Careers
At Crown Hills Community College, we are passionate about supporting students through the process of deciding upon the direction they take after finishing school. We provide impartial guidance and advice on further education, training or employment across KS3 and KS4 and involve many outside agencies such as employers. If you have any queries about careers, higher education or work experience please contact our Careers Leader, Mr Yusuf Patel, on 01162736893 or ypatel@crownhills.leicester.sch.uk. Our Careers Advisor Sharon Squires ssquires@crownhills.leicester.sch.uk
To read our Provider Access Policy Statement and our Safeguarding Policy please see our Policy Page
Our Mission is simple:
“We want every student to be the best they can be, thrive in the best possible career and contribute positively to society.”
A young person’s career is the progress they make in learning and work. All young people are entitled to a planned programme of careers activities to help them to choose pathways that are right for them, to be able to manage their education and career options and sustain employability throughout their lives. Crown Hills is committed to providing a planned programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance for all.
To find out about some of our fantastic former students please click here. We will share their journey into the world of work and their next steps in education or training. We are very proud of our alumni and thankful that many give time to come back and talk to our students.
As your son/daughter makes choices and plans for the future they need support from the people who know them best, their families. There are many ways that parents and carers can offer support with choices.
Because of RPA (raising the participation age) legislation, students have to do some sort of learning.
Students may choose to:
- Stay at School, go to a College or Sixth Form and study full time courses
- Get a job and take a work related course alongside it such as an OCR National, BTEC, City and Guilds or other accredited course
- Be Self Employed but you will also need to do some accredited learning or training course
- Volunteer for 20 hours or more but will need to do some accredited learning alongside it, offered by the organisation or independent of it
- Do an Apprenticeship or other accredited training courseIf students have a learning difficulty or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), a Statement or an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), then we will talk to them about their ‘Local Offer’.
If students have a learning difficulty or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), a Statement or an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), then we will talk to them about their ‘Local Offer’.
The qualifications gained at the end of Year 11 will have a large impact on what students can do, especially at which Level they can study or learn: See table below
| If you have… | A few or no GCSE passes | Several GCSEs at grade 1 or 2 | Four or more GCSE passes at grade 3 or above | 5 good 9 – 4 passes at GCSE (including English and Maths) |
| You should apply for a course at: | Entry Level | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| The course lasts: | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 2 Years |
| Examples of Programmes/Courses are: | 16-19 Entry Level or Level 1. Programmes which will include English, Maths and Personal Development and could include:
1. L1 BTEC Certificate |
16-19 courses at Level 1 or Level 2. Apprenticeships may be limited at this level:
1. L2 BTEC Diploma |
16-19 courses at Level 2 or Level 3:
· L2/3 BTEC Diploma · Apprenticeship at Intermediate Level |
16-19 courses at Level 3 which could include:
· A Levels · Level 3 BTEC Diploma · Apprenticeship at Advanced Level |
| On completion you could: | Progress onto a further Entry or Level 1 course | Level 2 Options | Level 3 Options | Higher Education, Skilled Employment |
| Parents’ Guide to Careers Guidance – CASCAID click here
Parents’ Guide to Careers Guidance The support that they provide should be independent, impartial and in the best interest of their students. Access to careers guidance for Year |
Parents Guide to Careers click here
Parental Guidance Making Choices click here
Resources
UCAS Parent Guide 2022 click here
To visit our Alumni page and to read about what our ex students are doing now please click here
Because of RPA (raising the participation age) legislation, students have to do some sort of learning. Students may choose to:
- Stay at School, go to a College or Sixth Form and study full time courses
- Get a job and take a work related course alongside it such as an OCR National, BTEC, City and Guilds or other accredited course
- Be Self Employed but you will also need to do some accredited learning or training course
- Volunteer for 20 hours or more but will need to do some accredited learning alongside it, offered by the organisation or independent of it
- Do an Apprenticeship or other accredited training course. If students have a learning difficulty or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), a Statement or an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), then we will talk to them about their ‘Local Offer’.
If students have a learning difficulty or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), a Statement or an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), then we will talk to them about their ‘Local Offer’.
The qualifications gained at the end of Year 11 will have a large impact on what students can do, especially at which Level they can study or learn: See table below
In addition, students who do not achieve a Grade 4 in Maths or English Language are required to re-take the course at college.
