
Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)
Introduction
Hinchley Wood School is committed to offering students high quality career learning opportunities. All young people need help to make progress through their learning and to prepare for adult life. They will benefit from a planned programme of activities to help them make decisions, choose 14-19 pathways that are right for them and plan their careers both in school and after they leave. We provide a programme of internal careers education and externally provided independent and impartial careers information, advice and guidance (IAG). It is very important to us to know that all leavers, whether at the end of year 11 or year 13, have an appropriate plan in place for their next steps.
Our careers programme is overseen by our Head of Careers, with our Sixth Form Support and Guidance Coordinator responsible for leading careers education in the Sixth Form. We work in partnership with the Elmbridge Careers Consortium, Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC), local businesses, colleges and universities to support our careers education. We are also building a stronger alumni and we work in partnership with many parents/carers in the local community.
The policy below sets out the school’s approach to careers education. Our Provider Access Arrangements are outlined in Appendix 1 of this policy. This sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to students and parents/carers at the school.
Careers Team
Head of Careers: Mr Matthew Whittaker | e: mwhittaker@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk | t: 0208 398 7161 ext. 123
Careers Line Manager (SMT): Ms Lucy Macdonald | e: lmacdonald@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk | t: 0208 398 7161
Link Careers Governor: Dr Caroline Whitehouse | e: aheadon@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk | t: 0208 398 7161 ext. 109
Sixth Form Support and Guidance Coordinator: Mrs Andrea Brandon |e: abrandon@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk | t: 0208 398 7161 ext. 153
Elmbridge 14-19 Consortium Careers Advisor: Mrs Alex Elbourn | e: aelbourne@esher.ac.uk | t: 0208 398 7161 ext. 123
Next review for CEIAG - November 2022
CEIAG - Overview for Governors, Parents/Carers, Teachers & Students
The CEIAG provision at Hinchley Wood School is mapped against the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, which is reviewed annually by the Head of Careers.
- A stable careers programme
Every school and college should have an embedded programme of career education and guidance that is known and understood by students, parents/carers, teachers and employers.
- Learning from careers and labour market information
Every student and their parents/carers should have access to good-quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities. They will need the support of an informed adviser to make best use of available information.
- Addressing the needs of each student
Students have different career guidance needs at different stages. Opportunities for advice and support need to be tailored to the needs of each student. A school’s careers programme should embed equality and diversity considerations throughout.
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
All teachers should link curriculum learning with careers. For example, STEM subject teachers should highlight the relevance of STEM subjects for a wide range of future career paths.
- Encounters with employers and employees
Every student should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment, and the skills that are valued in the workplace. This can be through a range of enrichment activities including visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes.
- Experiences of workplaces
Every student should have first-hand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing and/or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities, and expand their networks.
- Encounters with further and higher education
All students should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes both academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace.
- Personal guidance
Every student should have opportunities for guidance interviews with a careers adviser, who could be internal (a member of school staff) or external, provided they are trained to an appropriate level. These should be available whenever significant study or career choices are being made. This should be expected for all students but should be timed to meet their individual needs.
Individual Careers Guidance
The school employs an external independent adviser to complement other careers education offered at the school. Alex Elbourn is our Elmbridge 14-19 Consortium Careers Adviser, who works across five establishments in Elmbridge and is available in school every Thursday. She arranges one-to-one interviews with students from different year groups.
From Year 10, students are able to have an individual careers appointment with Alex Elbourn. All SEND and PP students receive an appointment in Year 9 prior to making their GCSE option choices. Other students may request an appointment or be referred by their Head of Learning or Form Tutor.
Appointments are prioritised for students in Year 10 and 11 seeking advice and guidance on their next step pathways. At the meeting an action plan will be drawn up and a copy emailed to the student to help them move forward with their plans. In addition, students in Year 12 and Year 13 are offered the opportunity of a careers appointment and are further supported by the Sixth Form Support and Guidance Coordinator who helps students with their Apprenticeship and UCAS applications, including those for Oxbridge.
To arrange a careers appointment contact Mrs Alex Elbourn, Elmbridge 14-19 Consortium Careers Advisor, at aelbourne@esher.ac.uk or directly on 0208 398 7161 ext. 123.
Careers Programme
CEIAG begins in Year 7 and continues through to Year 13. The programme includes lessons based on career planning, self-evaluation, making decisions, economic well-being and employability skills and is delivered through the STEPs Careers Programme and Unifrog in PSHE lessons. Careers education for Years 7 - 13 is mainly delivered through the PSHE curriculum, consisting of a twenty-minute tutorial every week. In addition, students in Years 7 – 9 receive a biweekly one-hour lesson.
STEPS Careers Programme
The Step Series is a complete careers programme consisting of individual student workbooks which take students through the stages of career planning from age 11, right through to planning post-18 options. The workbooks are progressive and are relevant to each age group. They cover a range of issues to help students to understand more about themselves, find out about careers and the world of work and help them to plan for their future.
