Why is Careers Education so important?
The constant ever-changing world of work and education make it essential that all of our pupils have access to a career education that is forward-thinking and personalised.
Students need to learn strategies that will equip them to plan and manage their learning and career pathways at and beyond Dr Challoner’s High School. This learning will contribute to them gaining the toolkit they need to be impactful young adults with the qualities and competencies that they need to succeed in society and “Shape the World”.
“Career development is a lifelong process of skill acquisition and building through a continuum of learning, development and mastery. This process enables people to be in charge of their own career, with enough focus and direction for stability and enough flexibility and adaptability for change along the way.”
(Phillip S. Jarvis, 2003, p7)
We are delighted to share that Dr Challoner's High School has been offered the title of National Careers Champion & Ambassador School, being recognised not only in Buckinghamshire but nationwide, by the Careers & Enterprise Company (DfE) as an example school in outstanding Careers Education.
Our 2023 Ofsted feedback continues to reflect the breadth of our Careers programme “Careers advice is plentiful and helps pupils to be ambitious and to understand their next steps.” “Preparing them to lead modern life.” When reflecting on Sixth Form Careers support, the inspectors added that students are offered, “High quality careers advice; they feel fully supported by the school. The advice given by visiting alumnae is an absolute strength – a massive programme.”
The ultimate aim of Dr Challoner’s High School Careers provision is to equip our pupils to develop their career prospects throughout school and throughout their lives. They will continue to learn to do this lifelong, but what they learn at school is a crucial start.
At school, the Careers provision will support students in learning how to make considered decisions and act accordingly. It will provide our pupils with a platform that allows them to become confident, proactive, resourceful and resilient career managers. This is an essential part of gaining the competencies that will enable them to live full and satisfying lives and make positive contributions to society.
Whilst academics remains very important, we recognise that only by coupling it with employability will we really prepare our pupils to face the world outside of school.
You can find our Careers Policy here.
Mrs Rachel Alexander, Assistant Headteacher, oversees the Careers provision at Dr Challoner’s High School.
Mrs Etherington, Careers Lead, has the responsibility of delivering the Careers programme and working closely with pupils, parents, staff and external parties.
Pupils can approach her for:
Mrs Etherington's contact details are: [email protected] and 01494763296.
In addition to Mrs Etherington we work very closely with Mr David Ritchie, our Independent external Careers Adviser from DRAssociates, who comes in every week to have career guidance sessions with our pupils. He provides impartial advice on career paths and next steps and also uses psychometric/aptitude evaluations such as Morrisby with our pupils.
All of Year 9 and Year 11 pupils have timetabled (mandatory) slots with Mr Ritchie at least once a year.
The remaining pupils can book a session in with Mr Ritchie by emailing Mrs Etherington.
Follow Dr Challoner's High School - Careers Department on Twitter: @DCHS_Careers
The Dr Challoner’s High School Careers Programme runs from Year 7 to Year 13 as we believe that it is very important that all students are fully supported and guided through the process of planning their futures. With a dedicated in-house Careers Lead, an external Careers Adviser and a holistic Careers Programme of information, education and guidance, supported by teaching staff and the curriculum, we believe that Dr Challoner’s High School pupils are well prepared for their futures.
All staff play a proactive role in helping pupils develop the knowledge and skills to understand themselves, research the opportunities available, make decisions and successfully move on to the next steps of life after school.
Activities:
The programme is delivered through a variety of activities such as:
Goals:
With the Careers Programme, our goal is to enable all pupils to:
For our detailed Careers Programme by year group, click here.
It is reviewed each academic year in September.
Gatsby Benchmarks
1. A stable careers programme
2. Learning from career and labour market information
3. Addressing the needs of each student
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
5. Encounters with employers and employees
6. Experience of work places
7. Encounters with further and higher education
8. Personal guidance
All students should:
Provider Access Policy
Introduction
In line with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997, please see below:
Pupil entitlement
All pupils in years 8-13 are entitled:
• to find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point;
• to hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions and taster events;
• to understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.
