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Careers, Enterprise and Work Related Skills

Careers Logo JPEG Cropped Header 2019 1 ThamesValleyBerkshire

At Waingels we seek to improve the life chances of students through the development of employability skills as well as to increase motivation, raise aspirations and achievement, equip students with the knowledge and skills to make effective decisions, and help with developing career management and employability skills. Specifically:

We will provide opportunities for students to develop enterprise skills
We will provide independent information on the options available for 16-19 education and training including apprenticeships
We will be impartial and show no bias towards a particular option or institution
We will promote the best interests of the student to whom CIAG is given
Those students identified as vulnerable or with specific needs will receive targeted support
The school will refer to national quality standards when making decisions about CIAG providers.

The programme has been developed in line with the eight Gatsby benchmarks for ensuring best practise and to meet the requirements of the Department for Education’s statutory guidance 2018. We review this annually to make sure that we are meeting the needs of all students. Our next review is July 2023.

Waingels Careers Lead: Mrs Claire Ward, Assistant Headteacher

Email: careers@waingels.wokingham.sch.uk

Telephone: 0118 969 0336

Careers Policy

Waingels Careers Curriculum

Waingels vision is to be an exceptional school, striving for excellence, at the heart of our community where Better Never Stops.

Our careers education programme provides our students with the opportunity to plan and manage their careers effectively, ensuring progression which is ambitious and aspirational. It promotes equality of opportunity, celebrates diversity and challenges stereotypes. It is designed to meet the Gatsby benchmarks and conforms to statutory requirements.

Waingels is committed to providing all students in Years 7-13 with a careers programme which is embedded into the curriculum and includes a variety of enrichment activities. The programme has been developed in line with the eight Gatsby benchmarks for ensuring best practice and to meet the requirements of the Department for Education’s statutory guidance 2018.

The Gatsby Benchmarks

A stable careers programme
Learning from career and labour market information
Addressing the needs of each student
Linking curriculum learning to careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Experience of work places
Encounters with further and higher education
Personal guidance

Our careers programme is embedded in our curriculum and forms part of each subject. In addition to this, we offer the below opportunities to spend time out of the curriculum to take advantage of local opportunities including working with global company, Microsoft; and number 1 ranked company in the Thames Valley 250 (a list of top performing companies ranked by turnover), Westcoast.

