This year sees a further expansion of the World of Work curriculum. Our students were very successful in the selection process at South Devon College, SRS Training and Plymouth College of Further Education. They managed to gain much coveted places in many new subject areas such as engineering, automotive studies, and public services. There are now 50 year 10 and 11 students studying vocational subjects at the three colleges. The benefits for these students are immense, not only do they gain specialist teaching in their chosen subject area but they also become confident in a different working environment. All work related learning students spend one day a week at college, with catch up study sessions in school. They have a World of Work tutor to support them through the interview process, study periods at school and at college.

Work related learning has become a key feature of the curriculum for pupils at Key Stage 4. Using work as a context for learning, it encompasses a broad range of activities that allow students to experience working life. It involves learning about working practices, experiencing the work environment, developing skills for working life and learning through activities and challenges set in work-related contexts.

• Students are provided with a rich and varied range of opportunities, from vocational courses both within the College and through external providers ((Motor vehicle studies/ hairdressing & beauty / land-based studies/ equine studies) to the Junior Sports Leader scheme, College production, Marine Challenge competition, etc…

Our aim is to develop work related further and embed it across all departments, to enable our students to acquire the skills, knowledge, understanding and motivation for a well-rounded and balanced adult life, so that they may contribute to the country's economic well-being and become responsible citizens.

• We are very fortunate to have a new dedicated area for the Careers Library in the Student Support block. Mrs Arscott will be delighted to assist students at break-time and lunch-time, whether they are looking for specific careers information, or information about forthcoming trips/ speakers.
• Kingsbridge Connexions advisors also provide personal & careers advice to individuals, tutor groups & year groups.

Students are given guidance to make informed choices about and smooth transitions through education, training and employment.
Guidance is tailored to meet individual needs through:

• PSHE lessons
• Individual guidance and counselling
• work experience and business links
• Taster days at local colleges
• Guest speakers
• Careers Library

All year 10 students are expected to undertake a week’s work experience at the of the summer term. This gives them the opportunity to :

• Get first-hand experience of the world of work
• Meet new people, establish new contacts, and possibly lay foundations for gaining a part-time or full-time job.
• Gain an insight into a particular job they would like to pursue as a career.
• Make good practical use of Key Skills.
  • Communication
  • Working with others
  • Problem Solving
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Application of number
  • Improving own learning and performance
  and see why they are so important in the workplace.