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3. Supporting Students

Each student’s context needs to be considered when supporting aspirations and goals. All students including SEND students have a programme which addresses their needs.

Options at 13

Key Stage 4 at Heath Park starts in Year 9 and students choose their options in February of Year 8. The options process is an open process because we believe that all children should have the right to access all courses on offer and be supported to achieve, and the focus of the guidance is on the next steps and the development of key skills to progress.

To support positive choices, we provide:

  • Tasters sessions in subjects where there is no exposure at Key Stage 3
  • Q & A sessions with older students so that the Year 8s can get a real insight into what the subject is like
  • A parental consultation evening that engages parents and explores a range of issues with Key Stage 4 including RPA and the different qualifications on offer
  • An Options Fayre where students can discuss the nature of the course with staff

Options at 16

Two-thirds of students continue with us into Central Sixth but support for options at Post 16 is directed at the needs of individual students.

Intentions of destinations are collected from Year 11 in Autumn 1, Autumn 2 and Spring 1. At each step, actions are taken to allow young people to explore the opportunities at hand:

  • Individual interviews are held with all students applying for Central Sixth and offer made based on their predicted grades at KS4
  • Nova Training provide workshops for students interested in apprenticeships to allow them to understand the demands of the course and the nature of the applications
  • Wolverhampton College is invited to speak to all students interested in college applications and information from all other colleges is shared with all interested students

A Multitude Of Choices

The website below is a great starting point for investigating careers and choices as you progress through your education. It includes:

  • An assessment that suggests careers that match your skills
  • A database of different careers, how to get started and what to expect
  • Information on a range of courses to support you and organisations to help

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

The website below allows you to explore different careers based on the subjects that you are interested in. What can you do with a history qualification beyond be a teacher? Turns out quite a lot.

https://www.firstcareers.co.uk/

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at 16 and 18 are a valuable pathway for young people interested in entering the workplace. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

A link to explain how subjects relate to different apprenticeships is below

Apprenticeship Subject Links

As an apprentice you’ll:

  • be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay
  • work alongside experienced staff
  • gain job-specific skills
  • get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)

Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

Level Equivalent educational level
Intermediate 2 GCSE
Advanced 3 A Level
Higher 4,5,6 and 7 Foundation degree and above
Degree 6 and 7 Bachelor’s or Masters degree

Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.

Apprentice pay and the National Minimum Wage

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in.

Your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay.

  • Aged 16 to 18, the current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.15 per hour.
  • Aged 19 or over and in your first year, the current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.15 per hour.
  • Aged 19 or over and have completed your first year, you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.

The website below is the government site that allows access to a range of courses and providers

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Looking At University

The website below is a portal to many options after Sixth Form. It allows you to see the different courses available at different universities but also to explore other options such as apprenticeships.

https://www.ucas.com/

Aspire to HE

We have worked closely with Aspire to HE for many years and this has allowed us to expose more young people than ever to the opportunities that Higher Education provides

https://aspiretohe.co.uk/

To see the activities that Heath Park is engaging with as part of Aspire to HE, please see the Careers Programme.