Careers Guidance

QEHS is delighted to have been awarded with the Career Mark Accreditation in 2020. Career Mark recognises the quality of the independent and impartial careers education, training and guidance that we offer, ensuring our students leave with the confidence and skills required to enter the world of work and further/higher education.

Intent

That every student at QEHS receives high-quality career guidance which allows them to make informed decisions about their future.

Implementation

Careers Education and Guidance at QEHS follows the best practice that is set out in the Department for Education document ‘Careers guidance and access for education and training providers. Statutory guidance for governing bodies, school leaders and school staff. January 2018.’

The report found 8 benchmarks of best practice, which are now more commonly known as ‘The Gatsby Benchmarks.’ They are:

A stable careers programme
Learning from career and labour market information
Addressing the needs of each pupil
Linking curriculum learning to careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Experiences of workplaces
Encounters with further and higher education
Personal guidance

The Careers Education and Guidance programme is delivered mainly through the PSHE programme, combined with individual interviews with tutors pastoral leaders and careers staff. Aspects of Careers Education and Guidance are also delivered through the academic curriculum when they are considered to be beneficial, relevant and appropriate. All elements of the programme are monitored and evaluated by the Careers Co-ordinator, Mr Kingdom, who may be contacted via the School Office.

In addition, the following external organisations and agencies contribute to the school's Careers Education and Guidance programme:

Representatives from higher and further education institutions.
Local industry and commerce.
Training organisations.
Community and charity organisations.

Options are presented to students in an open, unbiased way. Students are encouraged to challenge attitudes, beliefs and stereotypes, which might prevent the fulfilment of their individual potential. Awareness of equal opportunities issues will be continuously developed through the Careers Education and Guidance programme.

The important role that parents play in helping to shape the careers and education choices of young people is recognised. Therefore parents are brought into the guidance process through parents' consultation evenings and information evenings where appropriate staff are represented. Parents have the option to attend a child’s careers guidance interview.

If you are able to offer any expertise in this field please contact Mr Kingdom at QEHS.