YEAR	CAREERS	INFORMATION & GUIDANCE INCLUDING PASTORAL CURRICULUM	SKILLS/ CURRICULUM
ALL	Unifrog All students have access to this careers platform where they can investigate job roles, subject choices and much more! Students in Key Stage 3 will record their achievements for the Personal Development Goals in their virtual locker.	Pastoral Tutor Programme The pastoral curriculum is delivered by tutors to all year groups throughout the year. One tutor sessions each week is designated for this delivery. Each half term there is a specific focus which builds on the experiences and learning of the previous academic year.	Students will have the opportunity to take part in a number of activities associated with Global Entrepreneurship Week (November), National Careers Week (March) and My Money Week (June)
7	Careers and Enterprise Transition Event Students have an issue in the school and must research and develop a campaign to resolve the issue. School based project focussing on teamwork, problem solving, communication and creativity. [November 2021] Unifrog Launch (via IT lessons)	Assemblies Pastoral Tutor Programme Students will be introduced to the importance of transferable skills and attributes in school and the workplace. They will have the opportunity to develop competencies and record them on Unifrog, our careers platform. The tutor programme will be complimented by a drop-down day where students will work on a school-based challenge. [Autumn 2021]	Enterprise Passport Day Students spend the day reflecting on all the skills they use in their everyday lessons. [November 2021] PSHE Students will complete a topic on Personal finance, including areas of budgeting, taxes and earnings. [Summer 2]
8	Careers and Enterprise day Business based ‘problem’ which students must think creatively to solve. Day focusses on developing listening and presentation skills as well as the importance of staying positive. [March 2022] AAA Program Selected students can take part in our triple A programme which is launched with an enterprise activity. [October 2021]	Assemblies Pastoral Tutor Programme An opportunity to reflect on previous enterprise activities which have developed the competencies needed for next steps, education and / or employment. Students will have an opportunity to further explore Unifrog, our careers platform. The tutor programme will be complimented by a drop-down day where students will work on a business problem. [Spring 2022]	Enterprise Passport Day Students spend the day reflecting on all the skills they use in their everyday lessons. [November 2021] PSHE Students will complete a topic entitled Living in the Wider World. This focusses on personal attributes, goals, job interviews and apprenticeship activities. [Summer 2]
9	Careers and Enterprise day – Options Taster Day Students will experience a carousel of subjects not delivered in Key Stage 3, alongside workshops focussing on making good option choices. [January 2022] Skills Pathway / Alternative Curriculum Selected students will take part in our alternative curriculum which focusses heavily on future careers underpinned by both literacy and numeracy skills.	Assemblies Options Guidance Students are invited to an options evening and receive an Options booklet which includes key information about the process, post 16 options and future careers. Targeted 1:1 meeting with pastoral team to support options choices. Pastoral tutor programme Students will be introduced to the year 9 options process. They will have an opportunity to reflect on their competencies and those that are needed for GCSE subjects. The tutor programme will be supported with a drop-down day where students ill have the chance to experience taster lessons in those subjects that are not taught in KS3 such as Economics. Unifrog will also be used to encourage students to think about their future and understand how their options play a part in their future choices. [Spring 2022]	Enterprise Passport Day Students spend the day reflecting on all the skills they use in their everyday lessons. [November 2021] PSHE Students will complete a topic entitled living in the Wider World which focusses on money, Young Apprentice and Careers on line. [Summer 2] STEAM Careers Students will have a series of presentations from guest speakers delivered in Science lessons. [Spring 2]
10	Step Up Day An opportunity for students to reflect on their mocks and consider their future pathways with a carousel of workshops and activities focussed on their next steps. [May 2022] STEAM Careers Event An opportunity for selected students to take part in a carousel of interviews with individuals working in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths field. [Mar 2021] Work Experience All students will be able to take part in a one-week work experience placement designed to raise aspirations and improve engagement. Offer dependent on needs of the cohort.	Assemblies *1:1 Careers Guidance* with disadvantaged, SEND and vulnerable students. Pastoral tutor programme An introduction to Post-16 options and how the choices made can play a part in future education and employment choices, supported by Unifrog. The tutor programme will be complimented by a drop-down day where students will be able to interact with different organisations in order to understand concepts such as personal branding and maintaining a positive social media presence. [Summer 2022]	PSHE Students will complete a unit of study which focusses on financial decision making and understanding the impact of those decisions. [Summer 1] Students will complete a unit of study on interpreting data and percentages, improving teamwork and resilience as well as discussing research, fake news and developing debating skills. [Summer 2]
11	Microsoft Interview Day Students get first-hand experience of applying for a job. They must write covering letters and create a cv in the lead up to an interview with a Microsoft employee. [February 2022] Sixth Form Taster Day Students experience a day in the life of a 6th form student as they immerse themselves in 6th form taster lessons and the facilities we have on offer at Waingels 6th Form.	*1:1 Careers Guidance* with all students Pastoral tutor programme Students will explore the different post 16 options available to them and the key deadlines during year 11. Students will be encouraged to use Unifrog to state their post 16 intentions, review their competencies (in preparation for their careers interview) and begin preparing CVs and covering letters. [Autumn 2021] In addition, students will spend some time in tutor preparing for Microsoft interview day. This will include writing a letter of application and CV. [Spring 1] Sixth Form Open Evening Carousel event introducing local colleges. College Visits Selected individuals will have the opportunity to visit local colleges in order to promote engagement and minimise NEETs. [June 2021]	PSHE (2021-2022 only due to curriculum restructure) Students will complete a unit of study which focusses on financial decision making and understanding the impact of those decisions. [summer 1] Students will complete a unit of study on interpreting data and percentages, improving teamwork and resilience as well as discussing research, fake news and developing debating skills. [summer 2]
12	Careers Fair at Reading Blue Coat school [Oct 2021] Reading scholars Students have an opportunity to apply for Reading scholars and / or Sutton trust. Future pathways event (2 days) Students spend time learning about UCAS applications, how different universities and employers assess potential candidates (including CVs and letters of application). Opportunity for all students to attend a university visit. Work experience One-week work experience for all students in year 12.	Assemblies 1:1 Careers Guidance arranged following a referral. Weekly drop-in sessions available in the 6^th form area with careers adviser. Pastoral tutor programme with weekly opportunity to explore and update Unifrog profiles	Talks and workshops on apprenticeships, UCAS, careers, including gap year options. Including… • Wellington college Super curricular workshop for students considering Oxbridge or RG universities. • Careers workshops on topics such cv writing, personal branding, LinkedIn etc. Enrichment lessons for all students, cover topics such as VESPA, personal finance, and wellbeing. Aspire programme Emerging programme of support for those students who aspire to go to Oxbridge or particular areas of study such as medicine.
13	University and college visits encouraged. Tutor Programme During the first term, students will focus on UCAS applications (or other options such as Gap year and Apprenticeships if appropriate) This will include revisiting future pathways and careers opportunities. Focus Weeks Opportunity to highlight future pathways through national initiatives such as National Careers Week (NCW) and National Apprenticeship Week (NAW)	Follow up 1:1 Careers Guidance Weekly Drop in sessions available in the 6^th form area with Careers Adviser. Workshops tailored to needs of the cohort; LinkedIn, Personal branding etc. 1:1 Tutor Meetings All students benefit from tutor support such as individual progress reviews, discussion of career options and how their progress relates to these. External Agency Support Potential NEET students are offered additional support from agencies such as Mustard Tree. Pastoral Tutor Programme which supports students to complete UCAS personal references and / or applications for next steps as appropriate.	Talks and workshops continue to be offered throughout the year. Including… Careers Workshops on topics such CV writing, personal branding, LinkedIn etc led by our Careers Adviser. Student finance presentation. Focus on Apprenticeships, including external speakers from Aim Group / ASK.

