Career Education at Valence School

At Valence, our aim is to provide students with a comprehensive careers programme to help students develop knowledge, skills and attributes that will equip them to lead a fulfilling and as independent as possible adult life.
Valence School recognises that good careers guidance widens pupils’ horizons, challenges stereotypes and raises aspirations and provides pupils with the knowledge and skills necessary to make successful transitions to the next stage of their life.

Careers Programme

Career information, advice and guidance is a vital part of the curriculum offered at Valence school and makes a major contribution to preparing young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life. The school aims to deliver impartial careers guidance to help students make informed choices about their future and this is adapted to meet the wide range of needs within the school.

We have a planned program in Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, and work to the Careers Statutory Guidance in January 2018. 

Please see our careers programme table below - click the link.

The aims of our career programme are to:
– Improve quality of life through the development and acquisition of work-related skills which could be used in supported employment, supported volunteering or to complete tasks more successfully in their everyday life.
– Develop independence.
– Ensure that students have developed an awareness and understanding of different roles in the workplace
– Enrich life experience through work-related experiences.
– Develop students’ knowledge of the different options that are open to them after year 11 and year 14.
– Support the development of personal characteristics such as social skills, communication, resilience and problem-solving.
– Ensure that students and families have the relevant support and guidance so that they feel fully informed about the opportunities open to their young people.

Assessment
Valence school uses a range of techniques to measure and assess the impact of the Careers programme on pupils. These include lesson observations, learning walks, work experience reports and the annual review of EHCP outcomes.
Assessment within the area of careers and work-related learning is usually in the form of student self-assessment supported by discussion with teachers and support staff.
The outcome of careers and work-related learning study programmes will form a part of the students' EHCP, in which those working with the student will use the outcome and aspirations detailed in the EHCP to focus their discussion with the student.

Measuring impact
The school will assess the impact of its careers programmes on students by completing an annual student survey and analysing destination data in line with activities that they have taken part in at school. In addition, the views of students and parents will be surveyed after key events. All subject areas are encouraged to include links to the world of work and the careers programme.