CAREERS

CAREERS

 

At Foundry College careers guidance is provided from Primary to Year 11.

Careers support is available through the school Careers Lead, Vix Padgett.  E: vix@foundry.wokingham.sch.uk. T: 0118 334 1510.

Within school many career events take place, including career specific speakers, workshops, information about college, apprenticeships, sixth form alternative curriculums, CV writing, interview techniques etc.

As part of the LIFE lessons and cross-curriculum work, we provide career-related lessons, activities where local businesses help to provide a realistic experience such as Mock Interviews, college and apprenticeship events, and trips related to various career topics. 

Please click here for the Foundry College Careers Plan.

Full details of Foundry Colleges approach to careers can be found in our Teaching & Learning Policy.

We also recommend the National Careers Service website and a number of other independent careers sites to help parents and students.

For details on the student next steps click here.

Click here for general careers advice and Useful-Websites

Careers across the Curriculum

At Foundry College we believe careers should be integrated within all lessons and information regarding careers delivered across the curriculum. Below are samples from lessons on how we do this :

Art – Careers in art are discussed as they crop up in explorations/research about various artists and artistic Movements, especially in relation to digitally focused work, social media and more traditional galleries. Next steps in Art are also considered including college expectations, courses and options.

English – We aim to help students recognise the importance of English as a key skill which underpins their ability to communicate in the workplace.  Students are encouraged to be functionally literate and be able to interpret and decode a variety of texts at levels appropriate to the individual student.  Typical English writing assessment tasks may be centred on responding to emails or writing a personal statement to apply for a job. Spoken language communication is a vital skill and students are taught to recognise the difference between formal and informal language and to develop appropriate communication skills.

Food and Cookery – This subject covers a range of topics related to food and healthy eating. The course teaches pupils the importance of hygiene and safety in the kitchen. The pupils who take part in these lesson are informed of the requirements of professional kitchen and the strict safety measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety.  The discussion of careers is often mentioned with different pathways into a career in hospitality. A specific pathway is working in a professional kitchen and the different roles available from pot washer, chef to front of house and wait staff.

History & Geography – The question of ‘what use is this for a career?’ often crops up.  This is addressed specifically right at the start of the courses and then as it arises. Links with the world of work are ongoing and there are references in most lessons in some way or other.

LIFE – In LIFE we cover a variety of topics which assist students to navigate career pathways. The whole of Unit 1 is designed around developing a career action plan they can use as they leave school and embark upon employment. In addition, the lessons create a space for students to have discussions and develop their communication skills. We also work on developing confidence and presentation skills.

Mathematics – Mathematical knowledge is very important for all jobs. When we cover new topics in maths we always relate this to real life situations and how this is useful. Pupils often what to know when they will come across certain topics in future careers. Our school numeracy plan ensures pupils are numerate in all subjects. We also have a functional skills module, which is based on everyday practical mathematics and covers problems on best on buys, hourly rate, speed and many more topics.

Occupational Studies – There are many discussions, of which our teachers draw upon their own personal experiences when appropriate to give a real insight. Pupils are provided with information such as routes into the appropriate courses or apprenticeships to suit their interest and the possibilities this can lead to eventual self-employment. Activities such as letter writing, producing a brochure, writing a quotation are built into the lessons, as well as portfolio development. Trips to building sites are organised to give pupils that first-hand knowledge of potential site work and a chance to speak to workers.

Physical Education – Physical education covers a wide range of topics of anatomy & physiology and socio-cultural issues. The career pathways that are discussed are working as a personal trainer of continuing their interest in a specific sport to become a coach or manager of a team.  Many pupils don’t see physical education as a career pathway and just something they do as a hobby or pastime.

Science – The focus is to challenge stereotypes of scientists.  This is addressed through the use of showing video clips and images that are consciously chosen to try to make sure that they are not fitting into the nutty (male) professor that has previously fit a student’s understanding of what a scientist is. 

At Foundry College we ensure we follow and adhere to delivering The Gatsby Benchmarks, which is the framework of 8 guidelines that define the best careers provision in secondary schools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ofsted commented;

“You care deeply about the pupils and are determined to make sure that your school provides the nurturing environment that they need.”

“Pupils are happy at your school, they say that there is always someone to talk to and that their views are valued. Parents and carers praise the improvements in their children’s behaviour and attitudes to learning.”

“You and your team are acutely aware of the importance of ensuring that every pupil is safeguarded from harm.”

Useful Links

Headteacher Iain Thomas

Foundry College

Budges Gardens

Wokingham

Berkshire

RG40 1PX

Tel: 0118 334 1510

admin@foundry.wokingham.sch.uk