YEAR

CAREERS

INFORMATION & GUIDANCE INCLUDING PASTORAL CURRICULUM

SKILLS/ CURRICULUM

ALL

Unifrog

All students have access to this careers platform where they can investigate job roles, subject choices and much more! Students in Key Stage 3 will record their achievements for the Personal Development Goals in their virtual locker.

Pastoral Tutor Programme

The pastoral curriculum is delivered by tutors to all year groups throughout the year. One tutor sessions each week is designated for this delivery.
Each half term there is a specific focus which builds on the experiences and learning of the previous academic year.

Students will have the opportunity to take part in a number of activities associated with Global Entrepreneurship Week (November), National Careers Week (March) and My Money Week (June)

Careers and Enterprise Transition Event

Students have an issue in the school and must research and develop a campaign to resolve the issue. School based project focussing on teamwork, problem solving, communication and creativity. [November 2021]
Unifrog Launch (via IT lessons)

Assemblies

Pastoral Tutor Programme

Students will be introduced to the importance of transferable skills and attributes in school and the workplace. They will have the opportunity to develop competencies and record them on Unifrog, our careers platform. The tutor programme will be complimented by a drop-down day where students will work on a school-based challenge. [Autumn 2021]

Enterprise Passport Day

Students spend the day reflecting on all the skills they use in their everyday lessons. [November 2021]

PSHE
Students will complete a topic on Personal finance, including areas of budgeting, taxes and earnings. [Summer 2]

Careers and Enterprise day

Business based ‘problem’ which students must think creatively to solve. Day focusses on developing listening and presentation skills as well as the importance of staying positive. [March 2022]

AAA Program

Selected students can take part in our triple A programme which is launched with an enterprise activity. [October 2021]

