Careers
Preparing students for Post 16 begins in Year 7. Like all schools, Dowdales ensures that whilst they at the school each student will have access to:
A stable careers programme
Learn from carer and labour market information
Support for their individual needs
Curriculum learning is linked to careers, where appropriate
Encounters with employers and employees
Experience of the work place
Encounters with Higher and Further education
Personal guidance
In addition, preparation also happens when students reach Year 9. Here, they are guided in their option choices ensuring that students choose the correct options that will allow them to follow their chosen career path.
Throughout Year 10 and 11 there is an extensive careers programme, this includes all local further education establishments delivering presentations about their programmes of study to enable students to make the correct choice for them should they wish to continue studies. We have many links with universities from across the country giving our students a knowledge and taste of university life.
In addition to this, visits are made from all major local businesses, where students are given relevant information should they wish to pursue a career in one of these areas. All applications are fully supported by Mr Ridyard our specialist Careers and Inspira Adviser.
The following take place for each year group as part of our stable careers programme:
Careers Programme
Throughout the school year a number of events are integrated into the school careers programme offering providers an opportunity to come in to school to speak to students and/or their parents and carers.
Mr Rushton, Assistant Headteacher, Careers Leader
01229 469800
Email: click here
Mr Ridyard, Professional Adviser, Inspira
01229 469800/ 01229 824052
Email: click here
Inspira is a specialist provider of services for young people. Inspira services support personal development and informed decision-making that promotes positive life choices and outcomes for people at key transition points in their lives.
We work closely with Inspira to ensure as many of our ex-students as possible enter education, employment or training. This helps us to measure and assess our careers programme and its impact on our students.
For more information visit Inspira’s website: https://www.inspira.org.uk/
Year 7
Careers Survey
University Taster Visit
World of World session with local businesses and providers (summer term)
Year 8
University Taster Visit
University Provider Assembly with Higher Education Focus
Careers talks from outside providers
World of Work session with local businesses and providers (summer term)
Year 9
KS4 Options Evening, and Careers Fair
University Provider Assembly with Higher Education Focus
World of World session with local businesses (summer term)
University Taster Days
Selected cohort visit the University of Cambridge and Oxford University
Year 10
Cohort of students enrolled on to local 6th Form College Honours Programme
STEM event organised by BAE Systems
Selected cohort visit the University of Cambridge and Oxford University
Selected cohort enrolled on the University of Warwick Unitracks Programme
University Taster Days
One to One Careers Interviews
Work Experience
Year 11
Cohort of students enrolled on to local 6th Form College Honours Programme
Tuesday morning Careers focused talks
Careers Fair for students, parents and carers
Interview practice event
Preparation for Learning Careers Focus
Further Education and Apprenticeship Provider Assemblies
One to One Careers Interviews
Supportive optional workshops
Access to dedicated TEAMS careers bulletin with open evening, course and apprenticeship information