Unifrog
This online platform is well-used by students as it helps them make intelligent, well informed choices about their futures. Unifrog allows students to use data to decide which route to choose after school, help students avoid common decision-making mistakes and enable teachers to track where their students have got to in making their choices. Students can also compare individual university courses and apprenticeships, allowing them assess going to university alongside doing an apprenticeship. Parents are also given full access to Unifrog to enable their informed involvement in a choice which will shape their childrens’ lives.
Careers Education in KS3
- As early as Year 7, we introduce students to career resources, such as the ‘Step Up’ booklets as they start to identify the types of jobs they are interested in, and the personal qualities and skills required to do each job. Students learn about personal development, planning, and decision making in their PSHE, English and PRE lessons
- During Years 7, 8 and 9 students investigate various aspects of careers education through their PSHE lessons, although there is a crossover into all subjects, and by accessing dedicated careers websites such as Unifrog
- As our students progress through the school, opportunities are developed and include external speakers, webinars, and events dedicated to thinking about next steps
- The school organises enrichment days and educational visits across the key stage which provides opportunities for students to explore different career avenues
- In Year 9, students make their GCSE choices, and students are fully supported as they make their choices. The Guided Choices evening in March gives parents/carers and students a chance to talk to the different subject areas. Student work is displayed and students who are already taking the courses are on hand to provide an insight into their learning and experiences of the chosen subject
- In the run up to this evening, students are provided with a wealth of information via the Tutor programme and in assemblies. During the evening all students have a one-to-one interview with a member of staff from the Senior or Pastoral teams to discuss their option choices, and career aspirations
- All Pupil Premium and SEND students in Year 9 are offered one-to-one career interviews with the school’s career adviser. The careers advisor is also present at the Guided Choices evening for advice and guidance.
- In previous years the school has organised a Careers Fair where a number of different companies showcase the possible careers on offer.
Careers Education in KS4
- We encourage all students to consider the career possibilities throughout Year 10 and 11 and we provide impartial guidance and information on post 16 options through tutor time, assemblies and attendance at external events
- Year 10 students have the opportunity to attend Higher Education days, such as the annual Next Steps event in the spring term. This is based at Esher College on behalf of the Elmbridge 14-19 Consortium, to give students information on post-16 options and all Year 10 students attend
- We offer one-to-one career interviews with the Careers Adviser to Year 10 students during the summer term, and these continue into Year 11. The data collected from interviews, combined with information about proposed destinations obtained from all students, results in a clear picture about Post 16 intentions. A further Next Steps interview is prioritised for any targeted student, based on clear identification of need and support requirements and their progress is monitored
- The Key Stage 4 team offer advice and guide students through the Apprenticeship application process. Sue Taylor from ALPS Surrey runs an annual assembly and follow up workshop with any students who are interested in undertaking an Apprenticeship or a Degree Apprenticeship
- In the summer term of Year 10, all students take part in the Big Interview Day. This provides all students with an interview from local employees, and students receive feedback on their interview and a certificate
- In Year 11 students focus on making decisions and informed choices for their options after their GCSEs. Well-planned information is provided about our own post 16 provision as well as external institutions
- College Open Evening dates are circulated to all students and parents/carers. Information about college open days are also posted on the school website, with prospectuses available online
- Once GCSE exams have finished, we organise an Induction Day for all students that have applied to our 6th Form. Students spend the day in our 6th Form area, and they attend a range of lessons to support their A level course choices
- We encourage Key Stage 4 students to volunteer within the local community as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
- All students in key stage 4 have access to lectures, talks and webinars, from motivational speakers and industry professionals
Careers Education in KS5
- Support and Guidance: The Sixth Form have a dedicated Student Support and Guidance Co-ordinator, Andrea Brandon, whose role it is to guide, inform and support students with all their options post A’ level. This includes degree courses both UK and international, Oxbridge, Apprenticeships and Work, all of which are valued equally
- Advice: Students receive frequent advice and guidance on potential careers from our Sixth Form team who work one to one with students to understand their potential career paths and help them find the degree courses or training that would enable them to pursue their goals. Often this involves introducing students to a much wider range of possibilities than they had considered to enable them to fulfil their potential
- Range of Support: Students have a comprehensive tutor programme, assemblies, career events, corporate breakfasts, individual support and mentoring by members of the Sixth Form team. Personalised support is given with UCAS statements, applications for apprenticeships or other employment
- Apprenticeships: Within the Sixth Form team there are experienced staff who are able to advice and guide students through the Apprenticeship application process. Information from local and national employers about Apprenticeships are emailed directly to relevant students by Mrs Brandon. Sue Taylor from ALPS Surrey runs an annual assembly and follow up workshop with any students who are interested in undertaking an Apprenticeship or a Degree Apprenticeship
