INDEPENDENT ADVICE & GUIDANCE

Our aim in careers education and guidance is to prepare young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult and working life. This equips them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes which they require in order to manage their lifelong career and personal development. At St Albans Girls' School we promote equality of opportunity and put the needs of the learner above all other considerations.

Careers advice and guidance are available to all students, at all times. All students have a block of careers lessons in each of years 7 – 11. In years 7 and 8 the emphasis is on self-awareness and having the ability to assess progress and achievements. During year 7 all students spend a day out of school on work shadowing and some lessons concentrate on preparation for this.

In year 9 the careers lessons help the students make realistic and informed decisions about their Key Stage 4 courses.

In year 10, the emphasis in careers lessons is in the preparation for work experience. All students take part in a one week work experience placement arranged in partnership with Hertfordshire Careers Service. Issues such as equal opportunities, health & safety, job applications and interviews are covered.

In year 11, topics such as the changing world of work, the need for lifelong learning and labour market information are covered. The careers co-ordinator is available for individual interviews on request as is a personal advisor from Youth Connexions Hertfordshire. We work closely with Youth Connexions Hertfordshire at this important transition time. Year 11 students are well informed about their options whether they choose to continue with their education in school or college, do an apprenticeship or enter employment. Vocational psychometric testing is available to all students.

At sixth form level, support and advice is available to all students. Our aim is to help the students to make realistic and informed decisions about their future beyond the 16 – 19 curriculum and to help students to manage the transition from the sixth form into higher education, training or employment.

Throughout the school we use a range of techniques to inform and advise. Individual interviews are arranged for some students in years 9 – 13 with our Connexions careers adviser. We have an extensive careers room with current careers education computer software such as Kudos, e-clips and Fast Tomato and a comprehensive collection of careers information. Careers software is available to students in all ICT rooms and the library.