Careers

Investor in Careers

We are pleased to announce that Paddington Academy has committed to achieving the Investor in Careers award. This is a kite mark used in schools across the country to recognise quality provision of Careers Education and Guidance. Through developing the careers programme and working towards this award, we aim to make Paddington Academy a leader in careers education and guidance.  The Academy’s careers policy is available here

A copy of the student entitlement is available here

Careers programme

A new careers programme for all year groups is in place. 
By the end of Key Stage 3, students will:

• Know how to use the careers library
• Have found out more about themselves, including their skills and talents, personal qualities, and possibilities for change
• Know how to make decisions, such as choosing GCSE/ BTEC options
• Have learned about equal opportunities
• Have met the Careers & Guidance Co-ordinators and Connexions Advisers
• Have used KUDOS to find out more about the types of work they are suited to and interested in
• Have discovered more about the world of work and the choices they have to make
• Have started the process of action planning

 

By the end of Key Stage 4, students will have:

• Had the chance to do a work or voluntary placement
• Used computer resources such as KUDOS and Jobs 4 U to continue to find out more about the types of work in which they are interested
• Received more information about their post-16 options
• Developed an action plan
• Had a guidance interview with Connexions, and help to decide about their next step
• Had information about local colleges
• Had the opportunity to speak to employers and training providers about their prospects for the future

Engaging with local employers

As well as the careers programme, Paddington Academy is developing student’s awareness of careers throughout the curriculum. Speakers from different industries regularly come into lessons and assemblies to speak about careers. In the past year we have welcomed employers from Marks & Spencers, VISA, London Underground, a Fashion Designer, Cabinet Office, DDB Advertising, and the BBC amongst many more. We are also proud to work with Brokerage City Link, Westminster Volunteers Centre and Young Enterprise, and Year 10 students take part in the Lion Heart challenge.

Work experience

Students in year 10 have the opportunity to take part in a week’s work experience. The main focus of this is for students to develop their employability skills and consider the importance of communication and team work while in the work place. Students are encouraged to find their own placement in an area of work that interests them; alternatively, they are able to choose from a database of employers provided by City of Westminster Council.

Holiday activities

During the summer holidays and October half-term students from Years 7 to 11 took part in a range of fun and exciting activities. These included visits to the London Aquarium, the Arsenal Emirates Cup, the Thriller Musical, a Kung Fu theatre show, horse riding at the Westway Stables, go-karting, the IMAX cinema, the Science museum and a day trip to Paris.
These activities rewarded students for their hard work and effort throughout the year, and gave them the opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and experience new things. All students who took part did a fantastic job of representing the Academy, and many said it was the highlight of their holiday. A student in year 11 who went to an Arsenal match said: “the trip brought together students from different years and we all got along. It was my first time going to the Emirates Stadium, and I was astonished”. We hope to offer similar opportunties to student in the summer holidays next year.

Connexions

In addition to the Careers Department, the Academy also has a Connexions Personal Adviser, Nicky Libero, who works in school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Connexions is an information, advice and guidance service for all young people aged 13-19. Personal Advisers (PAs) are able to talk to you about the following things:

• Careers advice
• Part time work and CV writing
• Volunteering opportunities
• Getting involved in activities outside of school such as youth clubs, drama or sports
• Housing or money problems

The Connexions Office is based within Mr Twine and Ms Shortt’s room on the second floor. You can see Nicky during break time or lunch time drop in. You can also ask to make an appointment by speaking to Nicky, your form tutor or your Head of Year.

Useful links

Click here to see a chart showing Post-16 qualification and progression routes

http://www.connexions-direct.com/ Information and advice on different issues relevant to young people
www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u  Careers database with information on thousands of different jobs
http://www.mychoicelondon.co.uk/  Search for courses across all London schools and colleges
http://www.ucas.com/ In formation on degree courses and how to apply for university
http://www.londonapprenticeship.co.uk/  Apprenticeship opportunities available in London