Links to FE Colleges in Leicester
NWSLC
College Applications –
Positive Steps @16 is the on-line application system, which all students will use to apply for at least 2 post-16 places during Year 11. https://www.ps16.co.uk/
For help with completing your PS16 applications follow the step-by-step instructions in these guides
Part 1 – PS16 User Guide
Part 2 – PS16 User Guide
Positive Steps@16 click here
It is very important to spend time researching job roles and the job market, here are some resources to help you;
Volunteering
- Gateway to work
For students in 9 to 13 transition from education to the workplace with a digital, complete careers education curriculum. Find out more about, and access, ‘Gateway to work’, from Reed Learning, a FREE careers eLearning programme designed to help students successfully enter the world of work. https://www.reed.com/tools/gateway-to-work
- NYLACAST APPRENTICESHIP OPEN DAYS/EVENINGS
We would like to inform you that we at Nylacast will be holding Apprenticeship Open Day/Evening Events on:
Thursday 20th April 2022 Session 6pm – 8pm
Wednesday 26th April 2022 Session 6pm – 8pm
This year we are looking to recruit a number of Level 3 CNC Engineering Apprentices and Business Admin Apprentices.
The session consists of a short presentation about the apprenticeship scheme, a shop floor tour. This will give potential apprentices the opportunity to have a look around our facility and gain first-hand experience of what the Nylacast Apprenticeship Program can offer, before they decide if that would like to apply. There will also be on hand staff members and current apprentices to answer any questions which people may have.
More details about the company can be found on our website https://www.nylacast.com/academy
Places are limited on each event, so booking is essential, so please contact myself or Clare Gregory to reserve spaces. Potential apprentices are welcome to bring a parent/guardian with them on the event.
- The Leicester Employability Day
“When Black Professionals Inspire Our Young”
Wednesday 31st May 2023 10:30-15:30
Sports Hall, Charles Wilson Building, University of Leicester, LE1 7RH
The Employability Day lets youngsters interact with professional from their community and employers to find pathways to success.
use the link below to register:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leicester-employability-day-tickets-594829329537
Admission via advance registration only – Under 16s MUST attend with a responsible adult
For more information please contact: Professor Clive Fraser 07986 270 032 or Dr Dwain Neil OBE, 07949 431 992
- Free Virtual RAF Event
Join our virtual experience RAF World and explore all aspects of what life is like in the RAF!
RAF World Tickets, Wed 10 May 2023 at 18:00 | Eventbrite
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| 6. Are you passionate about studying Engineering at Loughborough University?
Engineering Experience, our 2-day non-residential event, is taking place on 5th and 6th July 2023 and is perfect for Year 11 students looking to explore their futures in this sector. Students will get the opportunity to take part in practical Engineering workshops and industry talks. Each session will be delivered by our academics or an expert in the industry and students are encouraged to pick subjects that they may not have considered before. Students can attend either or both dates, and bookings close on 4th June 2023.
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GATSBY BENCHMARKS
Careers guidance, alongside academic achievement is one of the keys to social mobility. Children & young people will naturally look to parents and carers for advice but schools have a key role to play in broadening horizons, removing stereotypes and preparing students for the world of work. All Careers Education Information & Guidance in schools (CEIAG) in schools in England is required to follow the English Government’s Careers Strategy.
The framework within this strategy is the Gatsby Benchmarks and schools are required to meet all of these to be judged to have a successful careers and guidance programme. These are monitored by the Careers & Enterprise Company who also offer support and some funding. We also have support from the local enterprise partnership, Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and are linked to a local business partner who acts as an Enterprise Advisor and works with us on building networks with local employers as well as colleges and universities.
Success is also measured by linking the destinations data of students to their schools and colleges for 3 years after leaving.
The Gatsby Benchmarks are below and further down the development plan for Crown Hills Community College to meet them.
- A stable careers programme
- Learning from career and labour market information
- Addressing the needs of each student
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
- Encounters with employers and employees
- Experiences of the workplaces
- Encounters with further and higher education
- Personal guidance
https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/browse-category/gatsby-benchmarks
At Crown Hills Community College we would like all subject areas to do the following:
- have a prominent display that links subject learning and skill development to different careers
- develop links with businesses and organisations to invite alumni and other external speakers to come into school (virtually where an actual visit is not feasible)
- where appropriate to organise external visits by students to local businesses/organisations
- Record careers learning opportunities for students in schemes of learning.
