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Work Related Learning and Careers at Stony Dean School

Our Work Related Learning and Careers programme is based around the industry recognised ‘Gatsby

Benchmarks’ concerning careers guidance. These are as follows:

1. A stable careers programme.
2. Learning from career and labour market information.
3. Addressing the needs of each student.
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers and future prospects.
5. Encounters with employers and employees.
6. Experiences of workplaces.
7. Encounters with further education and next step transitions.
8. Personal guidance.

 

As a school, Stony Dean uses the Compass tool to assess the impact and effectiveness of the programme. Results can be seen below. Students at Stony Dean are introduced to the world of work through their WRL lessons which begin in Year 7. Key Stage 3 themes include teamwork, problem solving, community action and enterprise, alongside developing practical skills, planning, running and evaluating class projects. As students reach Year 9 they begin to learn more about the variety of workplaces, different careers and industries, employer and employee roles and responsibilities

Year 10 students move around a carousel of activities throughout the year, comprising of a health & safety course, an off-site group work placement, and a creativity in careers unit. During year 11 students are supported on either individual or group work placements throughout the year, getting the chance to both use and develop transferable work skills, form professional relationships in the workplace, and gain an understanding of how organisations operate over a long time period. Placements have included The Entertainer warehouse, Amersham Town Council and

House of Tree community initiative

Moving into the Sixth form, students are actively encouraged and expected to seek work placement opportunities in a field of their choice; time and support are allocated in order to fulfil such experiences, for as longer term as possible. Alongside this, their vocational programme of study, which include The Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme, both in school and at external venues, enables them to work towards their employability potential. By giving students career experiences of such variety and extent, they are more able to make an informed choice concerning their next step in life. Throughout this time students’ progress is assessed in 3 areas: Functional, Communication and Independence Skills, and all are placed onto pathways based on independence levels which are moderated termly, and can be discussed at parent events. Students continuously work towards identifying their own skills and qualities, and develop a Vocational Profile to display this. Curriculum maps can be accessed in the Curriculum area of the website.

During Year 9 a Careers event is held, giving students the opportunity to meet and take part in workshops with local employers, as well as meeting Technical Education and Apprenticeship providers. Students will meet with an independent Career Advisor during Years 9, 11 and 13, either supported or individually, and an action plan is created for the Annual Review and transition process.

Careers

At SDS students learn about the world of work through the Work Related Learning programme. This leads to work placements from Year 10 upwards, initially as a supported group, but progressing to more independent individual placements, tailor made to the interests of each student. This enables students to make informed choices regarding their future and career decisions. Careers advisors are also involved during the Annual Review process, meeting with students to put together a ‘Preparing for the Future’ document, and then discussing options at the meetings, using their expertise to help support the most appropriate choices possible.

Any queries please contact jallen@stonydean.bucks.sch.uk (Work Related Learning Co-ordinator).

Please click the following link to see our Careers Strategy

Careers Strategy

Application for Provider Access

Bucks Labour Market information

We have been evaluated using the compass tool to see how we as a school are meeting the Gatsby benchmarks.

Please click the following link to see our results.

Compass Results July 2023

Any queries please contact jallen@stonydean.bucks.sch.uk (Work Related Learning Co-ordinator).

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