Supporting your Next Steps
One of the myths that we often hear is that “Dereham Sixth Form College is most concerned with students who are going to university.” This is false!
Each year we prepare students for a wide range of future pathways. While a large percentage of our students go on to Higher Education other students successfully apply to apprenticeships, management training schemes, employment or Further Education. During your time at Dereham Sixth Form College you will be encouraged to record your interests, ambitions, skills and talents and will then be constantly alerted to local and national opportunities including university and college open days, industry specific days, talks, lectures, work experience or shadowing openings, etc. You will be challenged from day one to think about how you can acquire those much sought after ‘employability skills’ and, through a robust programme of work-related learning, will be encouraged to build up a portfolio of skills which will serve you equally well at whatever stage you join the job market.
For those students who do wish to continue their education at university we foster high aspirations and help students to select the right course and location for them. Every year we send students to Oxford and Cambridge as well as many other top selecting universities.
Throughout the academic year we provide a number of opportunities where you can learn more about the varying opportunities available to you from talks about student finance and funding, to visits from local businesses and STEM ambassadors as well as our Apprenticeships, Volunteering and Careers Fairs.
Careers
The Careers Team comprises:
Careers Co-ordinator: Mrs G. Meigh
Independent Careers Advisor: Ms K. Hull
SLT Link: Mr J. Atkin
As a dedicated Sixth Form College there is a clear focus on an aspiration career progression beyond the 16 to 19 provision. Encouraging students to consider all their options and support them into the adult world. This is evident across the College as you can see above and specific advice is given in subject areas. In both Years 12 and 13, Careers is delivered through specific guidance sessions, access to workshops and speakers, input by our alumni and through one-to-one support. A number of students also undertake work experience as part of their programme. Destinations data is collected and reported to Governors each year.
National Careers Service
Since 1st October 2014, the National Careers Service has been enhanced to provide more support to young people. It is the intention of the National Careers Service to complement, not duplicate any existing provision, so all young people have access to information and advice to help them make informed decisions about their career progression.
To assist young people in their career planning, the National Careers Service has extended the Lifelong Learning Account facility to anyone aged 13 and over. An account can be used safely to store personal documents and Skills Health Checks all in one place. Skills Health Checks are online activities which analyse an individual’s strengths, motivations, skills, interests and personal sty;es. The account also provides the option for the production of an Action Plan.
The National Careers Service points of contact for young people aged 13-18 are:
- Online through the website and webchat
- Telephone helpline (0800 100 900) to speak to a professionally qualified young person’s adviser
The National Careers Service website has a link specifically designed for young people with information about the transition points, such as going to college or starting an apprenticeship. Job profile and labour market information can also be found which can help to inform young people about the world of work.