Assemblies

Pastoral Tutor Programme

An opportunity to reflect on previous enterprise activities which have developed the competencies needed for next steps, education and / or employment. Students will have an opportunity to further explore Unifrog, our careers platform. The tutor programme will be complimented by a drop-down day where students will work on a business problem. [Spring 2022]

Enterprise Passport Day

Students spend the day reflecting on all the skills they use in their everyday lessons. [November 2021]

PSHE

Students will complete a topic entitled Living in the Wider World. This focusses on personal attributes, goals, job interviews and apprenticeship activities. [Summer 2]

Careers and Enterprise day – Options Taster Day

Students will experience a carousel of subjects not delivered in Key Stage 3, alongside workshops focussing on making good option choices. [January 2022]

Skills Pathway / Alternative Curriculum
Selected students will take part in our alternative curriculum which focusses heavily on future careers underpinned by both literacy and numeracy skills.

Assemblies

Options Guidance

Students are invited to an options evening and receive an Options booklet which includes key information about the process, post 16 options and future careers.
Targeted 1:1 meeting with pastoral team to support options choices.

Pastoral tutor programme

Students will be introduced to the year 9 options process. They will have an opportunity to reflect on their competencies and those that are needed for GCSE subjects. The tutor programme will be supported with a drop-down day where students ill have the chance to experience taster lessons in those subjects that are not taught in KS3 such as Economics. Unifrog will also be used to encourage students to think about their future and understand how their options play a part in their future choices. [Spring 2022]

Enterprise Passport Day

Students spend the day reflecting on all the skills they use in their everyday lessons. [November 2021]

PSHE

Students will complete a topic entitled living in the Wider World which focusses on money, Young Apprentice and Careers on line. [Summer 2]

STEAM Careers

Students will have a series of presentations from guest speakers delivered in Science lessons. [Spring 2]

Step Up Day

An opportunity for students to reflect on their mocks and consider their future pathways with a carousel of workshops and activities focussed on their next steps. [May 2022]

STEAM Careers Event

An opportunity for selected students to take part in a carousel of interviews with individuals working in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths field. [Mar 2021]

Work Experience

All students will be able to take part in a one-week work experience placement designed to raise aspirations and improve engagement. Offer dependent on needs of the cohort.

Assemblies

1:1 Careers Guidance with disadvantaged, SEND and vulnerable students.

Pastoral tutor programme

An introduction to Post-16 options and how the choices made can play a part in future education and employment choices, supported by Unifrog. The tutor programme will be complimented by a drop-down day where students will be able to interact with different organisations in order to understand concepts such as personal branding and maintaining a positive social media presence. [Summer 2022]

PSHE

Students will complete a unit of study which focusses on financial decision making and understanding the impact of those decisions. [Summer 1]

Students will complete a unit of study on interpreting data and percentages, improving teamwork and resilience as well as discussing research, fake news and developing debating skills. [Summer 2]

Microsoft Interview Day

Students get first-hand experience of applying for a job. They must write covering letters and create a cv in the lead up to an interview with a Microsoft employee. [February 2022]

Sixth Form Taster Day

Students experience a day in the life of a 6th form student as they immerse themselves in 6th form taster lessons and the facilities we have on offer at Waingels 6th Form.

1:1 Careers Guidance with all students

Pastoral tutor programme

Students will explore the different post 16 options available to them and the key deadlines during year 11. Students will be encouraged to use Unifrog to state their post 16 intentions, review their competencies (in preparation for their careers interview) and begin preparing CVs and covering letters. [Autumn 2021]

In addition, students will spend some time in tutor preparing for Microsoft interview day. This will include writing a letter of application and CV. [Spring 1]

Sixth Form Open Evening

Carousel event introducing local colleges.

College Visits

Selected individuals will have the opportunity to visit local colleges in order to promote engagement and minimise NEETs. [June 2021]

PSHE

(2021-2022 only due to curriculum restructure)

Students will complete a unit of study which focusses on financial decision making and understanding the impact of those decisions. [summer 1]

Students will complete a unit of study on interpreting data and percentages, improving teamwork and resilience as well as discussing research, fake news and developing debating skills. [summer 2]

Careers Fair at Reading Blue Coat school [Oct 2021]

Reading scholars

Students have an opportunity to apply for Reading scholars and / or Sutton trust.

