Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)

Hollingworth's Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance programme makes a major contribution in preparing young people for opportunities, responsibilities and experience of life.  CEIAG at Hollingworth offers opportunities for Years 7 to 11 to hear from a range of education and training providers about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships so to allow for informed choices to be made into appropriate Post 16 destinations.

We strive at all times to conform to the current "best practices" in Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance as laid out by the government in the Gatsby Benchmarks.

 

The Gatsby Benchmarks​

The Gatsby Benchmarks are a set of eight guidelines that define the best careers provision in schools and colleges.  All secondary schools and colleges in England are using them as the framework to guide their careers programmes. 

1. A stable careers programme.

2. Learning from career and labour market information.

3. Addressing the needs of each student.

4. Linking curriculum learning to careers.

5. Encounters with employers and employees.

6. Experiences of workplaces.

7. Encounters with further and higher education.

8. Personal guidance.

We have support from an Enterprise Coordinator from Bridge GM at GMCA (Greater Manchester Combined Authority) and an Enterprise Advisor from a local business.​

Each term, one of the Gatsby benchmarks is reviewed by The Careers and Enterprise Company with results published in a report indicating strengths and areas to develop.  

 

Hollingworth Careers Team

Careers Lead: Cate Calveley, email: ccalveley@hollingworthacademy.co.uk​

Careers Liaison: Vera Travis, email: vtravis@hollingworthacademy.co.uk

Careers Advisor: Lynsey Lovelock, email: lynseylovelock@positive-steps.org.uk 

Link Governor: Katie Digiorgi, email: kdigiorgi@hollingworthacademy.co.uk

 

Hollingworth Academy is committed to providing a planned programme of CEIAG for all students in Years 7-11, in partnership with outside agencies (Colleges, Sixth Forms, Apprenticeship providers, Positive Steps and Universities).  The careers programme is continually assessed and monitored in line with whole-school quality assurance procedures, to ensure it is meeting the statutory requirements for careers education and guidance.  Hollingworth Academy has a strong track record of success with its CEIAG programme, and has a measurable impact on student outcomes, demonstrated by consistently outstanding 'destination' data, which we are required to monitor as part of our CEIAG policy. The most recent figures for this are as follows:

College

No. attending

Rochdale Sixth Form College

97

Hopwood Hall College

91

The Oldham Sixth Form College

13

The Oldham College

23

Bury College

4

Apprenticeships

16

Ashton Sixth Form College

2

Blue Coat Sixth Form

2

Cardinal Langley Sixth Form

1

Kirklees College

2

The Manchester College

2

Reaseheath College

1

Trinity Sixth Form

1

Xaverian College

1

White Rose Beauty College

1

Prince's Trust

1

Bolton Wanderers FC

1

Employment

3

NEET (Not in Education Employment Training)              

6

Moved out of area

1

Off Roll

2

Unknown

2

 

In addition to this, in line with Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) guidelines, Hollingworth Academy continues to monitor and offer support to past students as they move into both Year 12 and Year 13 to ensure that they stay in education, employment or training until they reach the age of 18.

The careers programme is designed to meet the needs of all students at Hollingworth Academy.  It is differentiated and personalised to ensure progression through activities that are appropriate to students' stages of career learning, planning and development.  The careers programme includes career sessions, career guidance activities (group work and individual interviews), information and research, work-related learning (one week work experience placement in July of Year 10) and other outside agency intervention and employer engagement opportunities.  The careers programme is delivered by all staff, either through their role as a form tutor, PSHE teacher or by subject teachers linking careers a particular curriculum area in lessons and is supported by our Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body.​ 

The next formal review of the careers information will be January 2025.

INFORMATION FOR YEAR 7 STUDENTS, PARENTS AND CARERS

Careers Fair

Students attend a careers fair.

Careers in the Curriculum

As part of achieving "Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers", we are currently in the development stages of embedding Careers in the Curriculum so exposure to industries & employment opportunities are part of student's standard lessons, linking curriculum to real-world career paths.

Enrichment

Students attend a university tour.​

 

INFORMATION FOR YEAR 8 STUDENTS, PARENTS AND CARERS

Enrichment

Over the course of the academic year there will be opportunities to participate in National Careers Week, National Apprenticeship Week, Business Lunches, a special Year 8 Networking Event and the Tenner Challenge.

 

INFORMATION FOR YEAR 9 STUDENTS, PARENTS AND CARERS

Enrichment

Over the course of the academic year there will be opportunities to participate in National Careers Week, National Apprenticeship Week, Business Lunches, special Year 9 CEIAG Enrichment Event (currently under development) and an opportunity to attend a Year 9 Options Information Evening. 

