Careers Guidance & Post 16
Charles Read Academy – Careers Vision
At Charles Read Academy, we recognise that outstanding careers guidance is crucial in helping to ensure our vision “every individual to be well prepared for their future and for the jobs of tomorrow. All students leave with knowledge, confidence, skills and an achievable ambitious career goal”. Also, our aim is for every student to make excellent progress, develop outstanding character and be successful in life, education and employment.
Outstanding career guidance ensures that all pupils understand and recognise how their learning, character and personal development supports their future prospects; actively reflecting on their character and interests when making choices about their futures. This is continually supported and implemented by all staff throughout the academy who intentionally use all interactions with pupils to introduce and discuss aspirational role models, current affairs, further study, university and careers. We aim to maximise every relevant opportunity to continually support pupils to think more deeply and more broadly about the world around them and the opportunities it presents.
Throughout the school year every pupil has a meaningful interaction with at least two people from different careers. They will also have at least two meaningful interactions with a higher education provider throughout their school life, giving them a variety of insights into career types and pathways and raising student aspiration. As a result, students develop an excellent understanding of a variety of careers and understand what qualifications, skills and experiences they need in order to pursue them.
Experience of visiting universities, and the opportunity to meet people from a range of sectors and the development of their communication skills through a focus on character means that students are able to express themselves articulately and confidently in any forum, helping them to secure a positive destination in the career of their choice.
All pupil interactions are tracked and monitored in order to ensure that as an academy we are providing outstanding careers advice and guidance that addresses the individual needs of each pupil and that careers and guidance is strongly embedded into the school curriculum.
Baker Clause Policy Statement: Access for Employers and other Colleges
- Charles Read Academy uses the Gatsby Benchmarks as a guide to plan our Careers Provision. As part of our commitment to informing our students of the full range of learning and training pathways on offer to them, we are happy to consider requests from training, apprenticeship and vocational education providers to speak to students.
- Charles Read Academy also seeks to build relationships with these partners as we prepare our Key Stage 4 students to make the transition into 6th forms at schools or colleges and higher education. This will ensure that providers have opportunities to speak to students and their parents across Years 9 to 11, to offer information on vocational, technical and apprenticeship qualifications and pathways.
- Through working externally with the Careers & Enterprise Company, this ensures that staff involved in careers guidance are up to date on their knowledge of these Post-16 pathways.
- Opportunities for providers to speak with students may include school assemblies, webinars in PSHCE and in the curriculum, careers talks, employer and provider engagement events or opportunities to speak with students and parents on a one-to-one basis supporting GCSE, and Post-16 option choices.
- Charles Read Academy’s Careers provision is monitored for quality and impact by the school’s Senior Leadership and Governance Teams and monitoring of access to and opportunities to engage with, technical, vocational and training providers will form part of this process.
- In the first instance, requests by providers should be sent to the Designated Careers Lead, via our enquiries email enquiries@charlesreadacademy.co.uk with a minimum of 6 weeks’ lead time.
- All requests will be considered on the basis of; staffing availability to support the activity, clashes with other planned activities, trips or visits, interruption to preparation for examinations or rooming and space availability to host the activity.
- All requests will be also be considered in line with the school’s Safeguarding Policy which can be found on the school website.
Contact
The Careers Lead, Mr Tom Aram, can be contacted via email at TAram@charlesreadacademy.co.uk or by calling 01476 550333
Outline of Careers Programme 2024-2026
All students are provided with access to high quality, impartial and unbiased careers information and equal opportunities for careers education from year 7 onwards.
From the end of Year 9 we have a targeted programme to support our students to make, aspirational , realistic and challenging next steps, in line with our vision of Broadening Horizons:
- Year 9 visit Anglia Ruskin University campus, Peterborough to explore the full range of academic and vocational degrees available at 18+, including Degree Apprenticeships
- Year 10 work with the Talent Foundary to develop transferrable workplace skills in a half-day workshop.