Future pathways event (2 days)

Students spend time learning about UCAS applications, how different universities and employers assess potential candidates (including CVs and letters of application). Opportunity for all students to attend a university visit.

Work experience

One-week work experience for all students in year 12.

Assemblies

1:1 Careers Guidance arranged following a referral.

Weekly drop-in sessions available in the 6^th form area with careers adviser.

Pastoral tutor programme with weekly opportunity to explore and update Unifrog profiles

Talks and workshops on apprenticeships, UCAS, careers, including gap year options.

Including…
• Wellington college Super curricular workshop for students considering Oxbridge or RG universities.
• Careers workshops on topics such cv writing, personal branding, LinkedIn etc.

Enrichment lessons for all students, cover topics such as VESPA, personal finance, and wellbeing.

Aspire programme
Emerging programme of support for those students who aspire to go to Oxbridge or particular areas of study such as medicine.

University and college visits encouraged.

Tutor Programme

During the first term, students will focus on UCAS applications (or other options such as Gap year and Apprenticeships if appropriate) This will include revisiting future pathways and careers opportunities.

Focus Weeks

Opportunity to highlight future pathways through national initiatives such as National Careers Week (NCW) and National Apprenticeship Week (NAW)

Follow up 1:1 Careers Guidance

Weekly Drop in sessions available in the 6^th form area with Careers Adviser.

Workshops tailored to needs of the cohort; LinkedIn, Personal branding etc.

1:1 Tutor Meetings

All students benefit from tutor support such as individual progress reviews, discussion of career options and how their progress relates to these.

External Agency Support

Potential NEET students are offered additional support from agencies such as Mustard Tree.

Pastoral Tutor Programme which supports students to complete UCAS personal references and / or applications for next steps as appropriate.

Talks and workshops continue to be offered throughout the year.

Including…

Careers Workshops on topics such CV writing, personal branding, LinkedIn etc led by our Careers Adviser.
Student finance presentation.
Focus on Apprenticeships, including external speakers from Aim Group / ASK.

Waingels Careers & Enterprise Newsletters

Academic Year 2022-2023

Spring Term 2 Issue

Academic Year 2021-2022

First Issue- 04/03/2022

Springpod

Springpod is offering free VWEX and Industry In sights. Students will then become part of a talent pool which can then be used to access future opportunities. Spaces are unlimited for the Insights but limited for the VWEX, so please book on early.

Work Experience Guide

Pathway CTM

Pathway CTM is an award winning Social Enterprise focussed on supporting school leavers. They offer free industry insights with prestigious companies. You can register for these events here.

Opportunities

Speakers for Schools

Virtual work experience and inspiring remote insight days can be found here, it also includes employer career talks.

Barclays Life Skills

You’ll get to see the inner workings of Freeformers, a ‘digital transformation’ agency, and actively work with different departments on one exciting project, helping them solve problems and complete real-life tasks. Please see here.

Jacobs Virtual Work Experience Initiative: Years 10/11
This programme will centre around the design of a Coronavirus vaccine research facility. Jacobs introduce students to the wide range of people within the STEM fields that come together from architects and engineers through to project managers and safety specialists. The also introduce students to the key skills they will need in the workplace such as creativity, team work, leadership and resilience. The programme has been developed for Y10 and Y11 students and includes 30 hours of content.
Jacobs Virtual Experience Programme Summary

I can be a…

‘I can be a’ offers virtual tours in a county council, football club, construction company and BT, with all it’s many departments. Please see here.

'Work IT' campaign
The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) has produced a series of career talks from young people to young people, with a focus on recent transition from education to the world of work. A new film will be released each week across a range of sectors. Keep an eye out on the CEC's social media for new film.

