• Objectives of the BVGS Careers Department

• Careers Department Student and Parent Charter

• Gatsby Benchmarks

OBJECTIVES OF THE BVGS CAREERS DEPARTMENT

BVGS students have a wealth of talent and ability, and with the appropriate guidance and support they should forge successful careers in the future. All students should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential, academically and professionally. The provision of an effective careers programme is an essential component in enabling students to make fully informed decisions about their future, and most importantly to motivate them in working towards achieving their goals.

Careers advice should be available throughout secondary education as it serves as a primary influence upon students, enabling them to relate their studies to the working world, and to determine their long term plans. It is important for students to identify their strengths and interests, acquire the necessary experience, and work upon any areas of weakness. They must develop the knowledge and necessary skills that are required in order to realise their ambitions.

BVGS aims to provide an outstanding Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Programme that spans throughout the school.

The BVGS Careers Programme

The Programme has been developed by the Careers Leader and is overseen and supported by the SLT. The school has a Careers Advisor who is integral to the delivery of the programme, and in particular in conducting careers interviews and providing expert guidance and advice. There is further a Work Experience Co-ordinator who is responsible for implementing the programme of work- related learning involving work placements in Year 10 and 12.

The Programme is embedded within the curriculum, with all Heads of Department being actively involved in looking to incorporate work-related learning to subjects throughout the school.

The school provides CEIAG guidance to students tailored to their specific subject choices and ambitions. The students are monitored upon how they are working towards their chosen goals.

The school is keen to provide an opportunity for students to consider all options of vocational and academic training with a view securing long term employment.  External training providers are welcomed to offer advice and guidance to students at careers fairs and enrichment days along with arrangements made for students to participate in taster days and workshops.

Access to the BVGS Careers Programme

Information relating to the BVGS Careers Programme will be available to all stakeholders via the Careers section of the BVGS website. In addition, staff, students and parents will have access to the Unifrog platform which provides a personalised careers tracker for each student, along with information and resources relating to further education and careers.

Measurement and assessment of the impact of the BVGS Careers Programme

The School will measure and assess the impact of the BVGS Careers Programme through the use of independent evaluation tools, to ensure compliance with the Gatsby Benchmarks.

In addition, the School will monitor the quantity of internal and external careers-related activities undertaken by each student, student destination data and feedback from activity evaluation forms.

Further information

Should you have any further queries concerning careers please contact the Careers Lead, Ashley Buxton(tel: 0121 250 5400 email: a.buxton@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk

In adopting the Government’s Careers Strategy, it is our aim to follow the Gatsby Good Career Guidance Benchmarks which look to enable schools and colleges to develop the best careers framework in meeting student’s needs.

CAREERS DEPARTMENT STUDENT AND PARENTS CHARTER

BVGS aims to provide a first-class careers guidance and support with a view to enabling students to achieve their full potential with their future studies and careers. This Charter details the commitment the school will make to provide careers education, information, advice and guidance, and the commitment required from students and parents to utilise the resources available to enable the students to make fully-informed decisions.

The School

In order to provide a high quality careers guidance and support service, the school will:

• provide a fully comprehensive and globally accessible careers programme tailored to the individual needs of the students with full details on the school website,
• secure feedback from stakeholders, and to undertake a full evaluation of the careers programme annually
• provide students and parents with access to information about further education and labour market opportunities,
• provide students with the opportunity to attend Careers Fairs, Visiting Speakers, Mentoring, Mock Interview Events Open days, Conventions, Workshops, Masterclasses and Taster sessions with Universities/Colleges and Employers,
• provide a careers programme that is tailored to the individual needs of the children,
• provide a well-structured work experience placement scheme for Years 10 and 12.
• provide every student with an interview with an impartial careers advisor by the end of Year 11, and a further interview before the end of Year 13.

