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CAREERS EDUCATION

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Statement of Purpose

Frensham Heights is committed to providing an exceptional careers education that prepares students for life beyond school. As a collaborative community, everyone is valued, respected, and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Careers Programme, built around the Gatsby Benchmarks and CDI Framework, supports this mission by equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to make informed career decisions and succeed in the 21st-century workplace. The school's values are embedded throughout the curriculum and reflected in the collection of digital badges offered through the wider curriculum.

​Using Unifrog, and various physical experiences and interactions, we believe all students will have the opportunity and support to succeed and find their passion and purpose in the wider community. We are committed to striving for the highest standards in line with the ISI Inspection Framework which endeavours to give “pupils of secondary age (11+) access to accurate, up-to-date, impartial careers guidance so that they are able to make informed choices about a broad range of careers options and which helps them to fulfil their potential” (ISI, 2024). 

STRATEGIC GOALS

Strategic Goals

The strategic goals of the Career Related Learning (CRL) programme of the school are to; 

  • Ensure all career related activity and programmes are inclusive promoting equality, mutual respect and a generosity of spirit. (Gatsby Benchmark (GB) 1. A stable career’s programme) 

  • Equip students with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to navigate the evolving job market and thrive in their chosen careers securing their future success.  (GB 2. Learning from career and labour market information) 

  • Provide a nurturing environment where students can explore and develop their unique careers, interests, and strengths. Ensuring each individual feels supported and valued. (GB 3. Addressing the needs of each pupil) 

  • Integrate careers education in the broader curriculum to inspire creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for lifelong learning. Preparing students for a diverse career path in the modern world. (GB 4. Linking curriculum to learning to careers) 

  • Instil a sense of ethical responsibility and Community engagement in students, encouraging them to consider the broader impact of their career choices and to contribute positively to society. (GB 5. Encounters with employers and employees) 

  • Provide a hands-on, real-world experiences through internships, job shadowing and industry partnerships, allowing students to gain practical skills and insights into various careers. (GB 6. Experiences of the workplace) 

  • Facilitate opportunities for students to collaborate with peers, mentors, and industry professionals, building a strong network that supports their career development. (GB 7. Encounters with further and higher education.) 

  • Offer a variety of enrichment activities such as guest speakers, individual conversations, workshops and careers fairs to broaden students' horizons and expose them to a wide range of careers possibilities. (GB 8. Personal guidance) 

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PE coach with students for hockey practice

Commitment & Vision Statement

commitment & vision

Frensham Heights is committed to: 

  • Preparing students to manage their future education and career paths throughout adult life through a comprehensive programme of Careers Education and Work-Related Learning . 

  • Achieving excellence in this area of the curriculum, accredited through the Quality in Careers Standard Award by July 2026. 

  • Providing independent, impartial face-to-face careers guidance for pupils in years 8 to 13. 

  • Ensuring all students have equitable access to impartial careers advice and guidance from external sources. 

Careers Work at Frensham Heights – Aims and Outcomes 

The Careers Programme is designed to be accessible and responsive to the needs of each student, with specific aims and learning outcomes for each year group. It is linked to the CDI Careers Development Framework and ensures that every student has access to impartial, external information and guidance delivered through expert in-house staff and specialist strategic partners.

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Aims and Outcomes
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Year 7 and 8 
  • Gatsby Benchmarks: 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 

  • Topics: Exploring possibilities, understanding careers, work-life balance, and future planning. 

  • Delivery: Tutor-led sessions using Unifrog resources. 

  • CDI Framework Links: Self-awareness, exploring careers and career development, managing career decisions. 

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Year 9 
  • Gatsby Benchmarks: 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 

  • Topics: Skills identification, education pathways, decision-making, and labour market understanding. 

  • Delivery: Tutor-led sessions using Unifrog resources, including psychometric tests. 

  • CDI Framework Links: Identifying choices and opportunities, planning and deciding, handling applications and interviews. 

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Years 10 and 11 
  • Gatsby Benchmarks: 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 

  • Topics: Work experience preparation, employment skills, post-16 options, and financial literacy. 

  • Delivery: Unifrog platform, work experience interactions with employers and mentors, and Sixth Form information evenings. 

  • CDI Framework Links: Developing employability skills, understanding the world of work, managing transitions. 

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Sixth Form 
  • Gatsby Benchmarks: 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 

  • Topics: Higher education applications, career goals, networking, and personal branding. 

  • Delivery: Unifrog, Investin experiences, careers podcasts, and guest speakers. Inclusion of Life Beyond Frensham week of activities. 

