At the end of Year 11 all pupils undertake work experience. The
aim of the placement is to stimulate their curiosity about the
world of work as well as putting into practice skills taught
throughout the Lower and Middle Schools. Pupils are encouraged to
secure a placement either via a family contact or, if need be, via
the network of employers known to us in the Careers Department.
During the placement pupils have the opportunity to apply and
enhance their skills and to promote their personal and social
development. The placement seeks to increase their understanding of
work as well as an awareness of some of the routines and standards
expected. Pupils learn that work patterns are increasingly
involving multi‑dimensional roles, rather than a series of rigidly
defined jobs and this further broadens the range of continuing
education, training and employment which they will consider. Our
pupils invariably find that as a result of their work experience
they are able to adapt more quickly to future working
environments.
The school monitors all placements and where possible a member
of staff will visit each pupil during his placement. Employers are
asked to provide feedback on the pupils' performance and this
information allows the Careers team to monitor the whole operation
more closely.
In Years 12 and 13 further work experience and work shadowing
placements are available. Pupils are encouraged to show initiative
and be pro-active in securing the best experiences required to
support their application to university and beyond. They are also
offered the opportunity of taking part in Interview Skills
training.