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Careers

The information contained here will have relevance for students, teachers, parents and employers.

If you would like to find out more about Careers at Robert Barclay Academy or if you are interested in providing support, please contact our Careers Leader Mr M Rome, Assistant Headteacher.

Through our curriculum at RBA, we aim to develop ambitious students who are aspirational and fully prepared for their future lives beyond school in an ever changing world. We aim to promote an aspirational culture and encourage students and parents to engage with careers education in partnership with YC Herts, the Local Area Enterprise Partnership. Since 2018 we have had a close working relationship with Reynold’s food, who have provide assemblies work placements and interview preparation for our students.

In order to achieve this, there are a number of key events in careers information, advice and guidance on the journey through the school. In addition to year group activities, we also give parents information at planned events through the year and listen to student voice regarding careers education through an annual workshop and questionnaire. Each subject area displays posters about careers linked to that subject, alongside a central careers display (main corridor by the library) and dedicated area within the library.

We are working to the new Gatsby benchmarks for Careers Education and also recognise the Hertfordshire Skills Framework and encourage the development of these employability skills through the wider curriculum. A copy of these documents can be found in the appendices.

Key organisations supporting RBA careers provision:

YC Hertfordshire

www.ychertfordshire.org

RBA Personal Advisor

Anna Johns

Raise aspirations so that all RBA students ‘Aim High’
Provide qualified personal advisers to deliver careers interviews with students across the school
Be on-hand each week to offer Careers drop-ins in the library (Tuesdays)
Help to increase awareness of Careers Education through displays and presence across the school
If students would like to arrange an extra appointment please contact your Head of Year.

Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership/ Careers and Enterprise Company

www.hertfordshirelep.com

www.careersandenterprise.co.uk

RBA Senior Enterprise Coordinator

Gareth Dace

Raise aspirations and awareness so that all RBA students ‘Aim High’
Provide guidance, support, resources and strategy to assist in the delivery of effective Careers Education at RBA
Be a challenge partner when co-reflecting on RBA’s progress towards achieving the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks.

Local Enterprise Industry Partner

www.reynolds-cs.com

RBA LEP Advisor

Meeta Khatani from Reynold’s Foods

Raise aspirations and make Careers education ‘real’ so that all RBA students ‘Aim High’
Provide guidance and support from a local employer to give context, real-life experience and guidance to support Careers provision at RBA
Careers talks from their staff give our students insights into the journeys that successful people have been on from sitting in an assembly hall at school to where they are today
Visits to their premises with students in subject related areas, for example our Food and Nutrition GCSE students have worked in their ‘Development Kitchen’ and our KS5 Financial Studies students have visited their Finance and Accounts Department

Employer engagement: Can you help?

We are very keen to establish links with employers who will be able to open our students’ eyes to the world of work. We currently engage with a range of different employers through work shadowing placements for our Year 10 students. We welcome further support from employers from a range of industries. If you would like to help, please contact Mr M Rome, Assistant Headteacher.

Guidance for parents/carers:

Clearly parents and carers play a very significant role in helping students to make informed choices about their study options and decisions about their future careers. Parents and carers should be encouraged to discuss with their child about options and future aspirations. We welcome parents and carers’ input and recommend that you always attend activities at school such as GCSE and A-Level Options’ evenings. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach and we recognise that all students must be able to make informed decisions avoiding pre-conceived ideas or stereotypes. There are further suggested web-links at the end of this document that give useful additional information.

Scholars' Education Trust Provider Access Statement

Careers Map

Year 6	Gatsby Benchmark
Aim for prospective/new students: To establish the fact that at RBA, all students are expected to ‘Aim High’ and be the very best they can be in preparation for life in an ever changing world. To make the link between doing well at school and getting the very best career, and how aiming high and having strong aspirations can enhance students’ life chances.	1, 3, 8
AUTUMN TERM (Year 6) Prospective Parents’ Evening Parents get the chance to see the school in action ahead of their selection, and ask questions about careers education, destinations and educational philosophy.	1 1
SUMMER TERM (Year 6) Individual interviews with students and parents before taking up their place in Year 7. Secondary Transfer Day in which we start to understand the needs of each individual student, hear about their aspirations and ambitions in order to tailor the curriculum and opportunities accordingly Transition Evening in which we invite parents to the school to set out our values, goals, curriculum aims and expectations for students and parents. There will be an entry questionnaire about their aspirations and goals to inform careers provision.	8 1 1 1, 8

