Connexions is a service for young people aged 13 – 19 offering advice and guidance about career pathways and other life issues. The Connexions Personal Adviser attached to St Benedict’s is Sarah Gerrard. She works together with the Work Related Learning Co-ordinator to ensure that every student has a well-informed and realistic plan in place for after Year 11. She is usually in school two days a week and meets the students at the following stages:
Year 8: The Real Game. Whole year group activity where students are allocated a job at random and given budgeting exercises to complete according to income
Year 9: Introduction to careers area of library in form groups and individual help with option choices for a few students as required
Year 10: Introduction to Computer Aided Guidance and individual help for some students in summer term
Year 11: Individual interview for every student in Autumn term (may see in small groups if appropriate). Follow up work where necessary.
She attends annual reviews for all Statemented pupils from year 9 onwards and works closely with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Pastoral Heads to support any young people facing difficulties that may have an impact on their future.
Students wishing to make appointments can do so through the school office or Sarah can be contacted directly on 07740 401943 or at sarah.gerrard@cswpconnexions.org.uk
For help outside term time please contact our office at:
4 Mansell Street, Stratford on 01789 296362.
COMPUTER AIDED GUIDANCE - Available through internet:
www.careerscapeonline.co.uk
username: C19184 password: bestfind11
Choose between:
Kudos – careers matching programme
Careerscape – careers information database
www.connexions-direct.com
National Connexions site with link to jobs4u - careers information database
www.iyss.org.uk
Link to Coventry and Warwickshire Connexions Website including local job vacancies
www.cwworldofwork.org.uk
Local labour market information
ONLINE PROSPECTUSES FOR POST 16 COURSES
www.route14-19.co.uk Coventry and Warwickshire
www.area-prospectus.com Worcestershire
www.youchoose14-19.com Birmingham and Solihull
CAREERS AREA IN LIBRARY
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Careers information: eg ‘Working In….’ series, Occupations Guide.
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Information on post 16 options including full time education, work and training
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Prospectuses for local school sixth forms and further education colleges and contact details for training providers
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Information about Higher Education
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Help with job seeking skills, eg completing application forms and preparing for interviews
