Key Stage 4

· Study and employability skills

· Opportunities available for career progression including in education, training and employment

· Changing patterns of employment and different types of business organisation and finance

· Independent work experience opportunities

· Rights and responsibilities in the workplace

· Attitudes and values in relation to work and enterprise

· Confidentiality in the workplace

Year 10 will continue their skills on Unifrog to search for careers and opportunities beyond their time at Smithdon.

The students will also cover personal statements and CVs in further depth, learning their place and importance in the application process. With guidance and designated time students will create both of these.

Year 10 are also offered the opportunity to attend various taster days at further education institutes to give them an idea of what it would be like to study at their chosen venue. There are many open day/evening events which the students will be informed of and encouraged to attend.

Year 10 students will also be invited to participate in our mock interviews conducted off-site with our local Rotarians. The interviews are formal and students are given individual feedback to enable them to develop their techniques for future interviews. We have been fortunate enough to offer this opportunity for several years and the students, despite their understandable nerves, have found the experience to be beneficial for many reasons.

Year 11’s main focus is their choice of course after Smithdon and the application process.

Alongside Unifrog, the students are encouraged to look at further education providers both online and via visits. At this stage Unifrog is a fantastic tool to research the opportunities available. Whether searches are conducted based on location availability, future career progression or subject preferences is entirely up the student. Further education and apprenticeships are shown.

All Year 11’s have direct access to the careers room every lunch time, where Miss Fairweather (designated careers lead) is available to discuss any queries or offer guidance or support.

During the Autumn half term, Year 11 will make their applications through Help You Choose. This process is supported by Form Tutors and completed during tutor time sessions. However, students will be advised and encouraged to undertake an element of independent research into all aspects of “looking ahead”. Again, Miss Fairweather is available for meetings or individual discussions should additional guidance be needed.