At Biddenham, every student engages in Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) education through our Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) programme. This initiative is designed to prepare students for life in modern Britain, as outlined by the Department for Education (DfE, 2017).
Our programme is tailored to be age-appropriate and personalised for each key stage, ensuring that students are well-equipped to make informed decisions about their future. The curriculum is thoughtfully mapped to maximise impact, addressing critical transition points such as subject options at key stage 4, post-16 courses, and pathways beyond 18. We encourage our students to aspire high and strive to reach their full potential.
Independent Careers Guidance
According to government guidelines, all students in Years 8 to 13 (ages 12 to 18) are entitled to independent, impartial careers guidance. This guidance aims to explore a diverse range of educational and vocational pathways, including apprenticeships, without bias toward any particular option. The focus is always on promoting the best interests of our students.
As highlighted in Lord Young's report, 'Enterprise for All', fostering a culture of enterprise in education motivates young people to engage with their studies and see the real-world relevance of what they learn. It is not just about entrepreneurship; it is about cultivating a positive attitude, resilience, creativity, and self-belief -key skills that prepare students for a successful career.
Supporting Student Choices
As a school, we take careers, employability, and enterprise education seriously. We understand that students face significant choices as they approach post-16 and post-18 options, including sixth form, college, university, apprenticeships, and employment. Our dedicated Careers Department is here to support students, parents, and carers in navigating these pathways and making informed decisions.
Resources Available to Students
We provide a wealth of resources to enhance students' career development, including:
- Full access to Unifrog, our comprehensive careers platform for students, parents and carers.
- Alumni visits and guest speakers from local employers and career experts.
- Career insight talks and dedicated PSHE lessons.
- A well-resourced Careers Library.
- Employer visits to lessons and mock interviews.
- Participation in events like the MK Apprenticeship Show, National Careers Week, and Northampton Skills Show.
- Regular updates on local apprenticeship opportunities.
- Support for developing employability skills, as well as workplace and university visits.
We are committed to empowering our students to explore their options and pursue their aspirations confidently.
