Working towards employability is a key feature of our curriculum throughout the school. We want our students to have the right tools to give them the best opportunities in adulthood.
The structure of Careers Education Programme at Westfield is implemented based on need, ability and Key Stage.
The programme is divided into 7 themes:
- Experiences
- Meaning of Work
- Communication Skills
- Organisation Skills
- Job Specific Skills
- Enterprise
- Provider Access
Personal Development Skills are taught alongside these themes, supporting the development of successful learners and social individuals who can thrive in the workplace. At Westfield we group these capabilities into 6 categories s Self-control, Collaboration, Kindness, Resilience, Attentiveness and Creativity. Each capability is given a half term focus.
Each Key Stage builds on the themes as the young person moves through the school.
Broadening Horizons-Dreams & Discoveries: EYFS, Key Stages 1 & 2
Broadening Horizons- Explorations: Key Stage 3
Broadening Horizons- Pathways: Key Stage 4
Broadening Horizons- Choices: Sixth Form
You can find further information about each of these in our Careers Policy.
Provider access
Our Provider Access statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to students at the school for the purposes of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer.
Work experience
Work experience is one of the most important link activities between employers and schools. Exposure to work is a significant step in preparing young people for adulthood and working life by developing their personal and social skills as well as the key skills they will need for the world of work.
We offer work experience to targeted students in Year 11 and all students in our Sixth Form.The format of the experience, length and levels of support will depend on the individual needs.
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Careers
We employ an independent careers advisor to support our students in making their choices for the future.
Information for employers
At Westfield Arts, we welcome the support of employers to help our students to understand more about the world of work and the specific skills required for different careers.
Curriculum support
We are delighted to be working with the Careers and Enterprise Company that support us in delivering an inspiring high impact curriculum that supports our students in being ready for their future.
https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk
Business support
We are also very pleased with the support and collaboration we have with Magna housing association. We work together to give students the opportunity to access hands on working experiences for the students and support and advice on our career’s curriculum.
Apprenticeships support
Students are given information about apprenticeships in assemblies, talks and workshops.
We work closely with our local apprenticeship advisor to further support students who are interested in this pathway.
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/about-ask/
Employers can help us in the following ways:
- Offer bespoke work experience placement to Year 12 students which takes place during term time.
- Support career events e.g. Careers Fairs, Year 11 and Sixth Form mock interviews.
- Deliver short 20 minute assemblies about your specific career to year groups of students
- Deliver 30-45 minute career specific sessions for small groups of interested students
- Notify us about any local apprenticeship opportunities you have available
- Participate in our National Careers week activities.
If you would like to find out more information about the program or how you could support, please contact Matt Delany mdelany@westfield.dorset.sch.uk
Work Experience
Every student in Year 12 is expected to take part in our work experience program which takes place throughout the year. The work experience week enables students to gain first-hand experience in the world of work and helps them to develop personal and social skills. It also helps to increase awareness of the opportunities available.
The work experience week has a very positive impact on students; it helps them to grow in confidence and encourages them to work hard to achieve their goals.
To ensure that all the placements are in accordance with the DfE Standards for Work Experience and that they meet all the Health and Safety Guidelines which keep our pupils safe, we work with external health and safety consultants, to facilitate the placements.
We are extremely grateful to employers who support our work experience program. If you would like to find out more information about the program or how you could support, please contact Matt Delany mdelany@westfield.dorset.sch.uk
Careers Education. Partners and Professionals Survey
Careers Lead
Matt Delany
Link Governor for Careers
Sue Lochrie
Labour Market Information for our local area
Leaver’s destinations
From Year 9 onwards, all Westfield pupils and their parents have access to high quality Careers Guidance that is tailored specifically to their needs and aspirations. We want our pupils to feel inspired by the wide range of courses and other opportunities that is available to them and be able to make informed choices about their education, employment or training pathway after school.
See below for information about Y11 and Post 16 pupils.
