Key Stage 4 Curriculum linked to Gatsby Benchmarks and CDI

KS4 students receive a plethora of CEIAG throughout years 10 and 11. During year 10 the student’s continue their work with the University Ambassadors from NECOP. All students participate in a range of workshops which focus on thinking and planning for the future, learning how to be financially aware and trying out different revision techniques. The Connexions Advisors also run workshops through year 10 for all students, these workshops focus on the different pathways open to the students once they have completed their GCSEs and leave our school. 

At Marden High School we pride ourselves on offering our students the opportunity to complete a week of work experience. Students are encouraged to find their own placements to help build up resilience and responsibility, they receive ongoing support through the process from their form tutors, Year Coordinator and Careers Lead in the run up to their placement. Another integral part of the KS4 CEIAG programme is Mock Interviews. All students have a one to one interview with an employer from businesses throughout the north east. They receive immediate feedback on their performance and are offered advice on how to improve next time they find themselves in an interview situation. Mock interviews are often the first time students have been an interview situation and we feel the experience is invaluable to them in preparing for their next steps. 

As well as all these opportunities for all students in year 10, there are also many CEIAG focused events which individual students can choose to participate in if they are interested. St Anne’s College Outreach workshop, Arctic Mountaineers, Cambridge Residential and BIMA Digital Day are some examples of enhancement we offer our students. SEND students start their one to one career interviews with one of our Connexions Advisors in year 10, these continue throughout year 11. Links to Gatsby 2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8, links to CDI 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11,13,14,15,16 and 17.

By the time students start year 11, we would hope that the CEIAG they have received lower down school will have supported them in deciding on their pathway once they leave us. To ensure that all students have the information they need to make their next steps, each student will receive an individualised careers interview with our trained Career Advisor. Any student identified as requiring further IAG will receive further interviews throughout the year until they have decided on what they want to do after GCSEs.  Students who are interested in Apprenticeships will participate in a workshop which will support them in identifying and applying for suitable apprenticeships. 

All students will attend a Careers Fair where a mix of FE, HE, Apprenticeships providers and Employers are on hand to speak with students, answering their questions and where appropriate, applying for a place on a course or apprenticeship. Form tutors will continue to offer support to students regarding the pathways open to them.

NECOP work with every student to offer IAG regarding the financial side of FE and HE. The University Ambassadors are able to offer first hand accounts of life as a student and the financial responsibilities that young people need to consider. They also run a workshop focusing on creating a FutureMe. This encourages students to think about their long term goals and start to think about setting targets to ensure they will realise their goals.

As with year 10, students are able to participate in events that interest them, such as the BIMA Digital Day and St Anne’s College Outreach. Links to Gatsby 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8, links to CDI 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11,13,14,15,16 and 17.