Careers
Career Leader Contact details
Careers Leader : Rachel Wilson
Address: Heatherwood School, Leger Way Doncaster, DN2 6HQ
Website: Heatherwood School
Telephone: 01302 322044
Email: Rwilson@nexusmat.org
Central Nexus Careers Advisor: Sarah Richardson
Measuring Impact
Measuring the impact of our careers program is done by the use of the School Self Evaluation Form (SSEF), and the careers action plan. These are reviewed on a termly basis. The impact of our careers programme can be seen from our compliance check meeting.
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100% of our Post 16 students, for whom it was relevant, had face-to-face encounters with employers and employees in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks.
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100% of our Post 16 pupils have visited at least 2 Post 19 provisions by the Summer term.
- A personalised work placement programme is in place run by the career's leader. This involves both internal and external placements for to whom it is relevant.
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We work closely with The Careers and Enterprise Hub to engage students in quality work-related experiences and continuously improve our careers programme.
- We are part of the South Yorkshire Careers Network and attend regular meetings and training events as part of the hub.
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A review of the careers programme is completed on an annual basis.
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We work closely with the Careers Team within Nexus to ensure that all of our pupils receive a bespoke programme which meets their level of need.
Reviewing
The careers programme and information are evaluated and reviewed annually to ensure coverage and effectiveness.
Careers and Work Opportunities on offer include:
Travel Training
Land based studies / Horticulture (Forest schools)
Duke of Edinburgh
External catering work experience (with the Copper Pipe Café)
Internal catering work experience
Links with other FE providers (including Doncaster College and Communication College)
Links with local employers (including local Primary Schools, Potteric Carr, Helping Hands centre and The Cast Theatre)
Internal work placements (including working with our administration team)
Links with Businesses and Employers
There is a dedicated Careers lead within school to support pupils with their aspirations. The career lead additionally supports parents in their hopes and wishes for their young person as they approach transition points. Employer links and links with vocational providers have been strengthened through involvement in network groups and by dedicating time to developing links and relationships with external agencies and employers. Our 'real life' curriculum means that all pupils in school receive a rich learning offer which is relevant to them and their interests. Enrichment weeks and focus days provide an opportunity for pupils to be immersed within different themes and to learn about various vocations. Our pupils have access to a range of external speakers, workshops and experiences throughout the year to enrich their learning and give them an insight into the world of work, whatever this may look like. Our pupils also access multiple local area visits across the year to various employers. These are often linked to the topics and give pupils the opportunity to contextualise their learning.
Success stories include: -
Progression into FE
A regular café set up within school, run by 6th form students.
Regular work experience completed by all Post 16 pupils regardless of need, including milk delivery, basic admin jobs such as distributing letters, cleaning the tables and completing the laundry.
Annual careers' week involving the whole school, from EY-P16
Work experience is carried out weekly for intentional pathway pupils across the school in a way which is meaningful for them.
Internal work experience with Post 16 pupils supporting younger students across the school.
Weekly Careers meetings with a trained Careers advisor.
Annual mock interviews for those pupils for whom it is appropriate.
Work experience placements within the Copper Pipe café, based at The Bridge, leading to permanent work experience opportunities.
Work with the DWP – Job ready and job ready plus program and adapted activities to suit the individual cohorts in Post 16.
Post 16/19 annual market stall event with 8 appropriate providers, accessible to all pupils and parents Y9 and above.
Work experience activities, personalised to student aspirations.
Work experience partners-Plover School, Potteric Carr, Helping Hands Centre, North Ridge Community School
Useful Links to Post 16/19 destinations
North Lindsey College - Foundation Studies
Communication Specialist College Doncaster - Doncaster Deaf Trust
Portland Charity - Supporting People with disabilities since 1950
Inspired Day Care - Specialised Day Care Centre
Day Opportunities in Doncaster - City of Doncaster Council
Useful Documents
Careers guidance and access for education and training providers.