At St Joseph’s we want all our young people to understand the full range of opportunities available to them in today’s world and help them to acquire the skills and qualifications they will need to succeed in the workplace today and in the future. We believe that every pupil should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment, and the skills that are valued in the workplace. We also aim to prepare our pupils for the opportunities in the next stage of their education, a time when they will make choices about their future study
At St Joseph’s we liaise with Queen Elizabeth High School about Taster Days for our Y8 pupils to help them make informed choices about their options for subjects in Y9.
We have designated PSCHE lessons in Y8 which focus on career choices and the required qualifications and use the Launchpad programme.
We raise awareness of the National Careers Service and how it can be accessed. STEM ambassadors come into school to lead a variety of workshops and we are developing our links with Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Durham University and Sunderland University. We have parents from a range of professions giving talks to our Y8 pupils throughout the year.
The duty on schools, to secure independent careers guidance for all Y8-13 pupils is intended to expand advice and guidance for young people so they are inspired and motivated to fulfil their potential. Schools should help every pupil develop high aspirations and consider a broad and ambitious range of careers. Inspiring every pupil through more real life contacts with the world of work can help them understand where different choices can take them in the future. Schools have a critical role to play in preparing young people for the next stage of their education or training or beyond. Expectations should be set high, including for the most vunerable and those with special educational needs and disabilities, so that every pupil is stretched and acquires the attributes that employers value. this will help every young person to realise their potential and so increase economic competitiveness and support social mobility. Schools should also ensure that, as early as possible, pupils understand that a wide range of career choices require good knowledge of maths and the sciences. Schools should ensure that pupils are exposed to a diverse selection of professionals from varying occupations which require STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) subjects, and emphasise in particular the opportunities created for girls and boys who choose science subjects at school and college. DfE Guidance for Schools April 2014
The National Career Service offers information and professional advice about education, training and work to people of all ages. Pupils and their parents can access support via a website, helpline and web chat. The website link is below.
Read MoreShould you wish to contact our Designated Careers Lead please email admin@hexhamstjosephs.uk and mark the email for the attention of the Designated Careers Lead.
St Joseph’s Catholic Middle School
Highford Lane
Hexham
NE462DD
