Careers

Careers Programme

Careers Guidance at Abbey Grange connects learning to the future. Our aim is to motivate students by giving them a clearer idea of the routes to jobs and careers that they will find engaging and rewarding. We believe our careers guidance widens our students’ horizons, challenges stereotypes and raises aspirations. It provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make successful transitions to the next stage of their life. We support social mobility by improving opportunities for all students and instilling the belief in them that anything is possible.

We are currently in the process of recruiting a new careers advisor for Abbey Grange, who will work with students to carry out careers interviews (which may also include parents), group work sessions, workplace visits and assemblies. In the interim, we are working with an external agency to provide careers support. Our Senior Leadership Team link to careers is Peter Golding, Assistant Principal. Mr Golding can be contacted on pgolding@abbeygrangeacademy.co.uk or by phone on 0113 275 7877.

At Abbey Grange our careers programme includes careers lessons in PSHCE drop down days, workshops, visiting speakers, visits to employers, work experience to name but a few activities.

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Careers Statement
Policy Statement on Access to Providers of Technical Education and Apprenticeships
Provider Access Legislation
Careers & Personal Development Mapping
Careers & Personal Development Action Plan
Careers Library
The Careers Library

Green Careers

With lots of jobs and apprenticeships available in the green economy as we all transition to net zero there are a range of careers resources to use which outline what we mean by the green economy, what opportunities are available and what skills are needed.

  

·       West Yorkshire Combined Authority https://futuregoals.co.uk/green-jobs-careers/

·       Green Careers Videos

·       Green Careers Resources

·       Green Careers Awareness resource – A day in the life

·       Growing Green careers

·       National Careers Service –Green Careers Week resources

·       Prince’s Trust, Green Economy Careers

Year 7

By the time students get to the end of Year 7 they will have:

  • Had opportunities to reflect on personal qualities and the way they relate to their peers.
  • Begun to identify their strengths and how they can make the best use of them.
  • Through the Abbey Character and Abbey Pledges, began to develop skills required beyond the classroom in order to prepare for a future in the modern workplace.
  • Started finding out about different career areas and qualification routes that might interest them in the future through form time activities, Unifrog, assemblies and PSHCE activities.
  • Taken part in activities to improve their career-related skills and challenge stereotypes in the workplace.
  • Taken part in a Local Market Information Assembly start thinking about possible future jobs.
  • Given information so that they have an understanding of the options that are available to them beyond Abbey Grange.
  • Had the opportunity to attend careers talks during the school year from visiting speakers on a variety of topics including apprenticeships, higher level and degree apprenticeships, colleges, CV writing and interview skills.
Year 8

By the time students get to the end of Year 8 they will have:

  • Built upon the self-development skills they worked on in Year 7 in lessons, on the Abbey pledges and in enrichment opportunities.
  • Started to develop their financial management skills, including budgeting & banking and learned about rights & responsibilities at work, discrimination and stereotyping.
  • Taken part in PSHCE sessions to further develop their knowledge about different career areas and to identify their skills and interests.
  • Completed the careers software questionnaire on Unifrog, to identify their skills and interests related to the world of work and explore career ideas that might interest them.
  • Had optional access to impartial information, advice and guidance from our professional careers’ adviser at a parent’s request.
  • Had the opportunity to attend careers talks during the school year from visiting speakers on a variety of topics including apprenticeships, higher level and degree apprenticeships, colleges, CV writing and interview skills.
Year 9

By the time students get to the end of Year 9 they will have:

  • Used their developing knowledge of themselves and various career pathways to help choose GCSE options. Additional support from school including Year 9 ‘Moving On’ evening, subject teachers and an individual meeting with an ELT or SLT member.
  • Continued with career exploration and self-development by taking part in careers sessions delivered through PSHCE drop down days. Sessions will focus on developing transferable     skills, growth mind set, Unifrog and understanding tax. This will be further developed through assemblies and the Abbey character.
  • Visited a University for a tour of the facilities.
  • Had optional access to impartial information, advice and guidance from the professional careers adviser at a parent’s request
  • If looked after or have additional needs, a one-to-one interview to discuss post 16 options.
  • Had the opportunity to attend careers talks during the school year from visiting speakers on a variety of topics including apprenticeships, higher level and degree apprenticeships, colleges, CV writing and interview skills.
Year 10

By the time students get to the end of Year 10 they will have:

  • Taken part in workshops and an enterprise day with local employers. This will help students understand the world of work and develop employability skills such as problem solving, teamwork, working with budgets, creativity and innovation, presentation skills and working to deadlines.
  • Had the opportunity to attend careers talks during the school year from visiting speakers on a variety of topics including universities, apprenticeships, higher level and degree apprenticeships, colleges, CV writing and interview skills.
     
