At the Hawkswood Group we have the highest expectations for all our pupils, and our objective is to help them achieve their full potential. We recognise that Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) makes a significant contribution to preparing our pupils to take their place as suitably qualified and responsible adults within society, and it can ultimately empower and allow them to make informed choices and achieve personal and economic wellbeing throughout their lives.
Our aim is for CEIAG to assist pupils across The Hawkswood Group and enable them to develop key employability and enterprise skills which are highly sought after by employers, colleges, universities, and apprenticeship providers.
By proactively engaging with parents and the local community, we will strive to ensure that every student harnesses and maximises their capabilities and attributes and is inspired to create a successful future for themselves. It is with this objective that our CEIAG programme has been developed, alongside reference to the recommended 8 Gatsby benchmarks.
The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks are:
- A stable careers programme
- Learning from careers and labour market information
- Addressing the needs of each student
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
- Encounters with employers and employees
- Experiences of workplaces
- Encounters with further and higher education
- Personal guidance
To fine out more information about the Gasby Benchmarks, please click here.
Please see below for our careers and provider access policy.
It is our aim for every student to complete year 11, prepared for life in modern Britain. The Careers programme is created to enhance students’ prospects, encouraging them to contribute to their communities and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of further education, training and working life.
A programme of careers education, information and guidance is delivered to students from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 providing opportunities to experience the world of work, contact with employers and local further and higher education providers. High-quality careers guidance is also delivered to every young person before finishing the end of KS4 which is crucial in helping our students emerge from school more fully rounded and ready for the world of work therefore it is our intention to ensure that our students are well informed when making career decisions.
At Hawkswood, we work within a clear framework which aims to meet statutory requirements whilst we constantly evolve our Careers Delivery Plan in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks, enhancing student’s prospects, encouraging them to contribute to their communities and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of further education, training and working life to reduce their risk of becoming NEET. Students are supported as they make their applications to colleges, Traineeships, Apprenticeships, Sixth Forms and Post 16 options.
Our delivery is underpinned by the Department for Education Careers guidance and access for education and training providers January 2023. ‘Making the most of everyone’s skills & talents’ Dec 2017 and is compliant with the careers guidance set out by the Government for delivery: ‘Careers Guidance and Inspiration for young people in schools’, which states all schools must give education and training providers the opportunity to talk to students about approved technical qualifications and apprenticeships.
Hawkswood Secondary work with providers in order to identify the most effective opportunity for students and share information around the education and training opportunities locally and nationally.
Our Careers Policy below outlines the way in which education and training providers should get in touch with us in order to gain access to pupils and/or parents to inform them about further opportunities This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.
“All year 11 pupils have gone onto post 16 courses in 2022, everyone achieved offers from at least one college, with most pupils having multiple offers. In October 2022 all pupils are attending college and doing well! We are so proud of our graduates!”
We welcome partnerships with employers, should you wish to contact us about any part of our careers programme, please contact our careers lead:
Hannah Bruney-Bunbury (Careers Leader Hawkswood Secondary)
Email hannah.bruney@hawkswoodgroup.org.uk
Pupil Careers Zone
If you’re in Year 11, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to do after you leave school. Explore your options here.
What you can do after Year 11 depends on things like where you live, what kind of grades you’re likely to get, what you’re interested in and what kind of environment you want to learn in. Often, the choice is between sixth form, college, an apprenticeship or a training provider.
So far your education has probably been set out for you – from primary to secondary school. You have most-likely not had to think about ‘what next’ – but now you’re expected to know what you want to do?
First up – don’t panic! You may feel that this is the most important decision of your life, but it isn’t a final choice for example; if you choose to go to college but find an opportunity within an apprenticeship it is ok to change you mind and move onto the apprenticeship in order to progress.
Of course, you want to get it right if you can, so doing some research into your choices is always going to help with making the right choice for you. Try to ignore what your friends are doing (at least just for a moment) and focus on what you want to achieve for yourself. Of course, asking advice and talking to your friends can help, but ultimately it is a matter of what is best for you. The careers and transition team will help you with exploring your options and interests and submitting applications.
Colleges
Colleges are separate from schools, so everyone turns up on their first day as a new student. Colleges tend to offer A levels, NVQs, Diplomas and Foundation Learning. Sometimes colleges specialise; for example you might have an agricultural college that does farming and animal care related courses, or a catering college that specialises in cookery courses.
“Alishea ran the college interview preparation workshop; she made me think about the subjects I am applying to study for in more detail. What aspects of them really interest me, and what skills have I developed, that will help me to succeed at college.”
– Year 11 Pupil
Traineeships
Traineeships are designed help young people who want to get an apprenticeship or job but don’t yet have appropriate skills or experience. Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for young people, aged 16 to 24, who are motivated to get a job but lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for. Those who have been unsuccessful when applying for an apprenticeship or other job due to a lack of skills and experience are most likely be good candidates for a traineeship.
Apprenticeships
With an apprenticeship, you would be working for an employer, earning a wage (at least £2.73 per hour in summer 2015), and studying for a qualification (often an NVQ) at the same time. You would be linked with a college or training provider to make sure you get all of your work done for your qualification.
“I had never considered the apprenticeship route before, I thought it was only for practical jobs like construction, but you can get into virtually any profession through apprenticeships. You can earn money while you learn too. This really interests me.”
