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Careers
A programme of guidance is provided for all students in Year 9 to support their choice of course for Key Stage 4.Our Head of Careers Education and Guidance works with Year 9 tutors and their groups providing initial careers guidance to students. A booklet "Which Way Now" forms the focus of activity. Students are introduced to the Careers Library and have access to computer software.
Parents are able to discuss careers options at the Year 9 Parents' Evenings where personnel from Somerset Connexions and FE Colleges are present.
In Year 10 students take part in the Kudos Career Guidance Programme and receive a print out of career suggestions linked to their interests and abilities.
Work Experience is an important part of the Careers Education Programme and is available to all Year 10 students.
In Year 11 students have an individual careers interview in school with a Careers Adviser from Somerset Connexions. This helps to make students aware of the range of options available at the end of Key Stage 4.
Throughout Years 10 and 11 students have access to the Careers Library, which is located on the north corridor. An extensive collection of literature is available including detailed information on specific careers, Further and Higher Education and training routes.
The Careers Library has a computer to run careers software and a TV and video player for viewing careers videos. Students also have access to careers software using the school's PC Network.
Senior students will have the opportunity to attend open days/evenings at local Further Education Institutions.
At the end of Key Stage 4, the majority of students choose to progress to Further Education. The local institutions offering courses are Bridgwater College, Cannington College, The Richard Huish College and Somerset College of Arts and Technology, although students can apply further afield if necessary.
The overwhelming majority of our students go into some form of further education or training when they leave school.
A Levels and AS Levels continue to be a popular choice, but students are able to combine academic and vocational courses. Some specialised courses are available, eg. Land-based Industries at Cannington College. For those students who are unsure of which route to follow, pre-vocational 'sampler' courses are available. Students may also wish to apply for a Work Based Learning programme which covers Advanced and Foundation Modern Apprenticeships.
Our Head of Careers is available to assist parents and students and can offer further advice to Year 9 students and throughout the two-year period of Key Stage 4.
The school programme of Careers Education and Guidance is supported by Somerset Connexions.