Careers
At Newlands we create confident and responsible young people, equipped with the skills they need for the twenty first century. Our high quality, impartial careers information, advice and guidance helps pupils to fulfil their potential, understanding the opportunities open to them and making informed choices about which courses suit their academic needs and aspirations. Meeting their individual needs and inspiring them to follow a well-considered path of their choice. Our programme raises aspirations, challenges stereotypes and promotes equality and diversity.
Overall, we aim to set a standard of excellence, following the guidelines and fulfilling the statutory requirements, as set out by the Department for Education and other professional bodies, such as the Careers and Enterprise Company. In particular, we use the eight Gatsby Benchmarks when planning and evaluating our curriculum:
- A stable careers programme
- Learning from career and labour market information
- Addressing the needs of each pupil
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
- Encounters with employers and employees
- Experience of workplaces
- Encounters with further and higher education
- Personal guidance
At Newlands, we integrate Careers information, advice and guidance (CIAG) into the girls’ experience of the whole curriculum:
- Girls enjoy a well-stocked Careers Library, which includes a display of relevant Careers information and access to a full time Careers Advisor. Useful links, news and updates on upcoming competitions and events are circulated to students, with the support of our Sixth Form Careers Prefects.
- Every pupil in KS3 and KS4 has a ‘World of Work’ day per school year, when external businesses and providers come into school to deliver workshops and talks. These events are intended to give pupils the opportunity to interact with employers, learn from career and labour markets and get an insight into different areas of the World of Work.
- To allow for current circumstances we are signposting students to online careers fairs and other virtual careers events.
- Working in collaboration with our Careers and Enterprise Advisor, academic departments are continually strengthening the links they make to careers, through lesson activities and offsite trips. Our whole-school PSHE programme also provides opportunities for girls to learn about workplaces, meet employers and develop the skills needed for their future pathway.
- In Years 10 and 12, girls will undertake a week of formal work experience.
Year 11 pupils are also prepared for their post-16 choices through an options talk, contact with further education providers, a CV workshop, mock interviews and the chance to be a ‘Sixth Former for a Day’. Our annual Sixth Form Information Evening ensures that parents are also provided with essential information needed to support their daughter during this important time.
Students in Years 12 and 13 will be guided in their post-18 choices through talks given by employers and universities as well as a Higher Education Conference. The Higher Education Evening, which follows the conference, provides parents with information concerning their daughters’ options.
The CEIAG programme is planned, monitored and evaluated by the Careers Leader, using a range of methods including the 'Compass' tool, developed by the Careers and Enterprise Company. Assessment and evaluation of our provision and its impact will be undertaken both formally and informally as part of an ongoing process.
Working in Partnership
We understand the importance of working in partnership with parents, who are encouraged to access and use our information to support their daughters.
Shaping a Careers Discussion with your Daughter
Starting Out - The Berkshire Careers Guide
Careers Roadmap
Provider Access Statement
Links for Parents and Pupils
CV ADVICE from enterprise adviser - MRS jane cave
How to Write a CVāāāā