Falmouth School's Overall Careers Strategy by year groups
Year 7-9: Foundation & Exploration
Gatsby Benchmarks
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Benchmark 1: A stable careers program
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Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information
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Benchmark 3: Addressing the needs of each student
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Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers
Baker Clause:
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Provide access to a range of career providers and information, including apprenticeships, technical education, and vocational routes.
Year 7
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Objective: Begin to develop an understanding of different career pathways.
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Key Activities:
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Careers Awareness Day: Introduction to a wide range of careers, with a focus on local industries and community-based opportunities.
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Classroom Activities: Link subjects to careers, highlighting the importance of different subjects in future careers.
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LMI (Labour Market Information) sessions: Introduction to local and national job market trends.
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Self-Assessment Tools: Students complete simple career interest surveys to start exploring their strengths and preferences.
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Employer Encounters: At least one employer engagement to introduce different sectors.
Year 8
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Objective: Develop a deeper understanding of personal interests and skills.
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Key Activities:
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Work Experience Taster Activities: Virtual or in-school work experience programs.
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Interactive Career Events: Students attend talks from professionals in different fields.
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Guest Speakers from Different Sectors: Focus on technical pathways and vocational careers.
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Personal Development: Begin setting personal goals and begin identifying strengths and weaknesses.
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Explore Options for Career Pathways: Discuss various routes, including apprenticeships, further study, and other technical routes.
Year 9
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Objective: Start making decisions about future subject choices with a focus on career pathways.
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Key Activities:
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Subject Choices and Career Link: Workshops on how different GCSEs and subjects relate to careers.
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Employer Mentoring: Develop relationships with local businesses to mentor students about the world of work.
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Formal Career Interview: One-to-one discussions on aspirations and guidance on GCSE choices.
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Further Employer Encounters: Engage with employers in different sectors, including apprenticeship opportunities.
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Explore Apprenticeships and Technical Education: Early engagement with apprenticeship providers to ensure students understand non-university pathways.
Year 10-11: Developing Pathways & Decision-Making
Gatsby Benchmarks
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Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees
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Benchmark 6: Experiences of workplaces
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Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education
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Benchmark 8: Personal guidance
Baker Clause:
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Ensure that students have access to impartial careers advice on all pathways, including apprenticeships and technical education options.
Year 10
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Objective: Begin refining career interests and explore practical work experience.
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Key Activities:
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Mock Interviews: Prepare students for future employment or higher education interviews.
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Work Experience Week: Every student participates in a work experience placement or virtual experience, helping them explore different sectors.
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Careers Fair: A dedicated event featuring apprenticeships, university options, and technical education providers.
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Personal Careers Interview: A meeting with a career advisor to discuss work experience placements and future plans.
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Employer Encounters: Regular visits from employers, particularly focusing on apprenticeships and non-university career routes.
Year 11
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Objective: Make informed decisions about post-16 pathways.
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Key Activities:
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One-to-One Career Guidance: Personalized career advice to review options (college, apprenticeships, training programs).
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Post-16 Pathways Event: A presentation from colleges, apprenticeship providers, and training organizations.
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Apprenticeship and Technical Education Focus: Workshops on vocational qualifications and apprenticeships, with links to employers and case studies.
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Support with Applications: Guidance on college, apprenticeship, and training provider applications.
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Post-16 Planning Sessions: Small group or one-on-one sessions to help students create a pathway plan.
Year 12-13: Progression & Advanced Planning
Gatsby Benchmarks
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Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees
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Benchmark 6: Experiences of workplaces
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Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education
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Benchmark 8: Personal guidance
Baker Clause:
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Facilitate connections to employers and apprenticeship providers to allow informed choices for further education and training.
Year 12
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Objective: Strengthen employability and focus on future progression.
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Key Activities:
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University and Apprenticeship Fairs: Attend events showcasing both academic and vocational opportunities.
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Work Experience: A longer-term or part-time work experience opportunity in a field of interest.
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Higher Education Workshops: Guidance on university applications, including understanding financial costs and alternatives such as apprenticeships.
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Career Mentor Scheme: Establish a relationship with a mentor who is an employer or university student to guide career and educational choices.
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Guest Speakers and Workshops: Provide exposure to a variety of industries and pathways.
Year 13
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Objective: Final decision-making regarding career or further study.
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Key Activities:
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Career Counselling: One-on-one sessions to review options post-18 (university, apprenticeships, work).
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Application Support: Assistance with university applications, CV building, and apprenticeship applications.
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Employer Encounters: Hosting employer panels to discuss employment opportunities.
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Post-18 Pathways Event: Support in understanding the range of options available beyond A-Levels (apprenticeships, work, gap year).
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Interview Preparation: Focus on real-world job interview skills and preparing for application processes in industry.
Ongoing Activities (Across All Years)
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Career-focused Curriculum Links: Ensure subject teachers regularly make connections between the curriculum and careers.
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Workshops and Seminars: Host regular career-oriented workshops and events, such as CV writing, interview preparation, and professional skills.
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Employer Partnerships: Establish long-term relationships with a range of local and national employers to provide consistent industry insight and experiences.
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Parent Engagement: Offer events and resources for parents to help them understand the career pathways their children are exploring.
Monitoring & Review
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Annual Review: Conduct regular evaluations of the careers strategy to assess progress against Gatsby Benchmarks and Baker Clause requirements.
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Student Feedback: Collect feedback from students on the effectiveness of career guidance programs to make necessary adjustments.
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Partnerships Review: Regularly review partnerships with local businesses, apprenticeship providers, and universities to ensure a wide variety of opportunities.
This strategy ensures a balanced approach to careers education that supports students in making informed, impartial choices about their futures, while meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks and fulfilling the Baker Clause requirements.