Our Vision:  To ensure that every young person has the information, exposure and support to make the right choices, and to fulfil their potential.

Staff: 

Head of Careers – TBC; Assistant Head of Careers & UCAS co-ordinator – Mr A Coffey; DEL Careers Advisors - Kathy Dutton; Gillian Young

Curiculum Offer

Key Stage 3

A structured taught Employability programme is provided in years 8 to 10 which meets the statutory requirements covering:-

• Local and Global Economy
• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
• Careers Management/career exploration

The programme is underpinned by a progressive Personal Career Planning process which provides structure to pupils learning and decision making supported by appropriate advice and guidance.

Key Stage 4

Careers Education is covered through out taught programme and in addition to this opportunities will be made available for students to:

• Access to individual guidance interviews completed by our Careers Advisors and support from Careers teachers and other agencies
• Attend careers conventions
• Attend talks from FE providers
• Attend post 16 option choice event/activities
• Attend parent pupil information evenings
• Attend group sessions for making GCSE choices
• Go on a week of work experience in June of year 11
• Attend virtual work experience through Speakers for Schools.

Key Stage 5

A structured Careers education programme is provided in years 13 and 14 which supports students in establishing and following a Personal Career Plan based on:

• A recognition of their strengths, weaknesses, interests and values
• Research of HE, FE, training and employment opportunities available using a range of sources role models, library, prospectus, careers notices, email and ICT
• Further decision making including parental involvement
• Further development of job search skills e.g. interview skills and CV
• Work experience in June of year 13
• Virtual work experience opportunities provided through Speakers for Schools
• An understanding and use of FE and Higher Education application systems (eg. UCAS, CAO and Higher Apprenticeships)
• Awareness of student finance and money management.

 

Extra-Curricular Visits and Trips

We offer a range of visits and trips throughout the key stages to include:

• The University Roadshow
• The Northern Ireland Skills Exhibition
• UCAS Convention
• Trips to Ulster, Queens and Stranmillis open days
• Visits from a range of universities to talk to students about course options.
• Gap year talks and a range of talks from industry
• Student Finance information and support
• Support in preparation for interviews
• Young Enterprise workshops.

Accessing Up to Date Careers Information

Students have access to a Microsoft Team where information relevant to their progression is posted.  We encourage students to check regularly for updates.  Information will be sent to parents via Parent Mail as regards Open Nights, Insight Events, Apprenticeships opportunities and Work Experience.