Work Experience/Community Links
At Devizes School we firmly believe that while school can provide the subjects to be studied, the community with its industries and businesses can provide ideal contexts for learning those subjects in a relevant way. Over the past few years the school has forged close links with the local community and we welcome any initiatives that will enhance and develop this essential part of the curriculum. The school offers one week's work experience to all pupils in Years 10 and some in Year 12, providing them with practical learning situations in the world of work. The insights gained during their placement help pupils to develop a better industrial and economic awareness, promote their personal and social development and allow them to make more informed choices about their future careers.
Careers Education
Careers education resources are based in the Connexions Resource Centre. Here students are encouraged from Year 9 onwards to plan their careers through formal guidance sessions in Year 9 and Year 11. The Connexions Personal Advisor undertakes formal careers interviews during Monday and Tuesday of each week. Although the planned focus in the Autumn Term is to see most Year 11 students, any student can book an appointment. Students can follow up their sessions and ask for further advice or do research during Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes. For instance students can take away Clips leaflets, which provide detailed information about individual career choices.
The ICT network contains a variety of up to date programmes where students can do questionnaires to generate a list of possible careers, or simply do research on a particular career that they have in mind. Students are given a tutor session in Year 9, and 11, and the network is available during break and lunchtimes every day. There are a wide variety of good careers Internet sites and a list of suggested links is available on the Intranet.
Key resources:
Careers Information database – User friendly database with videos. Suitable for KS3 and KS4
| Connect Up |
Multimedia introduction to Connexions services |
| Higher Ideas |
A focus on what degrees and careers can follow from particular post 16 choices at Level 3, suitable for KS4 and KS5 |
| Key Clips |
An electronic version of the careers library information sheets, searchable by key word. Suitable for KS3 and KS4 |
| Lifelines |
Students can make career choices based on suggestions from a questionnaire, suitable for KS3 and KS4 |
| Gap Pack |
Guide for students planning a Gap Year |
| UCAS guide |
An electronic version of the UCAS “big book”, very similar to the online UCAS.COM |
In addition there are a variety of multimedia packs outlining Modern Apprenticeship schemes in different industries.
Visitors from organisations are invited in by Heads of Year to speak about their career choice and give specialist advice on a range of topics, for instance Year 10 have sessions on applications and interviews prior to work experience, and representatives from the Navy conduct a workshop. Students in Year 7 play the “Make it Real” game for a whole day, and this activity exposes students to many themes, including Careers and Citizenship, and is supported by visitors from the local community.
In the Sixth Form the Head of Sixth Form co-ordinates and delivers a Higher Education programme supported by tutors. Students will have advice on A level/VCE target setting, and the process of making Higher Education applications. Students research different Universities through a series of tutorials, personal tutoring, visits e.g. the Bath University Higher Education Fair, and visiting speakers e.g. Alumnus students. Students wishing to enter the workplace are given advice and support from The Connexions Personal Advisor.
Sex Education
Sex Education is part of a curriculum which promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and society and which prepares pupils for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. In Devizes School, the sex education programmes have been developed in accordance with the law, in the light of the Wiltshire Curriculum Policy and the National Curriculum, and in consultation with the School Doctor, the Family Planning Service and Devizes Health Visitors. Sex education will be part of the Social Education programmes in all years.
The programmes will:
- be delivered progressively, appropriate to the age of the pupils
- cover the dimensions of knowledge, skills, attitudes and emotions
- encourage pupils to have due regard to religious, legal and ethical considerations and the value of family life.
In accordance with HMI and NCC Cross Curricular Health Document, controversial issues such as contraception, STDs, homosexuality and abortion will not be avoided. Adults other than teachers may be involved in the programmes and they will work within the school policy and guidelines. The programmes will present the facts in a balanced and objective manner so that pupils will understand sexual development, attitudes and behaviour; to know what is and is not legal; to consider their own attitudes and to make informed, reasonable and responsible decisions.
Parents have no statutory right to withdraw their children from sex education. However, after discussion with the parents, the Headteacher and governors would consider withdrawal to comply with parental wishes, for example on religious grounds. Provision will be made by the school to inform parents of the content, methods and materials of the programmes.
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