  • Attended the July Careers Fair and networked with thirty or more employers
  • Accessed Unifrog throughout the academic year to shape and consolidate future aspirations.
  • Used the National Careers Service website to research jobs, skills, entry requirements, training and pay for a variety of jobs.
  • Will have begun the process of having an individual careers guidance interview with the school’s professional careers’ adviser as part of their entitlement to receive impartial     information, advice and guidance. This will continue in year 11.
  • Had a careers interview and started considering future plans and action points needed to achieve these.
  • Had additional optional access to impartial information, advice and guidance from the school’s professional careers’ adviser.
  • If looked after or have additional needs, a one-to-one interview to discuss post 16 options.
Year 11

By the time students get to the end of Year 11 they will have:

  • Attended Year 11 ‘Moving On’ evening to help make decisions about post 16 options.
  • Use various website and search engines to research jobs, skills, entry requirements, training and pay for a variety of jobs.
  • Attended the National School and College Leavers’ Festival.
  •  
  • Attended a workshop and learnt how to produce a CV and covering letter that focuses on their skills and qualities.
  • Had instruction on how to complete application forms for courses and vacancies.
  • Been made aware of all the post 16 choices available to them, through presentations on PSHCE Drop down days, assemblies, and access to college website.
  • Informed about the different levels of apprenticeships including the benefits of Higher-Level Apprenticeships
  • Had an individual careers guidance interview with the school’s professional careers’ adviser as part of their entitlement to receive impartial information, advice, and guidance.
  • Had the opportunity to attend careers talks during the school year from visiting speakers on a variety of topics including occupations, universities, apprenticeships, higher level and     degree apprenticeships, colleges, CV writing and interview skills.
  • Made an application for post 16 courses at Abbey Grange sixth form or / and other schools and colleges, following preparation sessions in school to guide them through the process.
  • Had additional optional access to impartial information, advice, and guidance from the school’s professional careers adviser.
  • Taken part in a mock interview for sixth form or apprenticeship admission.
  • If looked after or have additional needs a one-to-one interview to discuss post 16 options. They will receive addition support to help them apply included arranged visits to preferred     colleges.
Post 16

By the time students get to the end of Sixth Form they will have:

  • Gained first-hand experience of the world of work by undertaking a week of work experience, in a working environment that is related to A level courses being undertaken. Students will be responsible for arranging the placement. This will help them learn about employability skills and the job market.
  • Have an additional one-to-one interview to discuss post 18 options if needed.
  • Attended sessions on higher education, gap years, student finance in PSHCE drop down days.
  • Attended the National School and College Leavers’ Festival.
  • Visited Universities and attended a HE and Careers/ Apprenticeship fair.
  • Had the opportunity to attend careers talks during the school year from visiting speakers on a variety of topics including apprenticeships, Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships – gathering essential information such as when and how to apply.
  • Updated their CV with their new qualifications and skills.
  • Taken part in a mock interview for sixth form or apprenticeship admission.
  • Had additional optional access to impartial information, advice and guidance from the school careers’ adviser to help them make decisions about post 18 options.
  • Been guided through the UCAS application process and made an application through UCAS, if they intend to go to university.
  • In the event they decide to change their academic or career ideas, attended an Interview with the careers professional to discuss all their options for further study, apprenticeships, or employment.

Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance

 

At Abbey Grange Academy, our aim is to ensure that all students are given the information, advice and guidance they require in order for them to make well informed and realistic decisions about their future. We seek to ‘educate, nurture and empower’ our students so they are ready to make the next step in their lives as ambitious, motivated and dedicated learners who will continue to flourish in education or employment.

Information for Teachers

Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance

To develop pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to life in a rapidly changing world.

All teachers and adults play an important role in careers education at Abbey Grange, whether that is teaching about careers in PSHCE, contributing to form activities or providing students with access to information about career paths associated with their subjects. We ask all staff to be encouraging, supporting and lead on careers through their role in school.

Aims of the Careers Programme

 

Abbey Grange believes that every learner should have opportunities to learn about the world of work, employability skills and the personal qualities that are valued in the workplace in order to increase the self-confidence of pupils and raise aspirations. Pupils can then make informed choices about future careers and develop employability skills.

The careers programme promotes equal opportunities and challenges stereotypical thinking and attitudes. It helps pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs, to overcome any overt and/or hidden barriers to progress that they may encounter and ensures that all pupils receive appropriate information and guidance, especially at key decision and transition points.

We make use of up to date information in order to breakdown stereotypes and encourage our students to be aspirational in terms of future careers choices. Students are given opportunities that take them out of their comfort zone and encourage them to think about what they can do with no limitations placed upon them.

High Quality Provision

Abbey Grange is currently working towards the Quality in Careers Standard Award. The school is also working towards full implementation of the Gatsby Benchmarks to ensure that careers provision is of the highest quality for pupils.