  • CDI Framework Links: Managing career development, understanding the job market, developing professional networks. 

School-wide Implementation

Gatsby Benchmarks: 4 and 5 â€‹

Careers posters are displayed throughout each department area, highlighting the links between careers and related curricula. This whole school approach to Careers Education is further evidenced through the Careers in the Curriculum Matrix, which showcases interactions between employers and employees across different year groups. For example, highlights include the BusinessInsights@FrenshamHeights TED-style talks and Emergency Services visits to the Junior School, alongside various guest speakers during morning talks and Interest Lectures. Students also experience meaningful interactions with employers and employees during school trips, such as to New York. 

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UNIFROG

Unifrog Spiral Curriculum 

Careers Education is embedded throughout life at Frensham Heights and delivered through the tutorial programme. Below are examples of the work the students complete each month to help learn more about themselves, the world around them and empowering them to make informed decisions about their next steps. 

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Gatsby Benchmarking

The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework of eight guidelines that define best practices for delivering world-class careers education, information, advice, and guidance. Developed based on international research, these benchmarks help schools and colleges provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their future careers. 

At Frensham Heights, we recognise the importance of these benchmarks in preparing our students for successful futures. By integrating the Gatsby Benchmarks into our careers programme, we ensure that every student receives personalised support, access to valuable career and labour market information, and opportunities to engage with employers and higher education institutions. This comprehensive approach empowers our students to explore their interests, develop their strengths, and achieve their career aspirations. 

A link to Gatsby can be found here  

Good Career Guidance | Education | Gatsby 

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SEND Gatsby Toolkit 

At Frensham Heights, we are committed to providing comprehensive and inclusive career guidance to all our students. Our mission is to foster a supportive and dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential. 

In line with our values of inclusivity and excellence, the SEND Gatsby Benchmark Toolkit is used to enhance our careers programme. This offers practical guidance to support young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in their career development. By aligning with the Gatsby Benchmarks, a framework of best practices for career guidance, we ensure that our careers programme meets the diverse needs of our students, promoting positive career outcomes for all. 

You can access the SEND Gatsby Benchmark Toolkit below to learn more about how we support our students' career aspirations. 

sendgatsbytoolkit.pdf 

Gatsby

CDI Framework 

The Career Development Institute (CDI) framework outlines essential principles and practices for effective career education and guidance. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that our students receive high-quality, personalised career support, helping them to explore their interests, develop their skills, and achieve their career goals, the Framework is embedded within the Unifrog Spiral curriculum. You can learn more about the CDI framework here. 

CDI_90-Framework-Career_Development_skills-web.pdf 

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CDI Framework
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Inclusivity Statement

At Frensham Heights, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates individuality and promotes equal opportunities for all students. Our mission is to empower tomorrow’s changemakers through a transformative education that values creativity, community spirit, and authenticity. We believe that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, deserves access to high-quality career guidance and support. 

Aligning with Gatsby Benchmark 3, we address the individual needs of each student by providing tailored career guidance that challenges stereotypes and raises aspirations. Our careers programme is designed to support students with SEND and other vulnerable groups, ensuring they receive personalised advice and opportunities to explore their career interests. 

We strive to fulfil the principles outlined by the CDI framework and adhere to the standards set by Ofsted for inclusive education. By maintaining accurate records of each student's career aspirations and progress, we ensure that our careers provision is continuously improving, meeting the diverse needs of our student body. 

Inclusivity Statement

Next Steps 

At Frensham Heights, we are dedicated to preparing our students for a successful future beyond school. Our Sixth Form plays a pivotal role in promoting various pathways, including university education in the UK and abroad, gap years, apprenticeships, and direct entry into the workforce. Through strategic partnerships with organisations such as The University Guys and Transform Society we provide expert guidance on university applications and course selection. We also offer resources from the Gap Year Association, UCAS, and the National Apprenticeship Service to ensure our students have access to accurate, up-to-date, and impartial information. 

In line with ISI Section 4, our careers provision highlights a range of options and ensures meaningful interactions for all students, regardless of their background or protected characteristics. By offering personalised support and a wealth of opportunities, we empower our students to make informed decisions about their future and achieve their career aspirations. 