Youtube - #CECWorkit
Twitter @CareerEnt
Instagram @Careersandenterprise

Founders 4 Schools Digital response
Founders 4 Schools continues to host regular career role model events, with up to three 10-minute sessions being offered online each week. The sessions are aimed at students and feature a Q&A section. They can be found here.

Medicine VWEX

How to get work experience when you can’t access placements, an overview can be found here.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School have created an online work experience platform. You will be taken through six areas of medicine, exploring the roles, skills required and challenges faced by today’s doctors. Please see here.

Apprenticeships

ASK

The Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools and Colleges programme (ASK) is funded by the National Apprenticeship Service. ASK are offering new learn at home resources, bespoke support for Y11 and Y13's. View the resources here.

Thinking of University from Years 7-13

The Brilliant Club
The Brilliant Club aims to increase the number of pupils from underrepresented backgrounds progressing to highly selective universities. The website includes useful information and resources for students aged 10-18 to help them explore university options. This can be found here.

Free online Pupil Resources

Schools newsletter

Online Taster Sessions – find out more about a subject or course area, boost your application (you can start this early!). There is so much good information provided here by the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

https://www.ucas.com/events/exploring-university/learn-about-uni-taster-course

Online university open days, find out what university is like:

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/after-you-apply/coronavirus-covid-19/attend-virtual-open-day

SEND

SEND: Finding Your Future
The DFN Foundation and the National Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Employment Forum (NSEF) have joined forces to launch the ‘Finding Your Future’ campaign. It features videos covering personal development within the workplace, as well as “top tips” and “how to's” for viewers. You can find more details here.

SEND resources for home education
This initial list of SEND resources, published by the government, has been developed with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity and is based on the recommendations of trusted organisations, charities and educators. View the resources here.

Labour Market Information (LMI)

An introduction to how and why to look at Labour Market Information. It is very important when looking at careers and applying for courses.

https://unicamcareers.edublogs.org/2020/05/05/lmi-covid19/

More detailed information. The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has launched a new Jobs Recovery Tracker, which uses job postings data to spot signs of labour market growth by county and occupation type.

https://www.rec.uk.com/our-view/news/press-releases/uk-hiring-hotspots-revealed-new-jobs-recovery-tracker-1

Looking for Work

https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/looking-for-work-careers-booklet/

**DISCLAIMER**

Whilst Waingels College believes the content of this online resource or careers and enterprise opportunity to be appropriate for use by its pupils, it has not been created by the school. As such – if you have any concerns over accessing the links outlined in this email please do not do so. If you do have any further questions about any careers, further education or apprenticeship information then please do not hesitate to email Mrs Chislett - Careers Lead

Virtual Work Experience Videos

Apprenticeships

Care Careers

Construction

Digital

Fishing

Health Careers

Heathrow Airport

Nurse Care

Paramedic

Physiotherapist

Social Worker

Stansted Airport

STEM

Teaching

Transport

University

Work It

Careers Guidance

To help our students to plan and manage their careers effectively we have a part-time careers adviser at Waingels. All students in Year 11 will be offered an opportunity to have a 1:1 meeting with the careers adviser. They will be offered impartial advice and guidance on their next steps and helped with applications for sixth form, college and apprenticeships. Our aim is to ensure that our students are supported in achieving their aspirations and find courses that lead them to have fulfilling and successful careers and lives.

A summary of the 1:1 conversation will be recorded on the students' Start careers profile and the students will bring an action plan home to parents.

Heads of Year and tutors will also be able to recommend any students in other year groups that may benefit from seeing the careers adviser.

Younger year groups will also have groups sessions on options and thinking about their futures.

Careers Adviser: Rosie Wallis walrws@waingels.wokingham.sch.uk

Unifrog

Unifrog is an online platform that supports students with their next steps, whether that is GCSE options, Sixth Form or college, apprenticeships, university or beyond! It is a platform that will stay with students long after they have left Waingels and is constantly changing so offers up to date information. Alongside the careers information that the site provides, staff at Waingels will be setting tasks for students to complete, recording interactions that students have during their time with us and there is an opportunity for the students themselves to record things that they are proud of in their locker. All of which can be referred to when making future applications.