In January 2023, the updated provider access legislation (PAL) came into force. The updated legislation specifies schools must provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education for all their students:
The new legislation will become a key mechanism to further help learners understand and take-up, not just apprenticeships, but wider technical education options such as T-Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications.
Management of provider access requests
Procedure
A provider wishing to request access should contact our Careers Lead.
Telephone: 01494763296 Email: [email protected]
Opportunities for access
A number of events, integrated into the school careers programme, will offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils and/or their parents/carers.
Provider Access Events 2023-24
| Organisation | Year Groups | Date of visit |
| Samsung (With Consalia) | Years 8, 9, 10 & 11 | 15/11/23 |
| Barnet Waddingham | Years 10-12 optional | 8/2/24 |
| ASK Apprenticeships | Years 10-12 optional | Across February |
| David Ritchie on Degree Apprenticeships | Year 12 | 6/3/24 & 13/3/34 |
| Buckinghamshire College Group | Years 8 and 10 | 10/7/24 |
At Dr Challoner's High School we believe it is very important to assess the impact of our careers programme on our students. We do this in a number a of ways.
Firstly, we identify and analyse the destinations of our Year 11 and 13 students taking into account their prior attainment.
Secondly, we are very keen to get the views of students on the Careers, Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) they receive. As per statutory requirement, at least every three years, we ask all year groups (Year 7-Year 13) to complete an online audit/survey to find out their views on individual elements of the CEIAG programme and their overall assessment of the programme.
In addition, we involve a member of the Head Girl Team to take part in regular student-led Careers meetings with other local Buckinghamshire schools. These meetings work as a focus group of "voice of the pupils", sharing feedback of what career experiences have worked well and what areas of the careers provision need some recalibration.
We also value the views of parents/guardians on how well we have helped them to support their child or children make rational informed career decisions. This is done using an online audit/survey which we use to collect feedback data on the careers provision.
In parallel, employers are asked for their feedback on the careers events that they take part in such as Careers Fairs, talks and mock interviews. In addition, the school’s Enterprise Advisers evaluate the careers programme from a business viewpoint and our Careers-linked Governor also provides input and support.
Finally, we obtain pupil feedback after each main careers event, as/when it takes place.
To view Dr Challoner's High School's Careers Newsletters, please click below:
Back dated copies are available on request by emailing [email protected]
New Issues
All students have the opportunity and are encouraged to book an appointment for a personal careers guidance interview with our qualified Careers Adviser, Mr David Ritchie. These appointments are bookable via emailing Mrs Etherington. We strongly advise all pupils to book a session to help them get some insight into subject fields and career paths for the future.
Year 9 and Year 11 have timetabled, mandatory, career guidance interviews with Mr David Ritchie during school hours. These sessions are designed to help them during key decision-making points of their school journey: GCSE and A Level choices (respectively).
The personal guidance interviews include information on the full range of education and training options, including apprenticeships and other vocational pathways, and promote the best interests of the students to whom they are given.
They are held in the Careers Office (Upper circle).
An apprenticeship is a skilled job with training, where the apprentice is guaranteed a minimum salary linked with their age. Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete and they are available at all academic levels, in a variety of sectors such as Engineering, IT, Health and Accountancy and across 1500+ occupations.
There are apprenticeships in industries like engineering, IT, health and accountancy - plus 1500 different occupations.
They break into 3 types:
The benefits of doing an Apprenticeship are that pupils will not have the expense of university fees and cost of living, but will have a salary and paid holiday as any employee. They will be undergoing tailored training to suit their sector’s requirements and this will open them up to a vast array of opportunities, whether to study further or progress in the workplace.
As they develop their Apprenticeship, their know-how in field will increase and they will be more marketable, commanding higher salaries as time evolves.
From a training standpoint, Apprenticeships have the benefit of not being a classroom “one-size fits all” type of learning environment, but much more targeted to each individual’s strengths and skill gaps, with the support of professional workplace mentors.
