Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) at Sandbach School
At Sandbach School, careers information, advice and guidance (CIAG) is offered and delivered through a wide range of integrated programmes from Years 7 to 13. ‘Careers’ forms an important part of our wider Work-Related Learning strategy and aims to meet and exceed the statutory requirements to provide impartial advice and guidance to all our students (see overview). Our careers programmes also link to important polices that promote equality and diversity (see current programmes).
We know that effective careers advice has a positive and direct impact on a student’s aspirations and motivation to succeed. As such, we aim to meet all eight of the ‘Gatsby’ benchmarks that promote effective careers delivery within schools.
The eight Gatsby ‘benchmarks’ related to effective Careers provision are:
- To provide a stable careers programme
- Learn from career and labour market information (LMI) and adapt accordingly
- Address the needs of each pupil i.e. understand their individual needs and aspirations
- Linking the student’s curriculum learning to careers
- Providing encounters with employers and employees
- Providing experiences of the workplace (in Year 10 and Year 12)
- Providing encounters with further and higher education providers (including Apprenticeship providers)
- Ensuring personal guidance is available and offered to all students
Our careers programmes are regularly reviewed using this model as a benchmark; ensuring its ultimate fitness for purpose. In addition, guidance and examples of good practice from the Career Development Institute are used to evaluate the impact of our provision.
Sandbach School’s CIAG Delivery Includes: –
- Access to independent Careers Information, Advice and Guidance provided by a Level 6 Qualified Careers Advisor
- Promotion of National Careers Service platform and resources
- Yr 7 to Yr 13 Relevant PSHCE Delivery via Tutor Group Activities
- ICT platforms such as START, Unifrog and UCAS
- Student work related ‘Enrichment’ days (off normal timetable)
- Careers Assemblies and Visiting Speakers
- Employer / Student Forums & ‘Spotlight’ Talks
- Regular Business Input and Support from our local Skills and Growth Company, The Mid-Cheshire Pledge Organisation and designated Business Advisor
- Work Experience in Year 10 and Year 12
- Promotion of Virtual Work experience or on-line learning
- Curriculum Links and Delivery via Subject Lessons
- Enterprise Activities e.g. Ryman School Shop and Charity Events
- Visits to local and national F.E., HE. and Apprenticeship Careers Events
- Virtual Careers Fairs and Events e.g. ‘Learn Live’ Channel
- STEM Club and STEM Activities
- Aspire Group meetings
- Extra-curricular activities
- House Events