The site is quite easy to navigate – so feel free to have a look around with your child. Alternatively there are some launch videos (Key Stage specific) that you can watch below.

KS3 Student Launch

KS4 Student Launch

KS5 Student Launch

Please click the link below to access Unifrog.

Unifrog Link

Resources and Guides

Moving Activities into your Locker

Recording Activities on Unifrog

Recording Competencies on Unifrog

Interactive Student Launch Guide

University Applications, UCAS, Student Finance

Choosing the right University and the right course can be a daunting. It is also important that once you have decided what you want to do then your application represent the best you!

Choosing the right course.

Unifrog will help you research different courses and the qualifications needed https://www.unifrog.org/

There are also many websites that help you research different courses:

https://www.ucas.com/

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/universities/applying-to-university-and-ucas-deadlines/

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying-for-university/getting-into-university/how-to-apply-for-university

Writing your UCAS statement

Your UCAS statement is a really important part of your application. It is how you show the university that you are ambitious, motivated, passionate and that you will be a good student. Try to avoid generic statements, use examples, remember skills that you have and ensure that they get a statement that show the best of you.

You have a maximum of 4,000 characters and 47 lines to write your personal statement. It will be cut-off if you exceed this. There are lots of websites that will give you tips and guidance or show you examples:

https://www.ucas.com/sites/default/files/ucas-personal-statement-worksheet.pdf

https://university.which.co.uk/advice/personal-statements/10-things-to-put-in-your-personal-statement?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3uboBRDCARIsAO2XcYBHp-67JKXTO1yrRqcg6CuV5u4VQw5lto9okUDuvz37dMsHrvEkBDgaAnEpEALw_wcB

https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/choosing-university/how-write-ucas-personal-statement

https://www.studential.com/university/applying/UCAS-application-guide/personal-statement-examples/subjects

UCAS Applications- How to Register 2021 Guide

Online Resources from Royal Holloway University

Applying to University

Choosing the Right University

Fees and Funding

Results Day

University Offers

Online Talks & Workshops

Video Resources

University Resources for Students & Parents

Parents University Guide from 'UniTasterDays'

Search University Events Here

Search for University Webinars Here

Apprenticeships Post-16/Post-18

Year 13 Parent & Carer Higher/Degree Apprenticeship Session 6th December 2022

Please click here to view the voiceover Powerpoint

Please click here to view the Powerpoint Only

Click here to view A-Z Apprenticeships

Click here to view Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Listings for 2022-2023

Post 18 Apprenticeship Applications for Year 12 Students and Parent/Carers

Letter for Parents from the Minister for Skills

Letter for Students from the Minister for Skills

Student Apprenticeship Guide

'Amazing Apprenticeships' September 2020 Edition

'Amazing Apprenticeships' October 2020 Edition

'Amazing Apprenticeships' November 2020 Edition

'Amazing Apprenticeships' December 2020 Edition

'Amazing Apprenticeships' February 2021Edition

'Amazing Apprenticeships' June 2021 Edition

An Apprenticeship is a paid job with training so you can earn while you learn, gaining a variety of skills while working towards nationally recognised qualifications. If you live in England, are over 16 and not in full time education, you can apply for an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for work-based training. There are more than 250 different types of Apprenticeships available for over 1,500 job roles, in hundreds of industry sectors, from marketing to accountancy, veterinary nursing and engineering to IT. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, and the industry sector.

When you join an organisation then you will be working with other apprentices and in the bigger companies apprentices often end up house sharing and socialising together similar to university students.

If you are keen to find ways to gain qualifications whilst working closely with an employer, this document gives you an overview of the different ways you can do this.

There are three levels of Apprenticeship:

Intermediate Level Apprenticeships Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 2 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.

Advanced Level Apprenticeships Apprentices work towards work-based learning such as a Level 3 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.

Higher Apprenticeships Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 4 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation Degree.

