Options and Career Pathways

Raising of participation age (RPA) The Government has increased the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training; since 2015 all young people have been expected to remain in some form of education and training until they are 18 years old. This means that students will able to choose one of the following options post-16: full-time education, such as school or college an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship part-time education or training if you are employed, self-employed or volunteering full-time (which is defined as 20 hours or more a week). Training, which also includes The Army or other forces. An education to employment scheme such as a traineeship. Taken from http://www.education.gov.uk

Similar age range of 16-19 years old 6th form Smaller classes Similar age range of 16-19 years old Familiar environment Not always able to offer as many practical courses. College Wider age range- can include adults, over 19’s, evening classes and overseas students all under one roof. Wider variety of subjects Larger environment Apprenticeships Earn whilst you learn Day release to college or training centre Can be in the field of work you want to do. Training Including the army. Helps to get certificates and qualifications ready to go onto to college or into work. Smaller environments Similar age ranges Employment Start earning money Can be difficult to get jobs with few qualifications Education is free until your are 19 At 16 young people can take up part time work that doesn’t interfere with studies. Post 16 the main options are- 6th form, college, apprenticeships, training or employment (although this will change after the current year 11’s leave-as discussed with RPA). Here are the main differences between all the possibilities. The biggest difference between college and 6th form is their size and what can be offered. Some like a fresh start or want to do something practical and others prefer familiarity. It is a completely personal choice.

APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships offer structured training in the workplace Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels. Intermediate : Level 2 (5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C) Advanced : Level 3 (2 A level passes) Higher : Levels 4,5,6 and 7 (Foundation degree and above) Degree : Level 6 and 7 (Bachelor’s or master’s degree) Assessed by preparing a portfolio of evidence of work All include key skills, such as communication, numeracy and IT. If your Apprenticeship includes a technical certificate, there may also be some exams which are mainly multiple choice Most Apprenticeships are ‘employer-led’, you have to find a job with an employer although there are some local and national training providers who will match potential apprentices to vacancies. Available to 16-24 year olds (there are now also adult apprenticeships) Some will still ask for GCSE’s and especially in English, Maths and Science at grade C/D. Mixture of work placement and college/training provider Apprenticeships are great but they aren’t for everyone and certainly shouldn’t be seen as an easy route. They are tougher than just doing a course or working full time. I try to explain that whilst their friends may be at college only 3 days a week the will be working full time and going to college 1 day a week so is not something to be entered into lightly. I also explain about what they are asking from an employer- wages, training and a day off a week which is why salaries aren’t always great initially but this is training them for a career.

3 LEVELS AVAILABLE- INTRODUCTORY, FIRST AND NATIONAL BTEC’S 3 LEVELS AVAILABLE- INTRODUCTORY, FIRST AND NATIONAL MORE PRACTICAL, COURSEWORK BASED AND ASSESSMENT AS YOU GO ALONG. NORMALLY WILL STUDY BTEC ON ITS OWN. CAN STILL GO TO UNIVERSITY BUT WOULD NEED TO CHECK ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICULAR DEGREES AND WOULD NEED DISTINCTION/MERIT FOR POINTS. WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE A DEGREE IN A RELATED AREA E.G BTEC ENGINEERING TO DEGREE IN ENGINEERING. AVAILABLE IN A RANGE OF SUBJECTS- PERFORMING ARTS, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, ART AND DESIGN, PUBLIC SERVICES…. WOULD NEED TO KNOW THAT IT WAS AN AREA YOU DEFINITELY SAW YOURSELF GOING IN TO. BTEC’s post 16 have 3 different levels. The National diploma is a level 3 course and equivalent to 2 A levels. At college you would study the BTEC normally on its own. In some 6th forms they will offer the level 3 btec and 1 A level subject. BTEC’s re often seen as a lesser qualification than A levels but this depends on the path the young person wants to take. Entry requirements for level 3 are not too dissimilar to A levels so I think it is more a historical view that sometimes makes young people think they are not as good. I always give the scenario that with BTEC you need to know that is your are of interest as if you did a level 3 btec in engineering but then wanted to go to uni to study law, then they wont match but btec engineering and degree in engineering will give them a better chance as they are related. Most uni’s not validate BTEC’s but usually would need to get distinction or merit to receive enough points for degree courses. If young people have particular uni’s in mind it is useful to research this before taking a btec in case they wont acknowledge it.

Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups

Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups Letter to parents in January 2019

Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups Letter to parents in January 2019 Y9 Parents Evening: Thursday 14.02.19

Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups Letter to parents in January 2019 Y9 Parents Evening: Thursday 14.02.19 Parents Options Evening: Thursday 28.02.19

Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups Letter to parents in January 2019 Y9 Parents Evening: Thursday 14.02.19 Parents Options Evening: Thursday 28.02.19 Option Form returned to Mr Newton – early March

Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups Letter to parents in January 2019 Y9 Parents Evening: Thursday 14.02.19 Parents Options Evening: Thursday 28.02.19 Option Form returned to Mr Newton – early March Options Outcomes to parents: June/July