Careers at St Mary's

At St Mary's we are committed to delivering an aspirational careers programme that prepares our pupils and students for transition into adulthood, employment, further education or training. We aim to ensure that every student leaves us with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support them in their future.

Our programme is underpinned by the Gatsby Benchmarks, following stautory careers guidance, forming a structured programme inclusive of the individual needs of the students.

Careers Guidance

Students in Year 10 and Year 13 receive 1:1 career guidance from a trained Careers Advisor. These meetings support our students to explore aspirations and interests, linked to future options. Guidance interviews are directly linked to EHCP review meetings to support transition planning.

Our Careers Programme

Pupils

In Key Stage 1 & 2 Our Programme includes:

• Careers education embedded into PSHE and the wider curriculum.
• Personalised support in developing communication and resilience skills.
• Access to Employer visits and off-site visits.
• Primary Careers Week.

In Key Stages 3-5 Our Programme includes:

Discrete careers lessons supporting informed decision making and an exploration of the world of employment in the future.

• Careers embedded across the wider curriculum.
• Access to employer encounters, College visits, Careers Fairs and workplace experiences.
• Personalised support in developing skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience.
• Transition planning linked to EHCP Reviews from Year 9 onwards.
• Access to Careers Advice from a Level 6 trained Independent Careers Advisor.

Staff

• Collaborate with pupils/students, parents/carers and external partners to make links to real-world learning.
• Provide guidance to raise aspirations and widen horizons.

Parent/Carers

• Engage in discussions around next steps and aspirations.
• Share experiences through workshops and talks.

Governors

• Attend school based events.
• Support mock interviews.
• Support the careers programme.

Employers

• Attend school events.
• Deliver talks and workshops on your sector or industry.
• Offer workplace visits or work experience placements.
• Support mock interviews.

Alumni (ex-pupils/students)

• Share with us your experience since leaving us.
• Stay in touch with news of your successes.
• Visit the school to give talks about your experiences.

For further details in each year, please see our Curriculum Pathway.

If you would like to get involved in the careers programme at St Mary's please contact Mr S Weakley;

Careers Lead: 01424 730740 - sweakley@stmarysbexhill.org 

Work Experience

We offer flexibility meaningful work experience to students in Key Stage 4 and Post-16. Placements are matched to individual students interests and abilities, supporting their needs. It may include:

• In school placements.
• Work shadowing.
• Short term or extended placements.
• Volunteering roles.

The school will organise and manage any work placement, but if pupils would like to find their own placement, they are able to discuss this with Mr S Weakley.

Work experience supports our students:

• Increase confidence.
• Raise aspirations.
• Gain insight into working life.
• Develop core employablity skills.

If you are an employer who can offer a work experience placement, please contact Mr S Weakley either by Telephone: 01424 730740 or Email: sweakley@stmarysbexhill.org 

Transition

Transition and Next Steps

During KS4 & 5 we support our students through their next set of choices. We will support them through:

• Transition focused EHCP Meetings.
• Attending College taster days.
• Supported College transition visits.
• Visits to local Colleges and Training Providers.
• Interview guidance.

Our aim is for every student to feel confident, informed and ready for their next step.

If you are a former St Mary's student currently in college, training or employment, we would love to hear from you. Your story could inspire our current students. Whether you would like to share your story, or visit the school to share with pupils and students, your story will be invaluable.

Get in touch with sweakley@stmarysbexhill.org 

Life After St Mary's

If you are a former St Mary's student, we would love to hear fom you. Your story could inspire our current students. Whether you would like to share your story, or visit the school to share with pupils and students, your story will be invaluable.

Get in touch with sweakley@stmarysbexhill.org 

Provider Access Policy Statement

This policy statement sets out our School’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to pupils/students at the school for the purpose of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.

Student entitlement

All students in Years 8 - 13 are entitled to:

• Find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Talk about activities and experiences they do outside of school as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point.
• Hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies, group discussions and taster events.
• Understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

Granting and refusing access

St Mary’s will grant access requests that meet the following criteria:

• The provider has detailed knowledge of the nature of the SEND of St Mary’s students.
• The provider can offer appropriate pathways for the students, both academically and personal development.

St Mary’s will refuse any access request that:

• The school believes is not in the best interests of the students.
• This list is not exhaustive and each access request will be considered on a case by case basis.

Safeguarding

Our safeguarding/child protection policy outlines the school’s procedure for checking the identity and suitability of visitors. Education and training providers will be expected to adhere to this policy.

Premises and facilities

Once the provider has been approved, the school will work with them to identify the best method for providing access to the students. The school will make relevant rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit with the Careers Lead. Technical aids e.g. interactive whiteboards can be supplied if requested. Relevant materials can be left for students and parents/carers.

A provider wishing to request access should contact Mr S Weakley, Careers Leader, Telephone: 01424 730740 - Email: sweakley@stmarysbexhill.org

Providers are welcome to attend parents’ evenings and pre-arranged sessions during the school day to speak to pupils/students, parents/carers. We are also able to transport groups of pupils to visit providers’ premises.