Students

In order to secure maximum benefit from the careers programme, students are required to:

• commit to investing time in utilising the careers resources available to them,
• commit to attending enrichment and careers-related activities,
• record all research and careers-related activities that they have undertaken on the student tracker,
• provide feedback on the careers programme when requested by the Careers Department.

Parents

In order to maximise the benefit their children gain from the careers programme, parents are required to:

• familiarise themselves with the resources available to their children on the school careers website,
• encourage their children to utilise the careers resources available to them,
• encourage their children to record all research and careers-related activities that they have undertaken on the student tracker,
• attend careers-related events held for parents at school,
• provide feedback on the careers programme when requested by the Careers Department.

GATSBY BENCHMARKS

In December 2017 the Government published  a new Careers Strategy and, in January 2018 published statutory guidance for school leaders and school staff which provided a blueprint for building a high-quality careers system that will help young people to fulfill their potential. The Gatsby Charitable Foundation identified the elements that define an excellent careers provision, through the use of eight “Gatsby Benchmarks”. The Gatsby Benchmarks now form the heart of the Government’s Careers Strategy, with all schools expected to meeting all of the Benchmarks in full by the end of 2020.

The eight Gatsby Benchmarks are summarised below:

Gatsby Benchmark 1 – A stable careers programme

• To provide an effective, fully comprehensive and globally accessible careers programme tailored to the individual needs of the students.
• To provide full details of the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)   programme to all stakeholders through the school’s website.
• To secure feedback from stakeholders, and to undertake a full evaluation of the careers programme annually.

Gatsby Benchmark 2 – Learning from career and labour market information

• To provide students and parents with access to and guidance about further education and labour market opportunities,
• To provide students with the opportunity to attend Open days, Conventions, Workshops, Masterclasses and Taster sessions with Universities/Colleges and Employers.

 Gatsby Benchmark 3 – Addressing the needs of each pupil

• To provide a careers programme that is tailored to the individual needs of the children, with an individual record being kept to track the progress of each student, both during school and for 3 years after completing secondary education.
• To ensure that students receive up to date, relevant and impartial resources / advice which is made accessible to them regardless of race, gender, disability, social background or sexual orientation.
• To provide a programme that is designed to promote social mobility, equality and diversity.

Gatsby Benchmark 4 – Linking curriculum learning to careers

• To provide a programme that links curriculum learning to careers, with all teachers emphasising the importance of Maths and English in achieving success, and emphasis being placed upon the relevance of STEM subjects in a wide variety of careers.
• To provide a programme of study designed to enhance student’s employability.

Gatsby Benchmark 5 – Encounters with employers and employees

• To provide annual visits from employers and employees from a variety of industries through Careers Fairs, Visiting Speakers, Mentoring and Mock Interview Events.

Gatsby Benchmark 6 – Experiences of workplaces

• To provide a well-structured work experience placement scheme for Years 10 and 12.

Gatsby Benchmark 7 – Encounters with further and higher education

• To provide full information about all forms of tertiary and technical education enabling students access to institutions and education providers.

Gatsby Benchmark 8 – Personal guidance

• To provide every student with an interview with an impartial careers advisor by the end of Year 11, and a further interview before the end of Year 13.

https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/schools-colleges/understand-gatsby-benchmarks

BVGS aims to provide students with a variety of careers-related activities to enrich their education and enable them to make fully-informed decisions at each stage of their education. This is achieved through the categories of activity detailed below.

1 to 1 Appointments

All Students have a careers appointment with an independent careers advisor in Year 11, and receive a further careers interview before the end of Year 13.

All other students are able to seek a careers appointment on request.

Interaction with Employers

Students throughout the school are provided with an insight into the world of work. This is achieved through regular visits from employers to speak about their work and the pathway into their profession. The school also runs subject-related societies on a weekly basis – including LawSoc, MedSoc, EconSoc.

Encounters with Further and Higher Education

We organise regular visits from Universities looking at subject-specific courses, for example Medicine/Dentistry, Engineering/STEM and the UCAS process generally. We also arrange speakers to promote access programmes, for example Newcastle Partners Programme, Birmingham A2B and Warwick Scholars.