 

INFORMATION FOR YEAR 10 STUDENTS, PARENTS AND CARERS

Enrichment

Over the course of the academic year there will be opportunities to participate in National Careers Week, National Apprenticeship Week, Business Lunches, Mock Interviews, Vocational Experiences, Sixth Form & College Taster Days, Work Experience. 

Targeted individual support is provided by our Positive Steps Careers Advisor, Lynsey Lovelock.

 

INFORMATION FOR YEAR 11 STUDENTS, PARENTS AND CARERS

Enrichment

Over the course of the academic year there will be opportunities to participate in National Careers Week, National Apprenticeship Week, Business Lunches, Post-16 Destination Information Pathway Evening Sixth Form & College Application Process: Assemblies, Application Drop-in Workshops & Interviews.  Targeted individual support provided by Positive Steps Careers Advisor.  Introduction to the National Citizenship Service Programme.​

Xello is an engaging, online program that helps students define their future goals and transform their aspirations into actionable plans for success. The program puts students at the centre of their college and career planning experience. Students have their own Xello account and build a profile exploring & showcasing their skillsets, career matches, employer experiences and post 16 destination goals. Students have access to a range of educational 'lessons' that inform and education students on essential employability skills and can complete a number of quizzes to learn about their own personal learning styles and personality traits.

Website: https://gmacs.login.xello.co.uk/

Username: School Username 

Password: Date of Birth using the YYYYMMDD format

Students can also access Xello via Google Classroom.

This profile is used as a starting point in discussions with our Careers Advisor, Lynsey Lovelock.  Should you wish to book a careers appointment, please click here

A LEVELS: ACADEMIS ROUTE

Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A levels over two years. They’re usually assessed by a series of examinations. 

What grades do I need to take A levels?

You normally need:

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4.
  • At least grade 6 in the specific subject(s) you want to study.

However, the specific requirements needed to study A levels will vary across sc​hools and colleges.  It's important to check what you will need with the school or college you are looking to study at.  

Who are they for?

  • If you are thinking of going to university most higher education courses require specific A levels or combinations of A levels (or alternative level 3 qualifications).
  • If you’re not sure what career or job you want to do, studying a selection of A levels can be a good way of keeping your options open.

Choosing A level subjects

The most important criteria for choosing A levels subjects are:

  1. Looking at what you are likely to enjoy and be good at.  If you enjoy a subject or have an ability in it already, you are more likely to do well.
  2. Are there any particular subjects and/or grades you may need?  If you have a particular career, job, or further study in mind, you may need to choose specific A levels in order to meet entry requirements.
  3. How open you want to keep your future study and career choices?

What you can do after A levels

Many people ask 'What can I do with my A levels?', here are some answers:

  • Continue on to university - A levels are the most common qualifications studied to get into higher education.
  • Look for employment – they’re valued by employers because they show a good level of education.
  • Go on to vocational or work-based qualifications, such as a higher apprenticeships.

Local A level providers:

 

T LEVELS (VOCATIONAL / ACADEMIC ROUTE)

T levels are new courses coming in September 2020, which will follow GCSEs and will be equivalent to 3 A levels.  These 2-year courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work.  They will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or a higher apprenticeship.  There will be a large range of courses on offer, including finance, accountancy, media, broadcast and production. 

The traditional academic route involves taking A levels (usually 3 or 4) and these can include subjects that you are already aware of (like History, Music or English) but also subjects you may be less familiar with like Psychology, Sociology and Geology.

What grades do I need to take T levels?

You normally need:

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4.
  • At least grade 6 in the specific subject(s) you want to study.

However, the specific requirements needed to study T levels will vary across schools and colleges. It's important to check what you will need with the school or college you are looking to study at.  

Who are they for?

  • If you are thinking of going to university most higher education courses require specific A levels or combinations of A levels (or alternative level 3 qualifications).
  • If you’re not sure what career or job you want to do, studying a selection of A levels can be a good way of keeping your options open.

Local T level providers:

 

VOCATIONAL COURSES (VOCATIONAL ROUTE)

Vocational Courses are alternative courses lead to specific jobs in industry or higher level apprenticeships.

What grades to I need to take Vocational Courses?

You normally need:

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4.
  • At least grade 6 in the specific subject(s) you want to study.

However, the specific requirements needed will vary. It's important to check what you will need with the college you are looking to study at.  

Who are they for?

