Careers
Careers education and guidance programmes make a major contribution to preparing young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life.
A planned progressive programme of activities supports them in choosing KS4 and KS5 pathways that suit their interests and abilities, and help them to follow a career path and sustain employability throughout their working lives.
Oaklands School has adopted the Careers Guidance and statutory requirements issued by the Department of Education in December 2017. We are using the Gatsby Benchmarks to assess, review and develop our Careers Education programme.
Oaklands School offers a comprehensive and structured CEIAG provision for all pupils in YR7-YR12.
At Oaklands we work in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Local Authority to ensure that all pupils have a place at a college or Sixth Form, an apprenticeship or a job with training for the following September.
Our Lead Teacher for Careers, Mr A Robinson, can be contacted on the main school number if you require further information.
Careers programme:
Curriculum Intent
At Oaklands School, it is our intention that pupils leave school with a careers education that has helped to raise aspirations, given students the skills to achieve their full potential and provide them with the opportunity to experience different career pathways.
At Oaklands we have a bespoke, exciting and innovative programme of careers for our learners, ensuring students have the opportunities to experience, participate and learn about the opportunities available to them when they leave school. All students are taught careers for 1 hour each week in KS3 and KS4 as well as many other careers- linked activities which take place throughout the academic year.
We work with Careers Education company, Talentino! , who are a niche career development organisation. All staff have received training and have access to ‘Careers at Every Level’ programme for young people with learning difficulties and additional needs who aspire to enter the world of work.
Year 11 work experience
All Year 11 students will undertake a work experience placement for 5 days. This year’s work experience is from Monday 13th February – Friday 17th February 2023. We work with the company mploy solutions to help source appropriate placements but do encourage self-placements where possible.
The programme of study for careers at Oaklands is outlined below:
| Year 7 |
In YR7 we aim to introduce the concept of carers career planning and to give pupils the opportunity to explore a range of industry sectors and careers within those industries. Topics include:
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| Year 8 |
During YR 8 pupils are asked to challenge some common myths and beliefs about “career”. Topics include:
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| Year 9 |
Pupils make their Option choices in YR9, and it is important that they understand the range of qualifications offered. Topics include:
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| Year 10 |
Pupils in YR10 are beginning to think about their next steps and this is something we actively encourage. Pupils are encouraged to talk about Career plans and to do some follow-up research. Topics include:
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| Year 11 |
This is the year for decision making and applications for Post 16. Pupils will work with their teachers to look at further education pathways. They will also partake in a week’s work experience. Topics include:
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