 

Careers Information of interest to teachers on the school web-site includes:

  1. Overview of the Careers Programme
  2. Parent Information
  3. Pupil Information
  4. Employer Information
  5. PSHCE Curriculum Information

 

Further Information

Please contact P.Golding, Assistant Principal, for more information: pgolding@abbeygrangeacademy.co.uk

Information for Employers

Abbey Grange Academy is very keen to establish links between with employers and employees in the local community and beyond.

The Careers programme is continually being developed and evaluated in order to ensure that students are given up to date information that is fit for purpose, empowering our students to a lead when it comes to their future. Abbey Grange believes that every learner should have opportunities to learn from employers about the world of work, employability skills and the personal qualities that are valued in the workplace. This will increase the self-confidence of pupils and raise aspirations. Pupils can then make informed choices about future careers and develop employability skills.

We welcome support from employers and proactively seek to engage with a variety of outside agencies. As an employer you can support all our pupils significantly and help us to achieve or goals.We are committed to allowing our young people to positively transition out of secondary school life, equipped for the world of work, with the skills required to solve industry challenges and the knowledge to ensure a successful future.

Business Owners and Employers can support the school by:

  1. Attending a Careers Fair or networking event
  2. Offering work experience
  3. Offering a visit to your place of work
  4. Careers Talks
  5. Pupil Mentoring

Abbey Grange is currently looking to develop links with employers to help meet Benchmarks 5 and 6, at all Key Stages. Further information is contained in the Provider Access Policy on the website.

Please contact Mr P Golding, Assistant Principal, for more information: pgolding@abbeygrangeacademy.co.uk

Employment Partnerships 2023-24
Information for Parents

At Abbey Grange Academy, our aim is to ensure that all students are given the information, advice and guidance they require in order for them to make well informed and realistic decisions about their future. We seek to ‘educate, nurture and empower’ our students so they are ready to make the next step in their lives as ambitious, motivated and dedicated learners who will continue to flourish in education or employment. Parents play a vital role in careers guidance for their child. Whether this is regular conversations about future plans or actively supporting and encouraging your child to gain experiences and learn about future careers. The more exposure that students are given to future careers, they better they will be prepared to take the next step.

 

Careers Guidance at Abbey Grange connects learning to the future. Our aim is to motivate students by giving them a clearer idea of the routes to jobs and careers that they will find engaging and rewarding. We believe our careers guidance widens our students’ horizons, challenges stereotypes and raises aspirations. It provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make successful transitions to the next stage of their life. We support social mobility by improving opportunities for all students and instilling the belief in them that anything is possible.

 

Our Careers Adviser is in Abbey Grange at least two days per week and uses this time to carry out individual careers interviews (parents are also invited),group work sessions and assemblies.  Our Careers Supervisor works to ensure all students are given adequate and age-appropriate careers advice, support and workplace insights. Careers Advice is a vital part of our PSHCE drop down day.

 

At Abbey Grange our careers programme includes careers lessons in PSHCE drop down days, workshops, visiting speakers, visits to employers, work experience to name but a few activities.

We meet the needs of the Eight Gatsby Benchmarks to offer a wide range of activities for all year groups. The eight benchmarks set out in the report serve as a framework for improvement in careers provision. Research has found that the benchmarks have a positive impact on students’ career readiness and GCSE attainment. We constantly review our Careers and PSHCE offer to ensure it is up to date and meets the needs of our pupils in an ever changing society.

Personal Guidance

For the Careers progress students make, please see the Year 7 - Post 16 for the year group break downs.

In the event that a student changes their decision about academic or career ideas, they can attend an Interview with the careers professional to discuss all their options for further study, apprenticeships or employment.

Please contact Mr P Golding, Assistant Principal, for more information: pgolding@abbeygrangeacademy.co.uk

Information for Students

Why the Abbey Grange Careers Programme is important for all students

  • You will have the opportunities to learn about the world of work, employability skills and the personal qualities that are valued in the workplace
  • Our careers programme will increase your self-confidence of pupils and raise your aspirations
  • It will help you make the right decisions at age 14 and age 16
  • You will be able to make informed choices about further education and training, apprenticeships and future careers

Overview of the Careers Programme:

As part of our Careers programme, you will:

  • gain a better understanding of yourself, your personal qualities, interests, potential, weaknesses, limitations and areas for development
  • make choices about post-14 courses and learning programmes
  • use careers materials to research information on possible future careers
  • get independent careers advice and guidance from outside speakers who come into school
  • develop knowledge of the workplace
  • develop employability skills
  • look at range of information about employment and education options
  • find out about jobs in the local area [labour market information]
  • find out about entry requirements and progression routes to further and higher education
  • have a one to one Careers interview in Year 11 & 12.
  • Get information on apprenticeships.
  • Meet a range of providers at the Careers Day and other events regarding key areas such as further & higher education, training, university, work, and student finance.

