Careers Education

The Gatsby Benchmarks were developed on behalf of the Gatsby Foundation by Sir John Holman. They define what world class careers provision in education looks like and provide a clear framework for organising careers provision.

There are 8 Gatsby Benchmarks;

1. A Stable Careers Programme
   “Every school and College should have an embedded programme of career education and guidance that is know and understood by pupil, parents and employers.”

   What we do:

• Careers lessons as part of the PSHE programme of study.
• Dedicated careers leader within the College
• Dedicated careers page on our website highlighting key areas of the careers programme.
• Regular careers events (shown below)

2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
   “Every pupil, and their parents should have access to good quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities.

   What we do:

• Year 8 GCSE Options Evening
• Year 11 A Level Options Evening
• UCAS presentation for Year 12 pupils and parents
• Careers information passed on though the Parent Briefing

3. Addressing the needs of each Pupil
   “Pupils have different career guidance needs at different stages. Opportunities for advice and support needs to be tailored to the needs of each pupil.”

   What we do:

• All students leaving school have their destinations recorded
• All Year 11 complete an option questionnaire following the A Level options evening which is used to inform the one-to one meetings.
• Years 7-11 receive a PSHE programme with student workbooks for a record which students can refer to. Stereotypes challenged in all parts of the PSHE programme.

4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
   “All teachers should link curriculum learning with careers.”

   What we do:

• PSHE delivered as a subject in Years 7 and 8.
• PSHE delivered as part of a rolling programme in Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.
• Year 10 Project Trident work experience.
• Assemblies on different careers.
• Some subjects invite guests in to talk about the relevance of the subject to their employment
• Year 12 Future Leaders Programme
• Stem projects

5. Encounters with Employers and Employees
   “Every pupil should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment, and the skills that are valued.”

   What we do:

• PSHE lessons on different careers throughout all Key Stages
• Trident work experience
• Cyber security workshops
• Jersey Skills Show
• Jersey Youth Assembly
• Year 10 Careers Carousel
• Jersey Finance Presentation for Year 12/13 parents and pupils.
• Royal Navy Attract Event
• Royal Navy/Marines/RAF Careers talks
• Year 12/13 – various talks from different employment sectors

6. Experiences of workplaces
   “Every pupil should have first-hand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing and/or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities, and expand their networks.”

   What we do:

• Year 10 Trident work placement
• Year 12 / 13 work experience placements
• Year 12 Leavening events provide opportunities to work with local charities and organisations.
• Year 12 Future Leaders Programme
• Information/PSHE lessons for Year 12/13 showcasing summer work opportunities, (e.g., Walkers Business Summer School)

7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education 
   “All pupils should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes both academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace.”

   What we do:

• Year 9 Higher Education Fair
• Year 12/13 students encouraged to attend University open days
• De La Salle University Trip
• UCAS presentation for Year 12 pupils and parents
• Opportunity to attend University College (Jersey) open morning
• Year 12/13 presentation on university courses/study in Australia and New Zealand
• Opportunity to attend the Higher Education Fair

8. Personal Guidance
   “Every pupil should have opportunities for guidance interviews with a careers advisor, who could be internal or external.”

   What we do:

• Year 11 – Careers consultations for selected students who have indicated that they will not be staying at De La Salle, hosted by impartial careers advisors.
• Year 11 – Opportunity for Parents and Pupils to meet a Senior member of staff to discuss Career options and post 16 study options.
• Year 12 – Opportunity for Parents and Pupils to meet a Senior member of staff to discuss Career options and post 18 study options.
• Year 12 – have unlimited one to one meetings with their tutors
• Year 13 – open door policy with Head of sixth form and house tutor about employment and university applications
• Year 13 – dedicated PSHE lessons covering CV writing, personal statements and UCAS applications.