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At The Westlands School, we understand the importance of careers education for all students in Year 7 through to Year 13. The careers provision we offer seeks to deliver on the Department for Education Careers Statutory Guidance (January 2018). The Westlands School is working to achieve the 8 Gatsby Careers Benchmarks, which reflect international best practice, to improve careers provision. As a school, we will be ensuring that all 8 Gatsby Benchmarks are fully implemented by September 2020.
In addition to our links with local universities, through being part of the Kent and Medway Progression Federation (KMPF) we are working closely with the Careers and Enterprise Company, who regularly advise us as we work towards the Gatsby Benchmarks which set out best practices for all schools across the country. We are also supported by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) who deliver workshops to the students on important topics such as employability.
Within the school we have progressed further with careers initiatives by introducing our Careers Hub. This is a fantastic space dedicated to careers which includes software and prospectuses. We now also have a dedicated careers advisor who is able to deal with any questions regarding future prospects. Our careers hub is available for students at lunchtimes and after school.
Before school, at lunchtimes and after school on a Thursday the careers team will be available to speak to students about future plans and aspirations and are able to answer any questions that students might have regarding their next steps. Parents and carers are always welcome to contact the Careers Advisor Miss Taylor or Miss Houlker - Careers Lead, to seek advice and ask any questions they might have regarding career pathways.
Our series of ‘An audience with’ and ‘Spotlight in careers’ ensure we have a variety of guests coming to the school to speak to students about a range of careers and interesting experiences. We also hold a yearly Careers Fair for years 10 – 13 in Term 3. This year’s fair was in February and had over 25 different companies and jobs represented.
If you would like to come and deliver a talk to students on ‘Spotlight in careers’ or you would like to be part of our careers Fair, please speak to Miss Taylor.