Find out more on:
For an Apprenticeship database:
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
For information to parents and students:
Resources for parents and guardians (apprenticeships.gov.uk)
Student activity packs (apprenticeships.gov.uk)
Local Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships | Opportunities | Buckinghamshire Skills Hub (bucksskillshub.org)
Apprenticeship as an alternative path to university:
Discover Jobs for School & College Leavers in the UK | NGTU (notgoingtouni.co.uk)
The ever-changing world of Apprenticeships and how to understand it:
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
Should pupils apply for a Degree or an Apprenticeship?
Today, Apprenticeships offer a route into highly-skilled jobs that formerly were only possible via University degree. If the pupil knows what career path they want to follow, an Apprenticeship could get them there without the burden of expensive fees - while contributing towards their professional development and employability skills. University is essential for certain careers and great for those pupils who are very passionate about academia and a more structured form of learning.
Pupils should carefully consider the pros and cons of both University and Apprenticeships before making their decision.
"80.75% of students say their parents help them to make key career decisions"
Parents helping with pupils' career decisions
This section of Dr Challoner's High School’s careers website is aimed at helping parents and carers source information to help support young people in their future decisions.
To view the full range of activities that your child will experience in the careers domain whilst at Dr Challoner's High School click here.
Below you will find three helpful sections; information about education options, types of jobs and local opportunities.
Psychometric Testing at Dr Challoner's High School:
At Y11, our Careers Advisor, Mr. David Ritchie, offers an opportunity for our pupils to undergo psychometric testing- called Morrisby Profile- to help pupils think about their future choices. The testing is followed up by a career feedback session with the pupils privately (parents are encouraged to join too). For more information on the Morrisby Profile, please click below:
Morrisby Profile - Y11 Psychometric Testing
Education Options:
There are a variety of educational routes available to pupils when they leave Dr Challoner's High School School. Click each button below to find out more:
- Apprenticeships:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
- Further Education:
Further education courses and funding: Find a course - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Local 6th Forms:
- University:
Types of jobs:
Pupils who have a vision of where they want to be in the future may find it easier to plan their next steps more easily. To help students and parents to get an idea of what types of jobs are out there we would suggest looking at a number of these websites:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/
Labour Market Information (LMI) & Local Job Information:
Bucks Skills Hub website - Our local hub provides invaluable career-related information, including guides to different job sectors, case studies on the world of work, how to make yourself more employable, and much more.
Buckinghamshire Labour Market Information
London Labour Market Information
Get Involved:
Dr Challoner's High School work with a number of organisations which support our careers programme. If you or your organisation would like to support our activities in the future please email [email protected].
Follow Dr Challoner's High School - Careers Department on Twitter: @DCHS_Careers
Dr Challoner's High School wants you to have a successful future! In order to achieve this you will take part in in a number of career activities during your time with us. For the detailed Careers Programme, please click here.
Explore different roles and the job market
Bucks Skills Hub website - Our local hub provides invaluable career-related information, including guides to different job sectors, case studies on the world of work, how to make yourself more employable, and much more.
Read About Different Job Roles
Learn About the 350 Jobs in the NHS
Take This Quiz to Find Jobs Suited to You
Find out about Buckinghamshire Jobs
Learn about Job trends in the UK
Find out about courses and pathways:
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/career-planning-and-your-degree
Further education courses and funding: Find a course - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Build your skills and strengths:
Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Helpful guides:
Personal Statement writing guide
SEND support:
Please contact Mrs Etherington for any advice relating to Careers & Next Steps Education.
Follow Dr Challoner's High School - Careers Department on Twitter: @DCHS_Careers
Dr Challoner's High School is committed to providing high quality Careers, Education, Information, Advice and Guidance to help inspire students and to enable them to make rational informed career decisions. Our career provision aims to meet all eight Gatsby Benchmarks as identified by the Gatsby Foundation.
