your child to visit the school careers library or the National Careers Service website to find out more about qualifications and jobs.
- Focus on Local Options: Encourage your child to research courses, jobs, and training opportunities available locally. Your local authority or regional skills partnership may provide helpful information on their website.
- Engage with Post-16 and Post-18 Planning:
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- Post-16: Make the most of ‘Next Steps Evenings’ and college/sixth-form open days. If your child is considering studying at a different institution, it’s important to explore all the options available to them.
- Post-18 (Higher Education): If your child intends to enter university, help them plan carefully. Key discussion points include:
- What subject/s do they want to study? (Then look at the type of careers they could go into with a degree in their chosen field. Encourage students to log onto Unifrog > Subject Library > type in their chosen course > click ‘read profile’ > scroll down to ‘explore’ and press ‘+’)
- Which institutions offer relevant courses? (Suggested starting points would be searching on Google, looking at the University League tables e.g. The Complete University Guide, Guardian University Guide, and UCAS Explore)
- Do their predicted GCSE grades and A-Level results meet the course entry requirements? (Check the University course page on their website for entry requirements)
- Practical considerations: the programme structure (e.g. is there a work placement?), and whether to study close to home or move further afield.
- Understand Year 9 Options: If your child is in Year 9, ensure you read the information available about the Year 9 Options Process. Most students will have compulsory subjects (e.g. English, Maths, Science) along with a selection of options. All Year 9 students receive a Careers Interview in Term 2 to discuss their choices with a Careers Advisor.
Involvement & Encouragement: Working Together
Your role as an encourager is crucial. Remember, the final decision belongs to your child.
- For Year 9, 11, and 13 only, make an appointment to speak to the Careers Coordinator. They can answer specific questions about career plans and pathways.
- It is important to support your child to reach their own decisions about their future. Providing unwavering encouragement is immensely important, and the more you know about the information, advice, and guidance (IAG) that is available, the better you can help.
- Don’t be afraid to contact the school if you have any questions. With the right IAG, young people can make informed decisions and successfully transition to adult status.
If you need any more information about supporting your child in their career plans, please use the LAT support for parents and carers page or email Mrs Harman.
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