REGISTER	https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship https://www.ucas.com/alternatives/apprenticeships/apprenticeships-england/how-find-apprenticeships-england https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/apprenticeships-223 https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
APPLY	Apply for as many apprenticeships as possible. Some of them are very competitive. Make sure you check spellings, punctuation and grammar. Think about location- if you are earning money whilst you learn you may be able to relocate. See the module on applications on Start www.startprofile.com Always have a back up plan!
SHORTLISTED	This is the first stage of the interview process. You may have a phone or video interview. Dress smartly, speak clearly, make sure you are prepared. Ask the careers team for help!
ASSESSMENTS	You are likely to have to take several assessments. These are not knowledge based but skills based. You may have to go to an assessment centre to do these assessments. Ask what they are going to be so you can prepare. They may include: Problem solving computer games Written tasks Group work
INTERVIEW	This is likely to be a traditional interview with a few senior members of the company. Dress smartly and remember the assessment starts the minute you arrive.
JOB OFFER	Well done! If you get an offer that is great. If you are not successful then ask for feedback why you weren't successful. Some people apply for 30-40 apprenticeships before they are successful.

Applications, interviews and assessment centres.

Application forms are really important as this is the first contact that you have with your prospective employer. It is important that you put some time and effort into getting it right.

www.startprofile.com has a guidance section on this:

Employability
Work Preparation
Information and Activities on Applications

Post 16 Options Webinar

The below sessions have been shown in Year 11 tutor time, they are available to be watched again and shared with family/carers to help you talk about post-16 options.

Careers Resource Directory

All the information available can feel overwhelming, our local Careers and Enterprise Company has created a directory for careers resources for all ages and routes.

Reading University are offering an online event to help prepare students for the final year of GCSEs and beyond with a series of live and pre-recorded sessions on career plans and post-16 options. Over two weeks they will have access to online resources about choices and subject tasters.

https://uni4me.co.uk/activities/next-steps-year-11-conference/

Photographs

Year 8 Enterprise Day- March 2022

Year 7 Enterprise Day- November 2021

Year 8 Enterprise Day- March 2020

Microsoft Interview Day- February 2020

STEM Careers Day- January 2020

Microsoft Interview Day- February 2019

Year 8 Enterprise Day- December 2018

Microsoft Interview Day- February 2018

Microsoft Interview Day- February 2017

Business Links

Cropped Header 2019 1 We are delighted to have been selected as one of four local schools to share excellence and disseminate information across Wokingham Borough to improve outcomes for all local young people. For more information please see here.

ThamesValleyBerkshire

Labour Market Information

Careers in Berkshire 2020

External Careers Magazine's and Newsletters

ASK Newsletter

Please click here to view May 2023 Edition

Careermap logo1

Careermap is an online career resource that provides live post-16 opportunities, such as apprenticeship vacancies, college courses, university and graduate options. We also offer career advice and guidance so young people can make well-informed decisions to enhance their futures! Check out 1000’s of live opportunities here. As well as opportunities for students there is also a section for parents which can be viewed here.

Subscribe to the School Leavers FREE Careersmap

Careermag for Parents- September 2022

Careermag for Parents- March 2022

Careermag for Parents- September 2021

Careermag for Parents- March 2021

Careermag for School Leavers February 2021

Success at School Careers Advice- HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY

Careermag for Parents

Pearson College London Careers Guide

Hot Jobs

To raise aspirations, support student vision and generally get people thinking about possible future careers, we will be launching a weekly Hot Job. Each week will focus on a particular job. The below posters will be displayed around the zones, tv screens and social media. To find out further information about each job, students can visit their Careers Library on Unifrog here.

March 2022

Week 1- Hospital Doctor

Week 2- Physiotherapist

February 2022

Week 4- Fashion Designer

Week 3- Digital Marketing Officer

January 2022

Week 2- Countryside Officer

Week 1- Biotechnologist

October 2021

Week 4- Make-up Artist

Week 5- Marine Engineer