The purpose of school is to prepare pupils for the world outside of it, so it is most important that we are “teaching through a careers lens”. Careers provision is not only the responsibility of the Careers Team and a small number of teachers, but of all staff in the school:
Careers Provision- a team effort
At Dr Challoner's High School, we encourage all subject areas to do the following:
Useful Websites:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
Follow Dr Challoner's High School - Careers Department on Twitter: @DCHS_Careers
Inspire Young Minds!
Being part of our enterprise network will provide you moments of great satisfaction but striving to make a difference can also be an exciting challenge! Having employers like you helping to inspire young minds and transform attitudes through a range of activities and opportunities is the foundation of an excellent careers programme. Our career provision aims to meet all eight Gatsby Benchmarks as identified by the Gatsby Foundation.
We are proud of our connections with employers who work closely with Dr Challoner’s High School pupils through work placements, visitor presentations, workshops, Careers Fairs, profile building, and work-related learning events.
We also have a strong link with the Buckinghamshire Skills Hub, working very closely with our local Enterprise Coordinator, Susannah Edwards, who has a strong portfolio of Employability Skills training and delivery experience.
Our two Enterprise Advisors, Leonie Taylor and Kay Rockell also work strategically with the Careers Team to progress our Careers Provision.
Leonie Taylor has an extensive background in HR (Recruitment and Learning & Development) in global organisations such as Goldman Sachs and Santander and is an invaluable support in helping us build a forward-thinking Careers vision for our pupils.
Kay Rockell has strong experience in Finance Management. Since completing college, Kay self-trained and qualified as an Accountant, working at a diverse range of organisations such as Henderson Scott and Medical Billing & Collection. She brings a wealth of numerical and data manipulation skills to the table.
Our Careers-Linked Governor, Dina Dommett, is also a key stakeholder in our careers provision. With experience from Higher Education institutions such as Yale, LSE, LBS, Oxford and Ashridge Executive Education, the school is very privileged to to benefit from her insight and coaching in areas such as Mentoring and Alumnae networking.
At Dr Challoner's High School we are busy growing your employees of the future. We need your help to raise their career aspirations, develop their employability skills and learn more about the exciting industries in Buckinghamshire.
Ways to support the Careers Provision:
What to Expect:
By getting involved you will not only be supporting future workforce development and helping to broaden the minds of the young people but you will also be developing new skills for your staff, forging community links and building a positive profile for your organisation.
We will support you throughout your visit to us to ensure we maximise the use of your valuable time. Our Careers Lead is Mrs Etherington ([email protected]) and she will:
Follow Dr Challoner's High School - Careers Department on Twitter: @DCHS_Careers
At Dr Challoner’s High School, we highly value our connection with our former pupils. We celebrate the achievements and experiences of our alumnae with current students, staff and the local community.
We are always looking to welcome mentors, guides and, most importantly, inspirational role-models, who our pupils can relate to. You are one of them!
Becoming an alumna mentor is a fun, flexible way to inspire a young person, unlock their true potential, and guide them through the early stages of their career journey.
Click here to read a welcome message from our Careers-Link Governor, Dina Dommett, talk about our Mentoring Programme
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How it works
Our mentoring programme is an opportunity for a pupil and an alumna to meet, focusing on tips and valuable practical help, from someone who has probably been through the same process!
Together, you’ll speak about career options & pathways, helping them to understand more about the next steps the pupil can take and how they can immerse themselves in the world of work. You may look at the skills they’ll need to kickstart a rewarding future a well as more practical issues such as choosing the right apprenticeship or HE provider.
The difference you’ll make
By sharing your professional and life experience you’ll help them:
Becoming a mentor is also a great way of growing your professional skill set, developing your leadership, guidance, and relationship building skills.
If you are an alumnae and would like to be involved in this scheme, please contact our Careers Lead, Mrs Etherington, on [email protected].
Follow Dr Challoner's High School - Careers Department on Twitter: @DCHS_Careers
Dr Challoner's High School
Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont
Buckinghamshire
HP7 9QB
