Intent
All young people require a structured programme of activities to help them make informed decisions about their pathways at ages 14 and 16, supporting them in managing their careers, progressing professionally, and maintaining employability throughout their lives. At Coal Clough Academy, we are committed to offering impartial Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) to assist students in their transition to further or higher education, vocational training, or employment. We aim to ensure that students actively participate in all activities, enjoy the experience, and find it both engaging and rewarding, while also working towards achieving their career aspirations. The CEIAG programme has been designed to involve parents and local employers, both within the school and the wider community, to help students become motivated and employable young people, in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks.
Years 7 & 8 – We strive to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of workplace roles and rights, addressing issues such as gender stereotypes and the representation of minority groups in the workforce. Our goal is to expand their outlook on the future, fostering ambition and self-confidence. We provide opportunities to develop essential career skills, including communication, teamwork, listening, and problem-solving. Additionally, we aim to raise awareness of the wide range of potential career paths and the steps needed to pursue them, whether through university, college, or apprenticeships. We also focus on promoting self-esteem, self-care, and overall physical and mental wellbeing, preparing students for the demands of the workplace.
Year 9 – In Year 9, our goal is to empower students to make informed decisions about their GCSE selections and future post-16 options. We encourage them to broaden their perspectives and focus on their future aspirations, fostering ambition and selfconfidence. Students will continue to build essential skills that will support their future career or academic pursuits. They will have access to various opportunities, including interactions with employers and post-16 providers, to help guide their decision-making. We will support students in gaining a deeper understanding of academic, vocational, and technical pathways, preparing them to make well-informed choices about their next steps, whether that involves pursuing vocational or GCSE pathways with us or returning to their mainstream school.
Year 10 – At KS4, we integrate careers education throughout the curriculum, ensuring it is part of both vocational and core subject lessons. We offer students opportunities to engage in meaningful interactions with employers and gain exposure to a variety of career pathways. This includes facilitating experiences in both Foundational Education (such as college and apprenticeships) and Higher Education (university and beyond), through enrichment visits to universities, colleges, and workplaces. We also foster strong connections with local employers and are working to expand these partnerships, bringing employers into the school to share insights about their roles and career journeys. Additionally, all Year 10 students are offered work experience to help them explore their career interests and make informed decisions as they prepare for the transition to Year 11.
Year 11 – In Year 11, we ensure that students are equipped to make informed decisions about their post-16 options, whether that’s A-Levels, employment, or further training such as apprenticeships. We offer opportunities for social action, allowing students to contribute to society through charity work and placements with local employers. We support students in developing essential skills like CV writing, personal statement preparation, and job search strategies. We organise assemblies with providers from both foundational education and higher education, as well as career events both within the school and in the wider community. Each student receives an individualisedprogression plan, with additional support for those with diverse learning and social needs. We also provide guidance throughout the interview process for apprenticeships, college applications, or employment opportunities. For students seeking further inspiration, we arrange visits to career events, colleges, and universities. Additionally, we offer targeted careers support for students who join us later in the academic year, ensuring every student at Coal Clough Academy has access to the full range of opportunities to shape their future.
Further information about our 2024-2025 Careers Programme can be accessed here.
