- Home
- Life at Patcham
- Careers (CEIAG) & Post-16 Progression
Careers (CEIAG) & Post-16 Progression
We believe our students are never too young to start thinking about and preparing for their future.
We aim to make sure students are given the opportunity to equip themselves with the self-confidence and resilience to manage the decisions they will need to make to shape their future working lives and deal effectively with the challenges of transition. Careers Information, Education, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is an essential part of this process, so we ensure that all our learners get access to a programme of careers education from Year 7 to Year 11 that is relevant and aspirational.
Utilising ‘Gatsby Benchmarks’ to develop and improve our careers programme we continually look for opportunities to collaborate with outside facilitators to ensure we offer relevant and up to date advice and guidance. We ensure that our students gain important experiences and skills from meeting and working with a range of education / training providers and employers. Students at Patcham High are empowered to make informed decisions which are aspirational and appropriate for them. Students benefit from career focussed activities designed to develop social skills, grit, and resilience and for them to be informed and aspirational when considering their futures.
Our careers programme is driven by these core documents:
Mrs Moore is our Careers Advisor. She works in the school to maximise opportunities for students to engage in university trips, work experience and college courses alongside their GCSE studies, with an emphasis on increasing students understanding and raising aspirations and awareness of different progression routes post 16.
Mrs Moore works closely with local employers, universities and colleges to provide an enriched timetable for students both in school and offsite. She also delivers careers guidance, inspiring and supporting students with the choices they need to empower them to develop confidence in their own ability to research the options open to them. A wide range of providers and employers deliver information sessions to students in year group assemblies, careers education workshops and employer engagement sessions.
PHS-provider-access-policy-statement.pdf
Year 10 Work Experience
Year 10 work experience week is a crucial feature of Key Stage 4 CEIAG and is bespoke to every student. Mrs Moore also provides 1:1 careers guidance interviews that are personalised, comprehensive and impartial.
External careers advice is facilitated through the National Careers Service
If you require any further information please email Mrs Mooreamoore@patchamhigh.org.uk or call 01273 543494.
Useful Careers Information
Expand the following sections below to find out more...
Year 9 GCSE options – For information on where your subject can take you visit the following websites:
For general support with choosing GCSE options:
Every effort is made by all staff at Patcham High to secure the most appropriate destination for all our students post 16. All students have the opportunity for an individual Careers Information and Advice meeting with our career advisor, Mrs Moore.
GCSEs are Level 2 courses. Once GCSEs have been completed, students can progress to Level 3 qualifications.
After Year 11, Patcham High students can choose from a variety of options, including:
| A Levels |
2-year courses, usually 3–4 subjects, assessed mostly through exams. Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade 4+, some subjects need a 6 |
|---|---|
| BTECs |
2-year courses, usually 3 subjects Practical, work-related courses, assessed by coursework and some exams – can be combined with A levels, Entry requirements: usually 5 GCSEs at 4+, incl. English & Maths |
| T-Levels |
2-year courses, mix of classroom learning and 45-day industry placement Entry requirements: usually 5 GCSEs at 4+, incl. English & Maths |
| Apprenticeships |
Combines working in a real job with studying for a qualification (Level 2–5). Can be started at 16+. Great for hands-on learners. Entry requirements: Level 2 Apprenticeship: Preferred GCSEs grade 3s English & Maths - Potential to retake alongside if grades are lower than a 3. Level 3 Apprenticeship: GCSE English & Maths grade 4+
|
| Foundation Courses |
Stepping-stone courses → build skills before moving on. Foundation Courses are usually Entry Level (Entry 1, 2 or 3) or Level 1 (below GCSE grade 4). They sit below Level 2 (GCSEs) and are designed to prepare learners for GCSEs, Functional Skills, BTECs, T Levels or apprenticeship |
| Functional Skills |
In English or maths - focused on practical skills needed for work and daily life. Often done alongside vocational courses.
|
You can find links to all the colleges in the area, information on when they have their open events, and useful links in the following document:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oQNZVKkDI73AYyAZMtRPYAlqG3X2_aXxuEF9SUQOaXQ/edit?tab=t.0
You can find practical guidance, tools, and support for planning next steps, applications, and career decisions in the following websites:
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/
https://www.getcareerconfident.co.uk/ (shows dates for college open days via quicklinks)
For students with SEND/EHCP there are several specialist colleges in the region:
|
Name of college |
Website |
|
Brighton Forward |
|
|
St John's College |
|
|
SupaJam |
|
|
Sutton District Training |
|
|
Woodlands Mead |
|
|
Brighton Met- Gateway |
You can find more information on college options for students with SEND in the following websites:
https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/life-stages/childhood-and-school/send/post-16
Applying for an apprenticeship is the same as applying for a job but with the understanding that you will learn on the go, for instance by going to college one day a week or doing virtual training once a month. You usually need to fill in an application form or CV, answer some questions, and maybe do an interview or small tests. If you get accepted, you’ll start working and training at the same time, often with extra support if you need it.
It’s important to apply to college as well as apprenticeships because apprenticeships are competitive and you might not get one straight away. Having a college place means you still have a safe backup option so you can continue learning and working towards your goals while you keep applying for apprenticeships.
Useful websites are:
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
https://apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/
https://www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com/
https://www.talkingfutures.org.uk/your-childs-options/apprenticeships/
https://careerpilot.org.uk/information/apprenticeships/finding-an-apprenticeship
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Looking for ideas about what careers might suit you? These websites offer fun and easy quizzes to help you discover your skills, interests, and potential job options. Give them a try to explore different paths and start planning your future!
https://careerswales.gov.wales/buzzquiz
https://www.ucas.com/careers-quiz
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/discover-your-skills-and-careers
Labour market information (LMI) helps you see which jobs are in demand, what skills and qualifications are needed, and what pay and working conditions to expect. It also lets you compare local job trends with national figures, so you can make informed choices about your future. You can find useful labour market information on the following websites:
https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/lad/1778384937/report.aspx?town=brighton
At Patcham all our students get the opportunity to do a week of work experience in Year 10. This allows students to explore different careers and understand what jobs are really like. It develops important skills such as teamwork, communication, and responsibility. It also looks great on future applications for college, apprenticeships, or jobs.
https://www.getcareerconfident.co.uk/work-experience/workexperience