Year 7
Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 7 students to: Start to plan their learning journey by recognising what they are good at Know more about the jobs people do to help us in our lives Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 7 To understand the concept of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers available and routes of entry *Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term	1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2
AUTUMN TERM Students begin secondary study. Introduction to ACE Values (Achievement, Care, Excellence) and our curriculum aims ‘Raise Aspirations’ ‘Navigate Your Future’ YC Herts module: ‘Reach for the Summit’ undertaken in form times to explore students’ aspirations and set short-term and long-term goals	1, 4 3
SPRING TERM Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP - Local Enterprise Partnership)	5
SUMMER TERM Involvement in Careers Week – Year 7 focus on STEM through a joint project with Science, Creative Arts and Maths departments ‘Navigate Your Future’ YC Herts module: ‘Careers Expedition’ helps students to know about opportunities in the local area and how to research these. Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 7	4 2

Year 8
Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 8 students to: They start to think more about their strengths and areas that they need to develop Know more about the different jobs that people have To have independent careers advice as needed Know what to expect in Year 9, and are able to choose options that support their future *Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 2
AUTUMN TERM Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP) Options guidance begins, including parental Options Evening, individual interviews with senior staff and personalised support with pathways – including up to University/ Post-16 options	5 1, 3, 7, 8
SPRING TERM Subject leads speak to Year 8 in assembly about where their subject could lead them in terms of careers. Targeted support from YC Herts Personal Advisor as identified	4 8
SUMMER TERM Involvement in Careers Week – Work shadowing day (1 day) Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 8	6

Year 9
Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 9 students to: Consolidate high aspirations, including consideration of higher education and top careers options. Begin to consolidate their strengths and recognise their areas of development Know some of the careers and training opportunities that are available in the community Begin to recognise the skills needed for certain careers *Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 2
AUTUMN TERM Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP) Start to explore their future – www.Start.co.uk – linking strengths and interests with career specific information	5 1, 2, 3
SPRING TERM Anglia Ruskin University Visit (LEAD2) to raise aspirations and awareness of future pathways	1, 4, 6, 7
SUMMER TERM Involvement in Careers Week - Apprenticeships Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 9 Targeted support from YC Herts Personal Advisor as identified	7 3 8

Year 10
Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 10 students to: Understand explicitly the link between working hard, gaining the best qualifications and careers opportunities, including access into the Sixth Form, colleges or other training places post-16 Be aware of the world of work and that there are a range of jobs Know how to act appropriately and know how to ask for help in the world of work Continue to identify their likes and dislikes to help them make decisions and choices To have independent careers advice as needed *Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 2
AUTUMN TERM Dragon’s Den Event (LEAD1) Continue to explore their future – www.Start.co.uk – linking strengths and interests with career specific information	1, 5, 4 2, 3
SPRING TERM Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP)	5
SUMMER TERM Work Experience/ shadowing opportunity including build up work to include advice on interview skills, CVs and personal statements Involvement in Careers Week – all to have interviews with YC Herts Personal Advisor University Talk/ workshop – Higher Education Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 10	3, 5, 6 8 7 3

Year 11
Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 11 students to: Focus on high aspirations making the link between their qualifications and experience to the very best and most appropriate next step/ career path To understand, first hand, the full post-16 options available and to be able to take independent control of this process *Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 2
AUTUMN TERM Sixth Form Open Evening – explains the pathways available through RBA Sixth Form and beyond Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP) Personalised careers interviews – external provider (YC Herts). Independently utilise www.Start.co.uk – linking likely qualifications and interests with career specific information	1, 2, 3, 4, 8 5 8 3, 8
SPRING TERM Personalised futures interviews with the Headteacher to review current progress Future’s Day – linking mock exam results with future pathways (making it real) to include expert Apprenticeship advice, University information and a college trip for identified students. Personalised Sixth Form/ Futures interviews with DHT and Sixth Form team College/ Sixth Form interviews as appropriate	4, 8 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 8 8
SUMMER TERM Sixth Form Induction Week (for students who stay at RBA) Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 11	4 3

Sixth Form
Raise aspirations through our aims for Sixth Form students to: Focus on high aspirations, making the link between their qualifications and experience to the very best and most appropriate next step/ career path Understand, first hand, the full range of post-18 options available and to be able to take independent control of this process *Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 2
AUTUMN TERM Employability lessons in the curriculum focus on key skills needed by employers University visits/ Open days Personalised careers interviews – external provider (YC Herts). Independently utilise www.Start.co.uk – linking likely qualifications and interests with career specific information UCAS workshops and personalised intervention, including information about student finance	1, 3, 4, 3, 7, 8 8 3 7
SPRING TERM Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP) Personalised futures interviews with the Headteacher to review current progress Apprenticeship provider visits/ Open days. Careers Fairs (Sir John Lawes School Careers Fair – March)	5 8 7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
SUMMER TERM Involvement in Careers Week Sixth Form Work Experience opportunity	TBC 6

