Careers guidance
The Careers Adviser works in conjunction with the Headteacher/Careers Leader, Mr Stephen Mansell, Heads of Year and Tutors to ensure the implementation of our Careers Policy. In March 2020, The Boswells School was awarded the national ‘Quality in Careers Standard’ through the awarding body ‘Investing in Quality’. The award recognises that the school meets the Gatsby 8 benchmarks, the quality of the school careers programme and the high standard of information, advice and guidance given to young people. The external assessor complimented the quality of the school careers programme at Boswells:
‘Overall, there is highly effective, thorough, and varied careers provision being delivered at
The Boswells School. It is well received by both staff and students.’
Mrs Page is a fully qualified Careers Advisor is a registered CDI (Careers Development Institute) professional with a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development and is included on the National Careers Advisers register. She is in school full time, offers individual, impartial Careers interviews and is always available to offer help and support to students. Mrs Page is located in the Upper School Pastoral hub where students can make an appointment, access IT and research colleges, universities, apprenticeship and job opportunities.
A careers programme for Years 7 to 11 is delivered through our Personal Development Programme following the RSE framework within the topic of the wider world. Please click here for more details of the topics covered for each year group. Our programme in Years 7 to 11 aims to encourage the students to reflect on and consider the factors involved in making decisions about their future and the options available to them. A regular weekly powerpoint to all students includes the ‘Career of the Week’ when students have the opportunity to hear about different careers through short videos.
A Work Experience programme, Mock Interviews and Careers Evening are offered for Upper School and Sixth Form students with additional visiting speakers, careers workshops and other careers related activities regularly offered to all students from Year 7 through to Year 13. National Apprenticeship Week and National Careers Week includes additional opportunities for assemblies and careers learning.
The majority of our Sixth Form students continue on to university and expert support is available to help students make the right decision. Full support is available to those students wishing to enter employment, gain an apprenticeship or take a gap year. Sixth Form careers advice is available and tailored to meet the needs of individual students. UCAS and apprenticeship workshops, work experience, financial planning, university visits, CV advice, mock interviews and personal statement support is included within the programme.
Students, parents/carers, teachers and school support staff can access Careers Learning here for careers and labour market information and to find out how school subjects can link to careers.
The impact of our Careers programme is monitored and measured through regular evaluation and review. Feedback is gained from sources including students, parents, staff, governors, employers, colleges and universities. Data including the destinations of students is gathered and regularly evaluated to ensure the ongoing development of our Careers Programme.
Raising the Participation Age is a government policy which increases the minimum age at which young people in England can leave learning. Please see further information on the government website link here.
The school is always keen to engage with employers, parents/carers, colleges, universities and training providers to highlight and raise awareness of opportunities for our students. Careers Events are held throughout the year, including Careers Evening, Mock Interviews, Career talks and Work Experience. Please do contact Mrs Page at school if you would like to be involved.
To view our Careers Policy please click here and to view our Provider Access Policy please click here
Careers Adviser – Mrs Paula Page
Headteacher and Careers Leader – Mr Stephen Mansell
Mrs Page can be contacted at the school on 01245 264451, or alternatively use the contact form towards the bottom of this page.
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