Balshaw’s Church of England High School
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Balshaw’s Church of England High School

Balshaw’s Church of England High School

Careers

The basis of the Careers information and guidance offered at Balshaw’s is the Gatsby framework. We work in partnership with the local Young Chamber of Commerce to offer a rich and varied 'Careers Information Advice and Guidance' (CIAG). We are partners with a local financial firm called True Bearing who not only offer financial support in the form of sponsoring the school with the Young Chamber of Commerce but also offer sessions with our Year 11 students on the work of the Financial sector, a very important part of Britain economy. The young Chamber of Commerce organise the annual Careers Event, Apprentice workshops, industrial visits and the Mock Interview program in which every Year 11 is offered an interview from world of work.

Careers Fair - Thursday 28th February 2019 from 4pm to 7pm

Provider Access Statement

You can find our Provider Access Statement on our School Policies page.

Summary of Careers Advice and Guidance covered in School

Year 7 and 8

In Year 7 and 8 students are given information, guidance and careers choices within their PSHE work. They also have the opportunity to attend year group sessions offered by local companies such as BAE who recently delivered a session that including drone and jet technology and how it was used within their organisation.

Year 9

In Year 9 students are given information, guidance and careers choices within their PSHE work. Each Tutor group has an individual careers talk with Miss Kimberley who is experienced in careers information, advice and guidance. During these talks options are fully discussed. Year 9 also have a careers and options assembly which provides them with relevant information on 'Careers Information Advice & Guidance (CIAG) to enable them to make informed choices about their own career path and GCSE choices.

All Year 9 students also have a 1:1 careers interview with their Tutor, Head of House or member of SLT to discuss their options. Parents can attend these if they wish.

Relevant information for Parents/Carers:

  • Investigating GCSE options and careers thoughts
  • Options evenings for Parents
  • Parents’ evenings
  • GCSE option form deadline

Year 10

In Year 10 students cover CIAG via their weekly PSHE lessons to investigate relevant career paths. In the Summer term they participate in a ‘Moving on Day’ where they are off timetable and are given careers talks by outside speakers and a presentation by Miss Kimberley on personal statements, CVs, apprenticeships and college placements. Year 10 students also are given relevant information in the Summer term to allow them to start the process of decision making for their life after Balshaw’s. This is followed up with a sample day at our biggest feeder college Runshaw College. In 2019 it is hope that every student in Year 10 will take part in the 'World of Work Day'. The day will include all students visiting a place of work, for example Leyland Trucks and the local NHS Trust. The morning session will be followed up with an afternoon session working with the British Army in school, again this will be organised by the 'Young Chamber of Commerce'.

Relevant information for Parents/Carers:

  • CVs
  • Personal statements
  • Activities weeks
  • College visits
  • ‘Moving on Day’
  • Employer visits
  • College sampling day
  • Parents’ evenings
  • Careers Event

 

Year 11

Year 11 students spend PSHE lessons in their first term preparing for work, applying for apprenticeships, completing college applications and looking at financial capability. Students will also be invited to attend visits at local employees such as the one or procurement at BAE.

During the second half of autumn term and spring term, students receive regular assemblies on - how to revise, guidance on exams in English, Maths and Science in preparation for their mock examinations in December and the final examinations in May and June. The students will also be offered a tailored mock interview that has resulted from them applying for a mock career opportunity.

All Tutor groups also have careers advice and guidance sessions with Mrs Seedall who you may contact via the school on 01772 421009 and email on  r.seedall@balshaws.org.uk

 

Relevant information for Parents/Carers:

  • Careers evenings
  • College applications
  • College interviews
  • College open evenings
  • Mock interviews (first term)
  • Mock GCSE exams
  • Mock GCSE results day
  • Motivation sessions
  • Parents’ evenings
  • Revision assemblies
  • Revision technique sessions
  • Science career days – e.g. medicine/dentistry/veterinary science
  • The Armed Forces assembly

Links to local Colleges & Training Providers
Don’t forget that College Open Events are one of the best ways to get up to date and accurate information on specific courses and entry requirements which can change year on year. The links below are useful for finding this information:

Colleges

Apprenticeships 

Local Apprenticeship Employers