CAREERS EDUCATION

The programme of Careers Education begins in September of Year 7, with a short module on general careers education, carried on in Year 8. The main emphasis is on self awareness, looking with pupils at what skills they feel they possess, and an introduction to the Careers Library, which will be an important focus in the future.
The main development begins in Year 9 with self-assessment, basic careers information, contact with a specialist careers advisor, and the completion of the option booklet in preparation for the transfer to Year 10. Each pupil will have an interview with a senior member of staff, before their options are finalised.

In Year 10 the syllabus includes self-evaluation, looking at the world of work, and learning more about Further and Higher Education. Use is made of suitable television programmes and the facilities of the wel'-equipped Careers Room; the recent purchase of seven new computers with internet access, a state of the art
printer, and software has further improved access to careers information for all pupils. Many of the software packages are networked onto the school system.

The school's website also provides up to date information on careers education.

Outside speakers are invited in to provide information on careers and future pathways. All pupils undertake a two-week period of work experience with a briefing and debriefing session. Pupils now have the opportunity to undertake work experience in Berlin through our partner school.

The pattern continues in Year 11. Every pupil receives a personal interview with a Careers Guidance representative before the completion of his or her college transfer form. Speakers are invited in from the colleges to inform pupils about subjects they have not experienced before e.g. Law, Psychology, Sociology and Economics etc.

There is a great emphasis on personal guidance in helping pupils to make the right decision at this important crossroad in their lives.

The School, which works closely with Futures Connexions, has an excellent record in terms of preparing pupils for Further Education, and for employment, with 11 much work being done on Apprenticeships. Strong links have been developed with the local colleges. For some years a higher percentage of pupils from Hall Mead have moved on to post-16 education than is the pattern both in Havering and nationally.

The following summary of the destinations of Year 11 pupils' in 2006

Full Time Education - 85.1%
Work based Training - 1%
Employment with Training 7.4%
Employment without training- 0.5%
No Job or Training - 4.5%
N o respeonses- 1.5%


G. Doll
Head of Careers