Apprenticeships

We promote apprenticeships by providing students and parents/carers with information, both in general terms and in relation to specific professions. We also promote apprenticeship opportunities with firms from a wide variety of professions and industries.

Careers Fair

The annual Careers Fair is an excellent event, attended by circa 50 employers and higher education providers. This enables students to speak directly with employers and representatives from universities and colleges.

Work Experience

Students take part in work experience during Years 10 and 12 and are assisted by the school in finding placements and drafting CV’s.

Careers Assemblies / Presentations

Careers-specific assemblies are provided for all years, with contents tailored to the stage of the students’ education. Presentations are provided at a variety of Open Evenings, for example Year 11 Information Evening and Year 12 Higher Education Evening.

Enrichment

A wealth of enrichment activities are provided throughout the school, for example mentoring programmes, volunteering and NCS.

Publicising Events

Careers opportunities are advertised via Teams, Parentcomms, Blog and Twitter.

A general summary of careers activities provided by the school for each year is detailed in the attached Careers Programme.

Careers Programme by School Year

Students are required to follow a programme of activities set for their school year using the Unifrog platform. These activities cover a variety of employability skills and careers-related topics, and are completed during form time and/or homework tasks. Details of the Unifrog tasks set for each year are attached below.

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Year 13

CAREER PATHWAYS

We are keen for students to be able to make fully informed decisions about their future career goals. In order for them to do this, we look to arrange opportunities for students to interact with representatives from the world of work. There are a variety of subject-related societies, for example LawSoc, MedSoc and EconSoc, where guest speakers provide an insight into their specific careers.

We further look to arrange workshops and talks relating to specific subject areas, as well as a well-established Careers Fair, which is a brilliant annual event organised by Mr Davies, our Development Director.

Students are required to take part in work experience placements in Year 10 and Year 12, and we offer advice and guidance in looking to secure a suitable position.

Unifrog offers a brilliant means of researching potential careers pathways, from both specific career searches and subject-related searches. Here is some summary guidance upon careers linked to specific subjects, along with resources relating to some specific career pathways.

By Academic Subject:

> Art
> Biology 1
> Biology 2
> Chemistry 1
> Chemistry  2
> Computer Science
> English 1
> English 2
> Geography 1
> Geography 2
> History 1
> History 2
> Languages 1
> Languages 2
> Mathematics 1
> Mathematics 2
> Music 1
> Music 2
> Physical Education
> Physics 1
> Physics 2
> Psychology
> Religious Studies

By Career:

Medicine

> A Career for You in Health 
> Careers in Nursing 
> Careers in Pharmacy
> Paramedic Infographic 
> General Practitioner Infographic 
> Careers in the Psychological Professions
> Psychiatry Infographic 
> Apprenticeships in Health 
> How to be a doctor 
> Medical Portal – UCAS application guide 
> Medic Portal – Personal Statement guide
> Medic Portal – Medical School Interview Guide
> Medic Portal – UCAT Guide
> Medic Portal – BMAT Guide

Dentistry

> Careers in the Dental Team
> British Dental Association – How to Become a Dentist
> Making a Personal Statement
> Application Tips for Dentistry Courses
> How to Get Into Dental School (need a new link)

Veterinary Science

> Admissions Process for Veterinary School
> How to Become a Vet
> UCAS Guide to Veterinary Science
> Vet School Council Guide to Applications

Law

> So You Want to Be a Lawyer
> Guide to Barristers 
> Guide to Solicitors 
> Law Application Process 
> Law Society – Becoming a Solicitor
> Bar Council
> Bar Standard Board – Training Qualifications
> Law Gazette
> How to Prepare for the LNAT

Accountancy

> School Leaver to Accountant Options 
> ICAEW – How to Become a Chartered Accountant
> ICAEW – School Leaver Programme
> ICAEW – Apprenticeships
> ICAEW – Certificate in Finance, Accountancy & Business
> ICAEW – AAT-ACA Fast Track
> ICAEW – University Options
> Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

