How do we meet the Gatsby Benchmarks at St Bonaventure's?

Benchmark 1 - A Stable Careers Programme

Through our Personal Development Drop Down days, students receive a series of lessons dedicated specifically to Career related learning - from exploring which careers might suit their skills and interests in year 7, to exploring how to write a CV and succeed at interview in KS4.  This ensures that, by the time students reach the end of year 11, they have an awareness of the world of work, and the skills required to succeed. 

Benchmark 2 - Learning from Labour Market Information

Through our use of the platform Unifrog, students have the opportunity to access a huge database of Labour Market Information. Unifrog allows students to explore a wide range of careers, and learn information about the labour market, including salaries, which sectors and jobs are experience growth, and the skills and qualifications needed to enter these careers. In year 7, students have an hour long session to introduce them to the platform which can continue to be accessed at home. Further sessions take place each year to allow 

Benchmark 3 - Addressing the Needs of Every Pupil

We recognise that each pupil has unique needs, skills, and interests which will influence the choices they make in their study and career options. Through the careers advice they receive, and the learning in their Careers Curriculum, students are encouraged to consider the full range of study options, routes, and careers available to them. In year 11, every student will have a one-to-one Careers guidance session with a qualified Careers  Advisor, receiving personalised suggestions and actions to pursue the options they are interested in.

Benchmark 4 - Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers

In March, the school celebrates Careers Month - during this time, all curriculum subjects for all year groups incorporate lessons or activities which allow students to explore which careers link to the curriculum subjects they study.

Benchmark 5 - Encounters with Employees and Employers

Throughout their time at St Bonaventure's, students will have a number of opportunities to hear from employers and employees about their career journey and their experiences of work.  These may be through virtual talks and workshops, in-person assemblies, or dedicated events, such as our Careers Morning for years 10 and 12 in the Summer Term. St Bonaventure's has a strong alumni community, and many former students have come back to the school to talk to students about their study and career paths after leaving school.

Benchmark 6 - Experiences of Workplaces

Students are able to experience the world of work through a combination of extra-curricular trips, insight visits, and work experience placements - for example, in previous years,  groups of students have visited the offices of TfL, Ernst & Young, PWC, Morgan Sindall,  and others, exploring workplaces and meeting those who work there.

Benchmark 7 - Encounters with Further and Higher Education

As part of our commitment to the Provider Access Legislation, students will have opportunities to hear from colleges, sixth-forms, and other providers of technical education to explore the options available to them post-16.  St Bonaventure's is also part of UEL's school partnership programme, allowing students to explore the world of higher education.

Benchmark 8 - Personal Guidance

In year 11, all students will have a 1-to-1 Careers Guidance session with a qualified Careers Advisor. Sixth form students are also able to book appointments with our Careers Advisor, who also provides drop-in sessions for students of all year groups. 1-to-1 sessions are also offered to year 9 students to help in the GCSE option selection process.