- Young Enterprise: Students are given the opportunity to work together to come up with a commercial idea, set up a business, develop and sell a product whilst managing a budget, marketing and engaging in all the facets of business. This is an excellent way that students are introduced to the world of work and is well attended and successful programme
- Corporate Breakfast: Twice a year, students are invited to attend Corporate Breakfasts, where they can hear a panel of successful professionals talk about the route that they took to their career and ask questions either of the whole panel or individually after the event, offering direct contact with employers who can offer meaningful advice
- Year 12 Work experience: We are very proud of our record for having all students go out to a work placement of their choice for one week towards the end of the summer term. We have been able to establish a database of employers who are more than pleased to accommodate students from our Sixth Form and these relationships ensure that students get the very best from their placements, which help inform and guide their post A’ level choices
- Oxbridge: We run a comprehensive programme beginning at the start of Year 12, for students who want to make an application to study at either Oxford or Cambridge. This programme guides students through the application process and provides them with opportunities to broaden horizons beyond their subject syllabus, developing their confidence and ability to think critically along the way
- Visiting Speakers: We regularly invite alumni back to speak to current students about their post Hinchley Wood journey. These speakers include successful apprentices, Doctors, Vets, Under and Post –Graduates. This gives students a fantastic opportunity to meet with people in work or training who they can connect with and learn from
- Spotlight: Lots of emphasis is placed on displaying a wide variety of different routes that our Hinchley Wood students have taken. Displays charting the Career paths of previous students are very visible, University Destinations are displayed every year on a large map so that current students can appreciate the wide range of places and courses that the previous year’s students have followed. Teachers have their own careers journeys posted on classroom doors to exemplify the huge range of different paths taken
- Our full support is given to students who do not wish to go to university. The year 12 Futures Evening takes place in March each year in which key information about the next steps is shared with parents/carers of year 12 students. Each year this is a very well attended event. Targeted Apprenticeship opportunities are sent to the relevant students in both Year 12 and 13
- Futures Day: Year 12 participate in a Futures Day, following on from the evening. Students are off-timetable and use the day to investigate the pathways open to them at the end of their school career. This involves group sessions exploring the pros and cons of University versus Apprenticeships, the application process and outcome potentials for both. There is also a full introduction to the Unifrog Platform demonstrating how to understand different career paths in depth, personality profiles and job matches as well as how to search, filter and rank all of their options
- Careers Advisor: Students from both Year 12 and 13 have the opportunity to make an appointment with the external careers advisor to explore their future options
Community and Employer Programme
We like to work with employers by supporting the delivery of our careers programme. This is mainly through supporting classroom activities, delivering special projects or assisting with real and/or virtual site visits. We are looking for employers and businesses in every sector, that can engage with our students and impart their skills and knowledge as well as opening their eyes to career opportunities. There are a number of ways in which you can help our students, many of them taking just one hour of your time periodically. If you would like to be involved with the careers programme at Hinchley Wood School, or know someone at your workplace who could be of any assistance, please contact Mr Matthew Whittaker, Head of Careers, at mwhittaker@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk or directly on 0208 398 7161 ext. 123.
Measuring Impact
Hinchley Wood School measures and accesses its careers programme against the Gatsby Benchmarks. The impact is measured through student and parent feedback. The programme is conducted in relation to the school's CEIAG policy, provider access policy, equality strategy and objectives and other relevant policies.
Career Information, Progression and Links
Career Information, Progression and Links:
Careers Choice
- The National Careers Website. Job profiles, planning tools and more.
- Briggs Meyer Personality Careers test.
- Unifrog - Use this to search by interest, A levels, Career type, Personality Type
- UCAS – Use to explore a wide range of careers.
Work Experience
- Student Ladder
- Springpod – for a wide range of virtual work experience
- Young Professionals – for a wide range of virtual and in person work experience
- InvestIN – Internships and Work experience
- Speakers for Schools – Work Experience Programmes
- Bright Network
- Forage
Apprenticeships
- UCAS Page where you can search for Apprenticeship Opportunities.
- Unifrog: You will need your ‘form code’ for this site. apprenticeship role on Unifrog)
- The Telegraph Education – Step by Step guide to Apprenticeships.
- UCAS Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
- Government Apprenticeship Search Site
- Rate My Apprenticeship Search & Information Platform.
- Unifrog Apprenticeship Search and Apply tool: (students have log in)
- General information about school leavers programmes:
- Information on Digital & Tech. Degree Apprenticeships
- The UK’s 100 Most Popular Employers for School Leavers -download from
- Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Providers
- List of Apprenticeships with Major Companies – can be found on HW website.
Degree and University Choice
Summer Schools
- Villiers Park: (scroll down for courses)
- Imperial College Summer Programme
- Oxford Courses Uniq: (Huge range of residential courses)
- Sutton Trust for students unrepresented at the University.
- Cambridge Summer Schools.
- Surrey University Summer Schools. (scroll down for list of courses and dates)
Public Lectures:
- The Royal Society (Excellent free science lectures!)
- Philosophy and Ethics (Philosophy but not free)
- The Royal Institution Lectures (brilliant, varied, free)
- Kings College London (brilliant, varied, free)
- The London School of Economics (Politics & Economics & free)
- Unifrog: Use this to search by interest, A levels, Career type, Personality Type