Career and Work Related Learning
Our Careers Lead is Kimberley Lane.
Kimberley can be contacted via email, office@kingswodehoe.com.
The intended destinations for our pupils will be further education across the whole of the Essex County at a range of different levels (Pre Entry, Entry Level, Level 1 & Level 2 Standard) and supported internships.
Possible Post 16 destinations could be found here:
Clickable map of sixth forms, colleges and universities in Essex - Make Happen
At Kingswode Hoe, Careers and Work-Related Learning is embedded across the curriculum at all key stages. In addition, students in Years 8–11 receive dedicated lessons focusing on work-related skills, key destinations within the community, preparation for post-16 transition, and work experience. Work experience opportunities take place both within the school and with external employers.
Our curriculum is underpinned by six core outcomes: resilience and independence; accreditation; employability; community and the wider world; health, lifestyle and wellbeing; and identity and self-expression. These outcomes inform individual targets set during annual reviews, as well as shorter-term, class-based targets. Progress towards these outcomes is monitored through EHCP annual reviews and student workbooks. Student voice is central to this process, with aspirations, personal strengths and interests always considered as part of the review.
We believe that our Careers and Work-Related Learning curriculum, combined with our six core outcomes and the daily routines and structure of school life, provides a strong foundation for meaningful learning experiences. These experiences support students both during their time at school and in preparing for successful post-16 transitions.
The diagram below illustrates the many ways in which we provide opportunities for Careers and Work-Related Learning:
Primary and Year 7
Students begin to explore the roles of people who help us, both within the school and in the wider community. To support their understanding of responsibility and independence, students will have opportunities to take part in a range of classroom jobs. Students are encouraged to ask questions during trips and visits about different job roles and responsibilities. These experiences will include both supported and independent opportunities.
Year 9
Students build on the understanding of the world of work developed in Year 8. They explore the topic 'I am ready for work' where they learn how to write a CV, consider how the internet influences employment, take part in speaking and listening activities, and practise using the telephone in a professional context. They also study 'How to get a job' which develops their understanding of where to search for employment opportunities and the key skills employers look for in potential employees. Students also have the opportunity to take part in a mock interview. Students will participate in a volunteering placement at Colchester Library and will complete their Foundation Level Travel Training with ECC (NB this is not the same as independent travel training)
Year 8
Students begin to explore the world of work and develop a deeper understanding of future career possibilities. Key topics include What is work?, where students explore the purpose and benefits of employment; is there a job for me?, which helps them understand the types of support they may need in the workplace while encouraging them to start thinking about potential career paths; and What should I choose?, where students explore their interests, motivations and personal strengths. Students will also explore three different career industries: charity, care and hospitality sectors. They will learn about a variety of roles within each industry and the skills required for them. They will also take part in visits and hear from guest speakers, allowing them to engage in meaningful encounters with professionals
Year 10
Students begin to explore their options for transitioning to college or further education. They will have the opportunity to attend a range of college open days and careers fairs, helping them to develop a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them after they leave school. These experiences encourage students to start thinking about their future pathways and the destinations they may wish to pursue. They will take part in two in-school work experience placements. Before starting their placements, students will participate in preparation sessions covering topics such as GDPR, vocational profiling and understanding job adverts. They will select a role they would like to take part in and complete an application form. After completing their placements, students will evaluate their experiences and present what they have learned to their class
Year 11
Students take part in a variety of work experience placements both within school and externally. Similar to Year 10, students first attend preparation sessions before beginning their placements. These sessions explore the local labour market and help students develop an understanding of job advertisements and employment contracts. Students will then select a role they would like to undertake within the school and complete an application process. In-school work experience opportunities include roles such as Student Reception, Dog Mentoring, Primary Experience, Site Team and Kitchen Experience. Students also take part in external work experience placements, after completing their placements, students evaluate their experiences and present what they have learned to the class. Students also take part in sessions known as Destinations, where they visit local community hubs to learn about the facilities and services available to them.
Transitions
Destinations Booklet