Careers Programme | Careers Information | Swindon Academy

Careers Programme

The Swindon Academy vision states ‘Business, Enterprise and Employability at Swindon Academy encourages all young people to learn and develop in a way that meets their needs and develops skills for life and skills for work’.

In order to achieve this we offer an extensive Careers Programme which allows students to explore, understand and encounter a range of industries and potential careers paths. 

All advice we provide students with is impartial and in their best interests.  The programme is overseen by the SLT Careers Lead, Nick Warren and implemented by the Careers Officer, Daniela King. The Careers Programme has the approval of the board of governors, is backed by the senior leadership team and is reviewed termly to ensure its efficiency. The governor with Careers Lead responsibilities is listed on the Governance page, here.

The Careers Programme has been written in line with the Government’s Gatsby Benchmarks and takes into consideration the ongoing work and research completed by SWLEP.

The Careers Programme aims to

  • Inspire and raise the aspirations of all students at Swindon Academy
  • Provide students with up to date industry information and allow them to explore sectors based upon their strengths, interests and skillsets
  • Give each student the opportunity to experience one meaningful business encounter each year they are in education with us
  • By the end of Year 11, all students will have had workplace experience within at least one business and have met with a Careers Advisor
  • Allow students to make informed decisions about the next stage of their career paths by giving them all the options available and ensuring they have the time to think about, question and consider each pathway

We have a range of both whole school, year group and specific student group events that run each year with the aim to support our young people in making positive choices about their future. As part of our Futures Week, every year group will take part in an:

  • Employer Workshop
  • University Talk
  • Futures Fair (over 35 employers, universities and post 16 training providers join us to speak to students about their futures)

Students in Years 9-12 will also take part in a university visit where they are provided with the opportunity to see a university, speak to members of staff and students and learn more about why studying at level 4 and above may be a good option for them.

How do we ensure our Careers Programme is effective?

Students, staff and local employers are asked to review each event they attend as part of Swindon Academy’s Career Programme. This allows us to see whether or not the event was beneficial; if students would recommend it to future year groups and how all parties feel the events could be improved.

All statistics are discussed termly at Senior Leadership Meetings and reviewed to ensure each event is meaningful, effective and purposeful.  Swindon Academy reviews its careers programme every September, unless further revisions are necessary mid-year.

On both our January and July PRD, students and parents complete a careers questionnaire which helps us to review which elements of our programme are working and where improvements can be made.

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