- take part in whole school ‘Careers Days’ where all teachers start their lesson with a careers focus, such as talking about their career pathway or showing a short film where people in a range of job roles explain the relevance of skills developed in a particular subject area to their role.
- explore the possibility of developing real projects/challenges for students with a local business or organisation e.g. a local company setting IT students the task of designing/updating their website
- consider the needs and interests of all students and ensure that information challenges stereotyping including gender and disability
Resources
The MYPATH YouTube page features new and growing set of 50 – 90 second videos showing how particular topics are used in a variety of careers. This is a resource that will meet Gatsby Benchmark 4 (linking careers to the curriculum). https://www.mypathcareersuk.com/resources
This channel hosts the ‘Maths, Why Bother?’ ‘English, Why Bother?’ ‘And Science, Why Bother?’ resource amongst others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpPaj3cW40M&list=PLVEWa7uIDT75K5D10z7YO3PHksy7XECCP&index=11
Kudos
Kudos is the careers platform we use at Crown Hills Community College. All students have their own account giving them access to information about different career sectors, progression paths, university courses and much more.
Their username is their initial, surname and 3 school numbers and they will have been given their password.
Throughout their time at Crown Hills Community College they will be set various activities through this site helping them to build their knowledge and understanding of options for the future.
They are also invited to record their achievements and participation throughout their time at Crown Hills Community College enabling them to quickly write their personal statement and prepare for interview when they are in year 11.
By recording and updating their career interests we are able to send students links or invite them to events that will be of particular interest to them
https://kudos.cascaid.co.uk/#/
Skills Builder
This programme is used across the school during tutor time it enables students to build the essential skills needed alongside academic qualifications to ensure success in their future.
All staff have their own accounts and can access all the resources available enabling them to help students identify these skills as they use them in lessons and to develop them further throughout their time at Crown Hills Community College.
We are currently emphasising Creativity with displays in all classrooms.
Being able to demonstrate these skills and give examples of when they have used them at interview brings our students on to a level playing field with those who have had a private education and helps them be successful at getting into college, university, apprenticeships & employment. https://www.skillsbuilder.org/
It is very important to spend time researching job roles and the job market, here are some resources to help you;
Inspire students to explore the world of work
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Capture Buzz Moments in the classroom
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Access lesson plans, videos and quizzes for over 15 industry sectors | My Learning, My Future is a suite of resources to support subject teaching staff, from over 20 subjects at KS3 & 4 |
| Careers Programme |  |
To see local 6th form providers visit our student area.
As an integral part of the Year 10 curriculum, students will undertake a period of work experience in the summer term. This is designed to give each student a greater understanding of the world of work, prepare them for the responsibilities and opportunities of adult life and to work with adults other than teachers. Work Experience is an exciting learning opportunity for students as it allows them to have a real‐ life experience of the workplace whilst still at school age. Furthermore, a placement is an opportunity for a young person to gain valuable insight into a job or a career that they maybe are Interested in. The skills and knowledge developed by work experience can prove invaluable to a young person as they complete their education and make important decisions about their route to the job or career of their choice.
Explore different occupations using the LMI for All Careerometer widget
Careerometer can be used to explore and compare key information about occupations help of learn about different occupations and identify potential careers.
It provides access to a selection of UK headline data relating to pay, weekly hours of work and future employment prospects for different occupations, as well as description of the occupation.
Simply type in the title of the job you are interested in and the widget provides a series of options from which you can select the most relevant to you. You can then look up another two occupations and compare. You can also select ‘display the UK average’ and compare the information with the occupation you have selected.
Labour Market Information
What is Labour Market Information (LMI)
Labour Market Information, tells us about local or national demand for different skills from various industries. LMI informs us:
Who are the big employers In your area and what jobs they have on offer
Which jobs are the easiest and hardest to find in your area
What skills are in short supply in your area
What skills employers are looking for in your chosen industry
What qualifications are required for your chosen industry
What jobs will look like in the future
All the above factors will help you make a more informed decision about which career path you take.