Links to Major Accounting Firms:

https://www.pwc.co.uk/careers.html
https://ukcareers.ey.com/students
https://ukcareers.ey.com/students/how-to-apply/key-dates
https://home.kpmg/uk/en/home/careers.html
https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/careers/careers.html?icid=top_careers
https://trainees.grantthornton.co.uk/
https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/careers

Engineering and STEM

> Different Types of Engineering 
> Apprenticeships in STEM 
> I Want to Study Engineering
> Careers in Engineering
> Bletchley Park – Engineering Podcasts
> What Skills Do I Need to Become an Engineer
> Born to Engineer
> This is Engineering YouTube Channel

IT and Tech

> Tech vs Digital
> Tech Business Profiles
> Student Signposting Handout 

APPRENTICESHIPS

Students are offered full information about their Post-16 and Post-18 options and where appropriate they are encouraged to consider apprenticeship options. Students are signposted to seminars/workshops and activities to provide them with full information about the various levels of apprenticeships, and are further assisted in the preparation of their applications and provided with guidance on assessment centres / interviews etc.

Guide to Apprenticeships:

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/are-they-right-for-you
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/how-do-they-work
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/get-started
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resource/parents-and-carers-pack-october-21/

General Apprenticeship Websites:

> Amazing Apprenticeships
> Find an Apprenticeship
> Rate My Apprenticeship
> Not Going to Uni
> Get My First Job
> Beetroot
> All About School Leavers

Apprenticeship Programmes:

> PwC Guide to Applying for Apprenticeships
> EY Overview of Apprenticeship Application Process
> Eversheds Sutherland Legal Apprenticeship
> Jaguar Land Rover
> BMW Retail Network Apprenticeships
> BAE Systems Apprenticeships
> Make.uk – Electrical, Mechanical & Engineering Apprenticeships
> In-Comm Apprenticeships

Assessment Centres & Tests:

> Sample Aptitude Tests
> Psychometric Tests

UCAS AND UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS

We provide full support and guidance in relation to every aspect of the university applications process. Unifrog provides full details about all UK universities, as well as overseas universities. We encourage students to begin their research at an early stage, as this enables them to make informed choices about the university course they wish to study.

Representatives from universities frequently visit the school to run workshops and lectures for the students, looking at a variety of areas such as the UCAS process, personal statements, student finance and subject-specific guidance.

We further encourage students to attend subject taster days, masterclasses and open days, to provide them with an insight into university life and areas of interest to them.

Students are encouraged to participate in activities to assist them in the application and admissions processes, including admissions tests and interviews.

UCAS PROCESS:

> Map of UK universities and colleges
> UCAS process presentation (needs updating)
> UCAS process Parent Guide
> UCAS Applying to University Handout
> UCAS Application Flowchart
> University Open Days

PERSONAL STATEMENTS:

> Personal Statements presentation 
> Dos & Don’ts 
> Mind Map 
> Worksheet 

OXBRIDGE:

> Oxbridge Application Process
> Oxford Admissions Tests
> Introduction to Oxbridge Youtube Video Link
> Applying to Cambridge
> Applying to Oxford
> Guide to Applying to Oxbridge
> Step-by-Step Guide to Oxbridge Applications

ADMISSIONS TESTS:

> UCAS Guide to Admissions Tests
> Applications for Law 
> Applications for Medicine

LINKS:

> UCAS website
> Complete University Guide website 
> University Taster Days 

We need the latest destination data

Student Destination Data

UNIFROG

The School has recently invested in the Unifrog careers platform, which provides a wide range of resources to help students make informed decisions about further education and career pathways. Unifrog also includes a variety of resources designed to support students in their studies and careers research. This platform enables students to record all of their careers-related activities in readiness for the preparation of future applications / personal statements. Login details are provided to all students at school. You may access your account via the following website: www.unifrog.org