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Useful Links:  

UCAS | At the heart of connecting people to higher education 

Browse apprenticeships before you apply 

Unifrog 

Start Your Gap Year Here – Gap Year Association 

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Next Steps
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Diverse Destinations of Frensham Heights Students

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The destinations our students pursue after leaving Frensham Heights are as diverse and wonderful as the students themselves. From prestigious universities across the globe to unique gap year experiences and fulfilling apprenticeships, our alumni embark on a variety of exciting paths. Explore the map below to see some of the universities and subjects our students have chosen, showcasing the breadth of their achievements and aspirations. 

Supporting Informed Career Decisions

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At Frensham Heights, we are committed to providing our students with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions about their futures.  We display posters on the local labour market index in curriculum areas and offer interactive tools such as the Skillsometer and Careerometer widgets shown below. These resources help students identify careers that match their skills, personal attributes, and interests. 

By utilising the information and tools provided by LMI for All, we ensure that our students have access to accurate, up-to-date, and impartial career guidance aligning with the principles of the Gatsby Benchmarks, ISI standards, and the CDI framework, ensuring that our careers provision is comprehensive and inclusive. 

Explore the following resources to learn more about the labour market and career opportunities: 

These resources empower our students to explore various career paths and make choices that align with their aspirations and strengths. 

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Qualifications Explained

At Frensham Heights, we recognise that every student is unique, with different strengths, interests, and career aspirations. Our comprehensive careers guidance programme ensures that all students are encouraged to pursue the right path for them, whether that be through academic, technical, vocational, or work-based qualifications. 

We provide personalised support to help students explore their options and make informed decisions about their future through a range of activities and resources and provide one-to-guidance. By offering a range of qualifications, students can make their next steps positive ones and pursue qualifications including T Levels, BTEC Extended Diplomas, City and Guilds apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees, and Honours Degrees at Further and Higher Education Institutes or Workplaces. This approach aligns with the principles of the Gatsby Benchmarks, ISI standards, and the CDI framework, ensuring that our careers provision is inclusive and effective. 

Our commitment to inclusivity means that every student receives the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their background or abilities. We believe that by supporting each student's individual journey, we can help them achieve their full potential and prepare for a successful future. 

A brief summary of the major pathways are shown below. 

Qualfications

Useful Links for Students and Parents 

At Frensham Heights, we believe that the collaborative efforts of students, parents, alumni and the school are essential in guiding our students towards bright and successful futures. By working together, we can provide comprehensive support and resources that help students make informed decisions about their education and career paths. 

Below, you will find a selection of useful links that offer valuable information and guidance for both students and parents. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from career advice and university applications to apprenticeships and gap year opportunities. By exploring these links, you can gain insights into the various pathways available and make well-informed choices that align with your aspirations and goals. 

We encourage students and parents to utilise these resources and engage in open discussions with our dedicated careers team. Together, we can ensure that every student at Frensham Heights receives the support they need to achieve their full potential. 

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useful links

Work Experience

At Frensham Heights, we know that work experience is a vital component of our students' education, providing them with invaluable insights into the world of work and helping them to develop essential skills and a valuable network for their future careers. Our ethos of fostering creativity, community spirit, and authenticity is reflected in our commitment to offering diverse and meaningful work experience opportunities. By integrating work experience into our careers programme, we ensure that our students can explore their interests, develop their strengths, and gain practical experience in real-world settings. This approach aligns with our values of excellence, inclusivity, and holistic development, preparing our students to thrive in their chosen paths. 

Work experience is a key element of the Gatsby Benchmarks, particularly Benchmark 6, which emphasises the importance of first-hand experiences of the workplace.  Currently we are actively discussing work experience placements in the traditional form at a strategic level. In the meantime, we invite guest speakers and industry professionals to engage with our students to create meaningful interactions and promote virtual work experience opportunities through providers such as Springpod and InvestIN. These initiatives ensure that our students have meaningful encounters with employers and gain insights into various career paths. 

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InvestIN | The Ultimate Work Experience – InvestIN Education 

What is Virtual Work Experience with Springpod? | Springpod 

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Work Experience
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Alumni Focus

At Frensham Heights, we value the contributions of our alumni, known as Old Frenshamians, who play a crucial role in enriching our Careers provision. By partnering with them through the Frensham for Life program, we provide our current students with valuable insights and guidance on life beyond Frensham Heights and career opportunities. Their experiences and achievements serve as inspiration, helping our students to navigate their own paths with confidence. 

We are always eager to strengthen our connections with Old Frenshamians and welcome more alumni to share their stories and expertise. If you are an Old Frenshamian and would like to get involved, please get in touch with us. 

Contact 

Grant Gallacher 

Head of Business, Economics and Careers 

grantgallacher@frensham.org 

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