- Grantham Rotary share their time generously to prepare Year 11 students for the world of work, making great first impressions with mock interviews. This is supported by the academy English department who teach CV writing skills at the end of Year 10.
Throughout year 9-11 this programme is supported by several interactions with local Fe and 6th form providers, along with local and public service employers, in addition to the ongoing Careers in the Curriculum provision supported by all academy subject teachers.
Effective delivery of careers guidance, which includes provision for self-development, career exploration and career management, will enable students to have a greater understanding of the requirements for their career interests and it is intended that this will have an important impact in terms of raising their aspirations and help students to make realistic plans for their future career.
The delivery of the careers programme, content and evaluation is co-ordinated and managed by the Careers Leader, with support from the senior leadership team and the PSHEE co-ordinator. learning where Students will
- Understand themselves and develop their potential (both academic and personal) and overcome barriers to progression and challenge stereotypes
- Investigate and research careers and job opportunities and develop a general understanding of the world of work
- Understand the requirements and possibilities within Further and Higher Education and gain knowledge of technical qualifications, Apprenticeships, vocational pathways and T-Levels
- Will be able to interpret LMI (Labour Market Information) information to review and adapt their plans
- Recognise, develop and apply their skills for enterprise and employability
- Engage with people, ideas, challenges and applications from the business world
- Have experience (direct, indirect or virtual) of working practices and environments
- Know how to access unbiased, impartial, up-date IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance)
- Have the opportunity for a personalised careers guidance interview with a professionally accredited, independent careers adviser
- Have opportunities to learn about STEM related careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)
- Have opportunities to record their careers, enterprise and non-academic experiences
cra careers programme 23 24.pdf
How we measure and assess the impact of the Careers' programme
The Careers Leader/Manager and PSHCE co-ordinator will be responsible for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating the programme of activities through a range of methods:
- Team meetings for informal feedback and discussion.
- Discussions with the Assistant Principal with oversight of Careers & PSHCE
- Teacher, student, employer and parental responses to events and topics – including work experience or equivalent because of the adaptions required during covid.
- Analysis of the destination data and student tracking documentation, together with successful transitions
- Career guidance interviews and mentoring feedback
- Formal meetings with external agencies – KB Careers Plus, EHC Safety Consultants, Enterprise Partnerships and other school contributors
- Completion of diagnostic questionnaires and career plans
- Employer feedback following events and subject specific contributions
- Curriculum leaders and Head of Subject will assess careers learning via their teams’ subject teaching
- Evaluation of the programme using the Compass (or Compass +) audit tool
The date of the next Careers' programme review will be July 2026 - it was last reviewed in July 2023
Work Experience
We are looking for passionate employers from businesses and other organisations to help our students and thus shape the future workforce and bring the world of work to life for the next generation.
We will always welcome work experience placement opportunities from employers so if you think that you can help, please contact the Work Experience Coordinator. To find more information about this, look at the work experience section on the student page.
Students engage in a 1-day work experience placement during year 10 and we encourage students to undertake a 1-week work experience placement in year 11 after the completion of the GCSE examinations.
Careers Information for Students
Careers Update for Parents and Students
Please review our most recent updates regarding Careers information below.
Grantham College
Our Student Mentors and Careers Adviser will also be available if you need any advice on which course is best for you.
Please call us on 01476 400200, or email: enquiry@grantham.ac.uk to make an appointment in advance.
For more information about Grantham College, please visit www.grantham.ac.uk
Useful websites to help with your Career Choices
NHS Lincolnshire Talent Academy
NHS LTA is for students interested in healthcare careers, below are some E- Learning placements for over 14yrs www.lincstalentacademy.org.uk
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Nursing
Looking at a career in the Police Force
Want to become a police officer?
If you are deciding what to study, taking your exams, planning a career, or just curious, we’re here to explain the world of work, with advice from people who've found the right path for them.
T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent to 3 A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.
Lots of different sector work experience placements here – Search and apply on their website – parental permission is required
Virtual Work Experience (VWEX)
Plumbing - A great way of gaining some basic Plumbing knowledge if you are considering a career in this industry.