One to One Careers Interviews with Glyn Ellis

  • Our Careers Officer, a qualified and experienced independent Careers Advisor, will be in school at least twice per week from October Half Term.
  • You can refer yourself for a careers interview at any point via your Form Tutor, Head of Year, or a member of SLT. An appointment with the careers adviser will then be arranged. Year 11 & 12 are given priority for careers interviews.
  • A careers interview gives you the chance to think and talk about your future plans and the sort of career you would like, the opportunity to find out more about apprenticeships, colleges, sixth form courses and work based learning as well as university
  • During a careers interview you will be asked about your targets and your current progress, your interests in and out of schools, your skills. If you have a career in mind, you will be able to discuss your plans. If you do not know what you want to do, you will be able to look at some possibilities. You will be given useful websites and information so that you can do further research. You do not need to make any decisions at the interview.
  • The overview of the interview will be recorded and all teachers will have access to this so that they can have conversations with you about your future.
  • Parents are welcome to your careers interview.

We ask all of our students to embrace every opportunity to develop their understanding of the opportunities that are available to them. We encourage students to be proactive and seek out additional support, working in partnership with Abbey Grange to transform their lives.

Further Information

Please contact Mr P Golding, Assistant Principal, for more information: pgolding@abbeygrangeacademy.co.uk

Do you know your Levels?
Information on STEM

STEM Careers

'Where Can it take You'

 

Earth and Environmental Science
  • Aquarist
  • Cartographer  
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Diver
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Geo-scientist
  • Hydrologist
  • Industrial Health & Safety Engineer
  • Meteorologist
  • Park Ranger
  • Soil and Water Conservationist
  • Soil Scientist
  • Surveyor
     
Maths & Computer Science
  • Actuary
  • Accounting
  • Banking
  • Computer Hardware Engineer
  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer Software Engineer
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Database Administrator
  • Economist Finance/Financial Analyst
  • Maths Teacher
  • Mathematician
  • Multimedia Artist or Animator
  • Network Systems & Data Communications Analyst
  • Remote Sensing Scientist Quality Assurance Engineer & Tester Software Engineer
  • Statistician

Health
  • Audiologist
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician
  • Certified Diabetes Educator
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist(CRNA)
  • Chiropractor
  • Cytotechnologist
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dietitian or Nutritionist
  • Emergency Medical Technicians &Paramedic
  • Endocrinologist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Health Educator
  • Haematologist
  • Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Neurologist
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Optometrist
  • Paramedic
  • Pathologist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physician
  • Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Science Writer
  • Speech-Language Pathologist
Physical Science
  • Astronomer
  • Aviation Inspector
  • Chemical Technician
  • Chemist
  • Chemistry Teacher
  • Electrician 
  • Film Editor
  • Food Scientist
  • Nuclear Power Operator
  • Occupational Health & Safety Specialist
  • Physicist
  • Physics Teacher
  • Pilot
  • Sound Engineer
Measuring the Impact of the Careers Curriculum

How the School measures & accesses the impact of the careers programme on pupils

  • The school is using the ‘Compass evaluation tool’ to assess ongoing progress in relation to the eight Gatsby Benchmarks.
  • The school has a ‘Careers Plan’ in place to track progress in relation to this year's priorities and the eight Gatsby Benchmarks.
  • The ‘Careers Plan’ is reviewed yearly.

The following steps are in place to evaluate the effectiveness of its careers programme each year.

The evaluation cycle involves:

  1. Review of the objectives of the programme with a focus on outcomes for learners & assessing if the objectives have been met
  2. Focus on the delivery of the programme and evidence of impact on pupils
  3. Using feedback to adapting the programme to continuously improve it so it meets the objectives

The evaluation also involves looking at a range of evidence such as:

  • attainment
  • progress
  • options pathways
  • destinations data
  • feedback from students e.g. their understanding of different careers and pathways

Feedback from other stakeholders includes:

  • parents/carers
  • teachers
  • governors
  • employers

An outline of the evaluation schedule is as follows:

1. Are we making the best use of the resources we have allocated for careers work? (Termly)

  • The effectiveness of different guidance interventions, e.g. one-to one interviews, small group work, drop-in sessions, mentoring.

2. Are we optimising students’ learning from the careers programme?

  • Evaluation of career activities and events (ongoing).
  • The learning outcomes achieved at the end of KS3, KS4 & 5.

3. How well are students succeeding in taking the next steps in their education, training or employment that are ‘right for them’?

  • The effectiveness of the Year 9 options process
  • The destinations achieved at the end of KS4 & 5- EG Destinations Report
Compass+ evaluation

Date reviewed: 7th December 2023

Next review period: 1st March 2024