Year 6

Gatsby Benchmark

Aim for prospective/new students:

To establish the fact that at RBA, all students are expected to ‘Aim High’ and be the very best they can be in preparation for life in an ever changing world.
To make the link between doing well at school and getting the very best career, and how aiming high and having strong aspirations can enhance students’ life chances.

1, 3, 8

AUTUMN TERM (Year 6)

Prospective Parents’ Evening
Parents get the chance to see the school in action ahead of their selection, and ask questions about careers education, destinations and educational philosophy.

SUMMER TERM (Year 6)

Individual interviews with students and parents before taking up their place in Year 7.
Secondary Transfer Day in which we start to understand the needs of each individual student, hear about their aspirations and ambitions in order to tailor the curriculum and opportunities accordingly
Transition Evening in which we invite parents to the school to set out our values, goals, curriculum aims and expectations for students and parents.
There will be an entry questionnaire about their aspirations and goals to inform careers provision.

1, 8

Year 7

Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 7 students to:

Start to plan their learning journey by recognising what they are good at
Know more about the jobs people do to help us in our lives
Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 7
To understand the concept of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers available and routes of entry

*Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

AUTUMN TERM

Students begin secondary study. Introduction to ACE Values (Achievement, Care, Excellence) and our curriculum aims ‘Raise Aspirations’
‘Navigate Your Future’ YC Herts module: ‘Reach for the Summit’ undertaken in form times to explore students’ aspirations and set short-term and long-term goals

1, 4

SPRING TERM

Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP - Local Enterprise Partnership)

SUMMER TERM

Involvement in Careers Week – Year 7 focus on STEM through a joint project with Science, Creative Arts and Maths departments
‘Navigate Your Future’ YC Herts module: ‘Careers Expedition’ helps students to know about opportunities in the local area and how to research these.
Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 7

Year 8

Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 8 students to:

They start to think more about their strengths and areas that they need to develop
Know more about the different jobs that people have
To have independent careers advice as needed
Know what to expect in Year 9, and are able to choose options that support their future

*Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

AUTUMN TERM

Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP)
Options guidance begins, including parental Options Evening, individual interviews with senior staff and personalised support with pathways – including up to University/ Post-16 options

1, 3, 7, 8

SPRING TERM

Subject leads speak to Year 8 in assembly about where their subject could lead them in terms of careers.
Targeted support from YC Herts Personal Advisor as identified

SUMMER TERM

Involvement in Careers Week – Work shadowing day (1 day)
Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 8

Year 9

Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 9 students to:

Consolidate high aspirations, including consideration of higher education and top careers options.
Begin to consolidate their strengths and recognise their areas of development
Know some of the careers and training opportunities that are available in the community
Begin to recognise the skills needed for certain careers

*Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

AUTUMN TERM

Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP)
Start to explore their future – www.Start.co.uk – linking strengths and interests with career specific information

1, 2, 3

SPRING TERM

Anglia Ruskin University Visit (LEAD2) to raise aspirations and awareness of future pathways

1, 4, 6, 7

SUMMER TERM

Involvement in Careers Week - Apprenticeships
Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 9
Targeted support from YC Herts Personal Advisor as identified

Year 10

Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 10 students to:

Understand explicitly the link between working hard, gaining the best qualifications and careers opportunities, including access into the Sixth Form, colleges or other training places post-16
Be aware of the world of work and that there are a range of jobs
Know how to act appropriately and know how to ask for help in the world of work
Continue to identify their likes and dislikes to help them make decisions and choices
To have independent careers advice as needed

*Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

AUTUMN TERM

Dragon’s Den Event (LEAD1)

Continue to explore their future – www.Start.co.uk – linking strengths and interests with career specific information

1, 5, 4

2, 3

SPRING TERM

Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP)

SUMMER TERM

Work Experience/ shadowing opportunity including build up work to include advice on interview skills, CVs and personal statements
Involvement in Careers Week – all to have interviews with YC Herts Personal Advisor
University Talk/ workshop – Higher Education
Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 10

3, 5, 6

Year 11

Raise aspirations through our aims for Year 11 students to:

Focus on high aspirations making the link between their qualifications and experience to the very best and most appropriate next step/ career path
To understand, first hand, the full post-16 options available and to be able to take independent control of this process

*Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

AUTUMN TERM

Sixth Form Open Evening – explains the pathways available through RBA Sixth Form and beyond
Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP)
Personalised careers interviews – external provider (YC Herts).
Independently utilise www.Start.co.uk – linking likely qualifications and interests with career specific information

1, 2, 3, 4, 8

3, 8

SPRING TERM

Personalised futures interviews with the Headteacher to review current progress
Future’s Day – linking mock exam results with future pathways (making it real) to include expert Apprenticeship advice, University information and a college trip for identified students.
Personalised Sixth Form/ Futures interviews with DHT and Sixth Form team
College/ Sixth Form interviews as appropriate

4, 8

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8

SUMMER TERM

Sixth Form Induction Week (for students who stay at RBA)
Reflect and record their thoughts about careers through a questionnaire at the end of Year 11

Sixth Form

Raise aspirations through our aims for Sixth Form students to:

Focus on high aspirations, making the link between their qualifications and experience to the very best and most appropriate next step/ career path
Understand, first hand, the full range of post-18 options available and to be able to take independent control of this process

*Labour Market Information Update (East of England) shared in RBA Review and in form times with guidance each term

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

AUTUMN TERM

Employability lessons in the curriculum focus on key skills needed by employers
University visits/ Open days
Personalised careers interviews – external provider (YC Herts).
Independently utilise www.Start.co.uk – linking likely qualifications and interests with career specific information
UCAS workshops and personalised intervention, including information about student finance

1, 3, 4,

3, 7, 8

SPRING TERM

Hear a visiting speaker about a given career (linked to LEP)
Personalised futures interviews with the Headteacher to review current progress
Apprenticeship provider visits/ Open days.
Careers Fairs (Sir John Lawes School Careers Fair – March)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

SUMMER TERM

Involvement in Careers Week
Sixth Form Work Experience opportunity

TBC

Next review September 2021

Gatsby Benchmark

At RBA we work to the ‘Gatsby Benchmark’ in order to fulfil our requirements to students about good careers guidance. Gatsby

Hertfordshire Skills Framework

We are also informed and utilise the Hertfordshire Skills Framework to guide our Careers provision based on the skills that local employers have recognised make good employees.

Personal & People	Hertfordshire Understanding
Motivation and ambition	Actively participate Show enthusiasm Knowledge of the sector Pursue aspirations and goals
Confidence	Willing to meet new people Able to hold conversations with peers, managers and customers Recognise own strengths and able to present these
Respect and good manners	Listen and learn Recognise the feelings of others Be polite Remain calm
Determination and resilience	Commitment to get things done Learn from mistakes and accept criticism Resist distractions Adapt to changes
Adaptability	Flexible to cope with changing demands Able to apply knowledge to different situations
Teamwork	Cooperate with others Recognise skills in others Value contribution from others
Technical & Practical Skills	Hertfordshire Understanding
Numeracy	Apply simple mathematical concepts Understand simple arithmetic Understand costs and expenditure
Literacy	Able to express yourself in writing Understanding of business etiquette verbally and in writing Able to explain yourself verbally
Business and customer awareness	Understand commercial realities Able to professionally communicate with customers Manage your time effectively
Analytical and problem- solving skills	Investigate systematically Identify problems Look for better ways and suggest solutions Plan and organise tasks
Digital technology	Understand the development in technology for business Basic knowledge of IT
Qualifications	Achieve qualifications valued by employers

Useful Websites (for students, parents and carers and teachers)

National Apprenticeship Service	https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship	Allows you to search for live apprenticeship vacancies across the country.
Amazing Apprenticeships	https://amazingapprenticeships.com/	Find out about apprenticeships as well as live vacancies.
YC Hertfordshire	https://www.ychertfordshire.org/	The leading provider of CEIAG provision for young people both inside and outside of school in Hertfordshire.
UCAS	https://www.ucas.com/	All you need to know about applying for university and the courses available for you.
Hertfordshire Labour Market Information	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxEnwYjtk5w	An infographic video to explain the types of jobs available and skills required in Hertfordshire
Hop into Hertfordshire	https://www.hopinto.co.uk/	Powered by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, students, employers, residents wishing to upskill, are now able to HOP into all the resources they need to make informed career decisions and build a future talent pipeline.