Carpentry - If you are considering a career as a carpenter, then this course will introduce to the basic principles of structures and what is involved in being a carpenter.
Electrical trade - This online course will give you a free introduction to the electrical trade, electrical safety, and electrical theory.
Masonry - This free online masonry course will teach you about essential masonry tasks, such as the spreading of mortar, furrowing, buttering, and bricklaying Teaching –about 8 hours of study.
Primary School teacher - This will be a great introductory course about the profession.
Policing – A great introduction to the Police Force using one of the most important skills, communication.
Useful websites for those in School
The national website with wide range of information on careers.
Information on careers, choosing A-Levels, work experience, university and much more.
The national online careers film and video library showing real people doing real jobs
An online careers platform designed to connect 11 to 18-year-olds with their future career potential.
Lots of useful resources includes the buzz quiz - which help you to identify your strengths and links you to possible careers based on these.
Match your skills and personality to 400+ job profiles.
Provides 'on-demand' career talk videos from a wide range of companies in sectors such as: creative and digital, health and social care, engineering and manufacturing, construction, energy and renewables, law, finance and many more. They also provide answers to students' career-related questions and lots of top tips from career and industry professionals
Careers information and tools for 11 to 19-year-olds.
The place for young people to explore careers, get the lowdown on top employers, and search for the latest jobs, courses and advice.
Provider Access Policy
Any provider wishing to contact the school should click on the Provider Access Statement and should contact the Careers Coordinator.
Opportunities for access
A number of opportunities exist within the CEIAG programme which may be suitable for providers to visit the school to speak to students. These include:
Opportunities |
Description |
PSHCE lessons |
PSHCE focusses on developing the whole child with the aim of ensuring they are equipped for adult life, including the world of work. An opportunity for students to engage with employers about the steps from school into work is always welcomed. |
Enrichment Days |
We hold 3 enrichment days a year which include inputs on careers for all students in the school to engage with employers or education providers. The aim is to furnish students with the knowledge of different industries and pathways to careers. |
Assemblies |
We welcome visitors to the school regularly to enhance students understanding of the world beyond school life. |
Careers in the curriculum |
We organise webinars from a range of speakers and employers that students watch and engage with as part of their taught curriculum |
All requests should be emailed at least 6 weeks in advance of an expected date for the planned session.
In the first instance, requests by providers should be sent to enqiries@charlesreadacademy.co.uk and should include:
- The proposed format, timings and duration of the planned session.
- The number of staff from the provider’s organisation who propose to visit.
- Any support requirements needed from the school.
All requests will be given due consideration from the designated Careers Leader and Senior Leadership. Requests will be considered against:
- Clashes with other planned activities or visits.
- Interruption to preparation for public or internal examinations.
- Availability of school staff, space and resources to host the session.
The Principal may refuse a request if it would be likely to be detrimental to the safety or wellbeing of students or staff, or if granting the request would be likely to bring the academy or the Trust into disrepute.
For questions on this policy statement or the wider CEIAG programme at Charles Read Academy please do not hesitate to contact us on craenquiries@charlesreadacademy.co.uk
Options
During Year 9 students will make their GCSE options choices. This is an exciting time of the year where students will, often for the first time, have the opportunity to shape their own curriculum. They will study their KS4 curriculum during Years 10 & 11.
Students study compulsory core subjects at GCSE level or equivalent in:
- English Language & English Literature
- Mathematics
- Combined / separate Science
Students choose 3 more subjects from the options below:
- Arts - Art, Drama, Music, BTEC Sport, GCSE PE
- Language - French
- Humanities - History and / or Geography
- Technology - GCSE Food & Nutrition, Travel & Tourism, CNAT Enterprise @ Marketing
Career Exploration
Students can also gain information about various pathways from these useful guides:
Careers Conventions
All year 9-11 students attend an in-school careers fair in December of each academic year. Visitors attend from a range of local employers and academic institutions including Grantham and Stamford colleges, local 6th forms, the armed forces, and other public services.
