Careers Education & Guidance
The aim of Careers Education at St Patrick's is to help pupils:
As part of the new Curriculum, Employability and the World of Work are now statutory components of Key Stages 3 & 4.
In Key Stage 3 pupils are taught modules of Learning for Life and Work, Citizenship and Employability.
In Key Stage 4 pupils take a GCSE in Learning for Life and Work.
- know themselves better;
- be aware of education, training and career opportunities;
- make informed decisions about the transition from school to adult like;
- see the opportunities to become productive members of society
As part of the new Curriculum, Employability and the World of Work are now statutory components of Key Stages 3 & 4.
In Key Stage 3 pupils are taught modules of Learning for Life and Work, Citizenship and Employability.
In Key Stage 4 pupils take a GCSE in Learning for Life and Work.
The Careers Programme in Years 11 and 12 gives pupils a unique opportunity to discover their own qualities and skills, explore the world of work – including their rights in the workplace, search and source information relevant to making a career choice, research Post-16 Option so they may make informed choices about their future. Pupils complete Work Experience in local businesses. The programme is sponsored by Northern Bank who present a Trophy to the most impressive pupil overall.
During KS4, pupils also have the opportunity to attend a Careers Convention and visit various working environments. Speakers are invited to the school to give talks and presentations on Careers, Training Opportunities, Further Education, and Personal Effectiveness etc. In Year 12 the Careers Officer attached to the school from DEL, interviews pupils individually. Follow-up interviews and meetings with parents may be arranged if requested. Year 12 pupils also participate in a Mock Interview Programme.
At Post 16, advice and guidance is provided for the UCAS application process, DEL Career Officers hold personalised interviews with all Post 16 students to guide their career choices. University visits are arranged for Year 14, and time off for interviews is timetabled during the period that third level institutions are making offers.
On the examination results day, staff are on hand to provide advice and guidance if required.
Various ICT Programmes are used by the Careers Department to enhance the pupils’ learning and knowledge. Access to the Internet is also available.
The Careers Department is constantly reviewing its provision and adapting to the various changes in the labour market.
During KS4, pupils also have the opportunity to attend a Careers Convention and visit various working environments. Speakers are invited to the school to give talks and presentations on Careers, Training Opportunities, Further Education, and Personal Effectiveness etc. In Year 12 the Careers Officer attached to the school from DEL, interviews pupils individually. Follow-up interviews and meetings with parents may be arranged if requested. Year 12 pupils also participate in a Mock Interview Programme.
At Post 16, advice and guidance is provided for the UCAS application process, DEL Career Officers hold personalised interviews with all Post 16 students to guide their career choices. University visits are arranged for Year 14, and time off for interviews is timetabled during the period that third level institutions are making offers.
On the examination results day, staff are on hand to provide advice and guidance if required.
Various ICT Programmes are used by the Careers Department to enhance the pupils’ learning and knowledge. Access to the Internet is also available.
The Careers Department is constantly reviewing its provision and adapting to the various changes in the labour market.