– Year 10 Pupil
An apprenticeship offers an alternative path into employment. Sure, it hasn’t got the academic edge of going to university, but an apprenticeship should leave you more prepared for the workplace – which is the final destination anyway! An apprenticeship will teach you a skill or trade, while offering on-the-job experience and a pay-packet. There are a surprisingly wide range of apprenticeships available to search now in a variety of job sectors.
Sixth forms
Sixth forms are often attached to a school. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. If it’s the school you’ve already been at for a few years, you’ll feel comfortable and know your way around. Some people can find attending a completely new school a bit scary because lots of people there will already know each other. Sometimes sixth forms are completely separate from any other schools, and teach students from lots of different places.
What grades do you need?
The table below shows the different qualification levels. Often, to get onto a course at a particular level, you will need to have already achieved the level below the one you’re applying for. For example, to get onto a Level 2 National Diploma you will often be asked to have some GCSEs at grades D-F. This is why teachers and parents nag you to work hard and get the highest grades you can! The higher the GCSE grades, the higher the level of course you can start on.
There are some courses where, even if you get A*s, you will still need to start on Level 1 or Level 2. This is often the case for courses teaching practical skills that you don’t learn in your GCSE lessons, like hairdressing, construction, catering and animal care.
Levels | Requirements | Next Step |
Entry Level | No qualifications required | Progress to Level 1 College Traineeship |
Level 1 | Functional Skills Level 1 Maths & English GCSE 4-1 (D-G) NVQ Level 1 Certificates / Awards GNVQ Foundation |
Progress to Level 2 College Traineeship Low paid employment |
Level 2 | Functional SKills Level 2 Maths & English GCSE 9-5 (A-C) BTEC Diploma L2 CACHE Certificate NVQ Level 2 |
Progress to Level 3 College Sixth Form A Levels Employment Intermediate Apprenticeship |
Level 3 | A Level BTEC Diploma Level 3 CACHE Certificate Level 3 |
Progress to Level 4 University Advanced Apprenticeship Employment |
The link at the start of the pupil zone will take you to the Waltham Forest Hub, which details all post 16 providers and links to their websites. It also provides information about local traineeships and apprenticeships.
To visit the Careers Start Website, please click here.
Financial Support
As a 16 to 19 year old student you may be able to get help with money. There are different types of funding you may be able to claim.
16 to 19 bursary fund
There are two types of 16 to 19 bursary: Vulnerable student bursary You could get a bursary worth up to £1,200, depending on your circumstances. This group includes:
Discretionary bursary
You could get a discretionary bursary if you need financial help but don’t qualify for a vulnerable student bursary. Your education or training provider decides how much you get and what it’s used for.
How is your bursary paid?
Your education or training provider will decide how you get your bursary. You might be.
Some providers also offer one-off payments to cover study trips or travel for university interviews.
Your provider will set conditions that students should meet to receive a bursary, for example, linked to behaviour or attendance and your bursary can be stopped if you break the rules. For more information please click here.
Benefits
The general rule on benefits is that if you are under 18 you cannot make a claim for any benefits. Your parents / carers will still get child benefit or other benefits they already receive as long as you are under 19 and in full time education.
If you are not in suitable education, their child benefit may be stopped.
If you are living away from your parents out of necessity, or have a family to support, you may be able to make a claim.
For more information contact your local Jobcentre Plus office.
Travel Support
If you are in full time learning you can apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster card. There is a fee of £20.00 and you will need a colour digital photo and an e-mail address. To apply online and for more information go to https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/travel-forunder-18s/zip-oyster-photocards or visit your local post office.
Parents and Carers Careers Zone
Parent/Carer checklist
It’s a time when your children are discovering their own independence, taking more responsibility for themselves and their actions, and making some big decisions.
- Encourage your son or daughter to research their options.
- Check the dates of post-16 & college open events and put them in your diary.
- Encourage your son or daughter to discuss their options with their school’s careers and transition team, or contact the National Careers Service.
- Ensure application forms are completed and submitted on time, sixth form and college applications typically open in October.
- If your son or daughter is interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship get them to register with the National Apprenticeship Service – a number of larger companies advertise their apprenticeship opportunities for school leavers between November and February.
- If you are worried about finances contact sixth forms, colleges and training providers and ask about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.
- Support your son or daughter to develop a back-up plan, just in case.
To visit the Careers Start Website, please click here.
Teachers Careers Zone
Quick links to resources supporting the delivery of careers within your lessons:
- Exploring Job Roles / LMI | National Careers Service
- Finance / Money | Barclays Life Skills
- Real Life Videos | BBC Bitesize Careers
- Teaching Resources | My World of Work
- LMI / Real Life Stories / Resources | icould.com
- BTEC Workskills Qualification | Pearsons BTEC Workskills Qualification
Useful links
University Finders | The Complete University Guide – Which? University
Please see our careers curriculum maps below. In addition to the curriculum programme, pupils use the STEPs workbooks to progressively understand more about themselves, find out about careers and the world of work, and help them to plan for their future.
“I was very impressed by the students of Hawkswood School. They really engaged with the architectural model building activity and were not afraid to take the initiative. Students demonstrated curiosity, care and respect for their work, and I hope the insight day has inspired some of them to pursue a career in the built environment.”
– Neda Haghshenas
Social Sustainability & Community Manager
London Square Developments