The purpose is to encourage students and provider/employer engagement in order to raise aspirations. The day allows students to experience the different opportunities that are out there for them and also how they can take advantage of these opportunities and be prepared for their future.
Labour Market Information (LMI)
Looking at the local labour market information can be useful as it provides data on industries and careers that are growing declining. This may influence student choices about pathways to choose, for example a career in an up and coming industry will have many more opportunities than one without.
LMI Summary - Greater Lincolnshire
Independent Careers Advice
All students have an interview with an independent careers advisor, as well as more in-depth interviews with the Careers Lead and AAP for Progress and Outcomes where appropriate. Students are assisted with preparation , planning and applications, and our work with the Grantham Rotary forms a vital part of this.
Careers interviews also take place for PP's, SEN and referrals
The World of Work
The World of Work has been created by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP with help from fantastic employers across the region. We want you to be informed whilst challenging the perceptions you may have about local industries. Greater Lincolnshire has a wealth of exciting job roles within diverse industries and sectors. Utilise the case studies on the website.
Careers Information for Parents
Careers and Work-Related Learning Policy
Charles Read Academy has a Careers and Work-Related Learning Policy that sets out the Intentions of careers education.
Careers & Work Related Learning Policy
The key objectives are:
-
To develop a range of opportunities which enhance the curriculum
-
To promote greater awareness for students about the world of work
-
The development of key skills and employability
-
To promote understanding of work, industry, the economy and community
-
To develop students personal and social skills in relationships in a range of contexts
-
To provide students with informed and impartial guidance on the post 16 choices available
-
To prepare and enable students to access Information, Advice & Guidance
-
To support and assist students in progressing to learning beyond 16
-
To ensure students access and benefit from external guidance provision
-
To maintain high aspirations
-
To provide vocational, enterprise and work-related learning as well as an academic curriculum
How can you help?
Parents can guide and support students by helping them understand their Post 16 options
Please see the links below for further useful sources of information.
Career Alchemy - Your potential inspired by purpose
Our tried and tested INSPiRED career and life coaching framework is research-proven to be effective in helping you to develop a clear career purpose, vision and mission confidently. We use it in a variant suited to your current career profile to help you to understand your unique personality, talents, strengths, skills and experiences and put your potential to work on purpose.
Parent Guide to Apprenticeships
Employer Engagement – Help us to help you
We know that employers in the UK have concerns about skills gaps and the work-readiness of some young people.
CRA works closely with the national Careers and Enterprise Company programme.
Our aim is that through employer engagement at all ages, we ensure that young people leave our school with the skills, competencies, knowledge, appropriate qualifications and attitudes needed by employers for both their own career development and economic sustainability and growth.
We are looking for passionate employers from businesses and other organisations to help our students and thus shape the future workforce and bring the world of work to life for the next generation.
The following high impact activities are used to work in partnership with businesses to help our students prepare for the world of work:
- Employer Talks
- Business site visits
- Mentoring
- Enterprise activities
- Work experience and job shadowing
- Mock interviews and CV preparation
If you can help with an engagement or for further information, contact the Careers' Lead Mr Aram via TAram@charlesreadacademy.co.uk or by calling 01476 550333
Careers Information provided by Teachers
Outstanding career guidance ensures that all pupils understand and recognise how their learning, character and personal development supports their future prospects; actively reflecting on their character and interests when making choices about their futures. This is continually supported and implemented by all staff throughout the academy who intentionally use all interactions with pupils to introduce and discuss aspirational role models, current affairs, further study, university and careers. We aim to maximise every relevant opportunity to continually support pupils to think more deeply and more broadly about the world around them and the opportunities it presents.
Careers Documents
- Careers Work Related Learning Policy
- Careers Guidance e pack
- Careers Lead Biography
- Charles Read Year 11 12 Transition Booklet
- CRA careers programme 23 24
- DRET Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance Policy
- Preparing for an interview
- Progression Framework
- Student CV Template