  • Those looking to develop industry specific skills.
  • Those who prefer a more practical style of learning. 

Local vocational course providers:

 

APPRENTICESHIPS / TRAINEESHIPS

Apprenticeship is a system for training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study. (Earning whilst learning.)

What grades to I need to take an Apprenticeship?

You normally need:

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4.
  • At least grade 6 in the specific subject(s) you want to study.

However, the specific requirements needed will vary. It's important to check what you will need with college you are looking to study at.  

Who are they for?

  • Those looking to earn whilst they learn.
  • Those who are ready to go straight into work. 

Local apprenticeship / traineeship providers:

 

EMPLOYMENT

Apprenticeship is a system for training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study.

What grades to I need to go into Employment?

You normally need:

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4.

Who is this for?

  • Those looking to go straight into an employed position.
  • Those who are not looking to continue with an education pathway.

Local Employment Agencies:

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


Student Entitlement

The updated provider access legislation (PAL) has now been enacted. It specifies schools must provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education for all their students:  
•    Two encounters for students during the ‘first key phase’ (year 8 or 9) that are mandatory for all students to attend. 
•    Two encounters for students during the ‘second key phase’ (year 10 or 11) that are mandatory for all students to attend. 
•    Two encounters for students during the ‘third key phase’ (year 12 or 13) that are mandatory for the school to put on but optional for students to attend. 

This new legislation will become a key mechanism to further help learners understand and take-up, not just apprenticeships, but wider technical education options such as T-Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications whereby all students in Years 8-13 are entitled to:
•    find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, 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 and group discussions and taster events;
•    understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

Management of Provider Access Requests Procedure
A provider wishing to request access should contact Ms C Calveley, Head of Vocational Learning & Careers Leader.
Telephone: 01706 292800
Email: ccalveley@hollingworthacademy.co.uk

 

Opportunities for Access

A number of events, integrated into the academy's careers programme, will offer providers an opportunity to come into the academy to speak to students and/or their parents/carers.  Please see the Provision Map in the Careers area of the main school website for further details, or alternatively please speak to our Careers Leader to identify the most suitable opportunity for you.
 


Premises and Facilities

The academy will make the main hall, classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. The academy will also make available AV and other specialist equipment to support provider presentations.  This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit with the Careers Leader or a member of their team.

Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at the Careers Resource Centre, which is managed by the school librarian.  The Resource Centre is available to all students at lunch and break times.
 


Approval and Review

The date of the next review will be January 2025.
 

As part of achieving "Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers & employees", we are working towards all Year 7 and Year 8 students having encounters with employers and employees that result in a better understanding of the workplace and the potential career paths open to them.  Year 7 and Year 8 introduction to Benchmark 5 is solely focused on informal meet opportunities with Hollingworth Alumni as a softer approach to raising aspirations.  As part of achieving Benchmark 5, we are working towards all Year 9, Year 10 students having encounters with employers and employees that result in a better understanding of the workplace and the potential career paths open to them.  Year 9 have an opportunity to meet with a variety of industry representatives to develop their understanding of different career pathways and to allow for more informed decision making at GCSE and post-16 destination.​  Year 10 students have an opportunity to meet with a variety of industry representatives to develop their understanding of different career pathways and to allow for more informed decision making at GCSE and post-16 destination.  Year 11 students have an opportunity to meet with a variety of industry representatives to develop their understanding of different career pathways and to allow for more informed decision making at GCSE and post-16 destination.   

Hollingworth Alumni,

We are pleased to be able to share in the success of former Hollingworth students. In 2021 we launched the Hollingworth Alumni Programme and the students we have so far reconnected (and who have been happy to share their stories of Life After Hollingworth) are shown below:

Here is the information about Hollingworth’s Careers vision. Here is the information about Hollingworth’s Careers vision. Here is the information about Hollingworth’s Careers vision. Here is the information about Hollingworth’s Careers vision. Here is the information about Hollingworth’s Careers vision.

​Our vision for the Hollingworth Alumni Programme is that we create a network of opportunities for our current students to access support, information and guidance in a variety of ways:

How can you get involved?

Please do get in touch with Mrs V Travis (vtravis@hollingworthacademy.co.uk) if you can help out in any way. Some suggestions that might be of interest.

  • Delivery assemblies and talks
  • careers events such as Careers Fairs, Business Lunches, Workshops
  • small group focus sessions/mentoring
  • projects and challenges in related subjects
  • work place safaris and visits (site tours)
  • talks from your colleagues about the world of work and career pathways
  • team building exercises and work related challenges
  • Work experience placement opportunities