Below are a few websites/links where you can explore Labour Market Information in various job sectors.
Website that gives you free access to more than a thousand videos related to different curriculum subjects of people telling their personal careers stories in their own words including information on Labour Market Information (LMI) e.g. average salary, skills & qualification.
Please click here
University of Leicester and MSC Medicine and Allied Health Summer School – Post 16 (Year 12) and Pre-16 (Year 10 & Year 11)
The University of Leicester is pleased to be running two residential summer schools in July for students who are interested in medicine and other allied health courses. It is completely free for students to attend and it is a fabulous opportunity to experience what studying medicine or another allied health subject at
For Year 9 Options Information please click here
Local businesses – we need your expertise!
We have a number of events in our careers program which would offer you an opportunity to come into school to speak to students and/or their parents/carers.
These include assemblies, careers evenings, input in lessons and drop in sessions at lunch time and after school. We welcome all offers and would love to hear from you.
Our aim is to ensure that our students have up to date information on the full range opportunities available at you establishment and understand what they need to do to achieve their career goals.
If you want to inspire our students we are open for business!
Contact us using the above button and we’ll be in touch directly to talk about how you can make a difference in our school. Being part of our business support network will provide you moments of great satisfaction but striving to make a difference can also be an exciting challenge! Having employers like you helping to inspire young minds and transform attitudes through a range of activities and opportunities is the foundation of an excellent careers programme as set out by the Gatsby Foundation’s eight Benchmarks of good practice and the Careers and Enterprise Company.
Crown Hills Community College has the benefit of a key business volunteer who works with us on a strategic level, encouraging the development of our careers programme and connecting us to the business community across the county. This role is recognised nationally as an Enterprise Adviser (EA) and they are part of the Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub community of support driving the connection between careers education and the business sector.
You can help us by:
- Be part of our Mock interviews with Year 9 or 11 students and help them structure their CVs
- Get involved in extracurricular clubs and activities
- Give an inspiring talk based on your industry or job role
- Provide a coaching/mentoring service through a structured programme
- Run a hands-on workshop with activities relating to your area of expertise
- Be part of our discussions about pathways after school, e.g. apprenticeships
- Help champion specific issues and challenge barriers in the workplace around gender stereotyping, disability etc
- Help bring a subject lesson to life by linking it to your industry
- Offer a work experience placement for students at your business premises
- Become an ambassador supporting employment routes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and offer a work experience placement that is co-supported by the school
- Provide a Supported Internship opportunity
What to expect…
By getting involved you will not only be supporting future workforce development and helping to broaden the minds of the young people but you will also be developing new skills for your staff, forging community links and building a positive profile for your company.
We will support you throughout your visit to us to ensure we maximise the use of your valuable time. Our Careers Leader is Mr Yusuf Patel. You can contact him on 0116 2736893 or ypatel@crownhills.leicester.sch.uk
Our Careers Leader will…
Be your main point of contact for all enquiries
Organise pre-meets/discussions/information for activities you sign up to
Provide you details of the local arrangements including parking, facilities and our safeguarding policy.
Conduct a short evaluation with you to ensure we are getting things right.
With your permission add you to our network and keep you up to date with future activities.
To help you with your engagement there are a range of resources available here from the Careers and Enterprise Company.
To read our Provider Access Policy Statement and our Safeguarding Policy please see our Policy Page
Definitions
Apprenticeships: Employment funded through government supported training.
Education: Includes school sixth form, sixth form college, further education college, part-time education, home study and juvenile offenders age 16/17 in a custodial institution.
Employment with study: Employment that provides training or is combined with part time study that leads to a regulated qualification that can be found on Ofqual’s Register of Regulated Qualifications.
Employment without training: Employment that does not provide any training leading to a regulated qualification, employment with other training but not leading to a regulated qualification, temporary employment and part-time employment.
NEET: Includes those undertaking voluntary work, being available to the labour market, young carers, teenage parents, illness, pregnancy, unlikely to be economically active.
Other: Includes asylum seekers without citizenship, moved out of contact, no response, refused to disclose activity.
Training – foundation learning: Skills Funding Agency (SFA)/Education Funding Agency (EFA) funded training.
Training – re-engagement activities: Provision that has been put in place specifically to help young people who face significant barriers to participating post-16.
