Home > Students > Careers
Careers
Whitstone School is an 11-16 school, so we don’t offer a 6th Form or A Levels.
With everyone now having to stay in education until the age of 18, what options do our students have for their education after Whitstone School...? The answer is lots…
Post 16 Education & Training Options
We are very lucky to have lots of really good colleges and 6th form options in the area, each offering different courses, apprenticeships and training options.
All of the post 16 education establishments hold open events throughout the year – we strongly advise that you attend as many as you can, so that you can get a feel for each of the establishments, what they offer and how well they would suit your needs.
Take a look at our Post 16 Options page to see a range of options with links to their websites so that you can see the choices available:
Careers Advice and Guidance
At Whitstone School, we want our students to have every opportunity to fulfil their future career aspirations.
Therefore, we believe it is of paramount importance for students to make informed choices about their next steps when they make decisions about their education and training beyond Whitstone School.
Preparing students for the world of work and helping with their employability is a key priority for us and we are committed to providing a planned programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance for all students in Years 7-11. This includes personal guidance, careers focused lessons, and opportunities to attend careers fairs, and hear talks by local businesses.
Are you confused? Torn between options? Unsure what you want to do?
Don’t forget that our Careers Advisor is here to help you with careers advice and guidance. Take a look at our Careers page and make an appointment with them to discuss your options. With their help, guidance from your family – and your own research and opinions – you are sure to find the best post 16 education option for you, which will see you reach your long term goals and career aspirations.
Careers Staff
Careers Leader – Mrs Rachel Findlay. Email: Rachel.Findlay@whitstoneschool.org
SLT Careers Lead - Mrs M Turner
Careers Administrator – Ms A Pickaver. Based on the Careers desk in Main Block
Email: Alannah.Pickaver@whitstoneschool.org
Whitstone Academy has the benefit of a key business volunteer who works with us on a strategic level, encouraging the development of our careers programme and connecting us to the business community across the county. This role is recognised nationally as an Enterprise Adviser (EA) and they are part of the Somerset Careers Hub community of support driving the connection between careers education and the business sector. Our Enterprise Adviser is Justin Collis (Heidelberg Materials, Whatley Quarry, Frome).
Teachers/ Curriculum
Our PSHE / ECC Curriculum, ensures that the key skills and essential knowledge we have identified permeate our curriculum from year 7 to year 11, allowing our pupils to make links in their learning as well as develop the ability to think more deeply about what they are learning. In this respect, pupils’ learning is meaningful and purposeful, and designed in a range of contexts, which offer breadth and variety to their learning.
All teachers include careers into their lessons, to develop student’s employability skills. Staff have access to a wide range of resources on the school internal system to showcase careers in their subject lessons and can contact the careers lead for help and support about how to showcase careers in the curriculum.
Personal Guidance
Our Careers Advisor holds one-to-one careers interviews in the careers area of the library throughout the week to help our students to plan their next steps.
Students can request an appointment by signing up on the careers noticeboard in the library or by speaking to the Careers Advisor directly at break. Further information or help is available in the library, including access to careers resources.
If a parent should want to contact the Careers Advisor, they can do so using the details on the Contact Us page.
Work Experience
We offer work experience at Whitstone School to enable pupils to gain valuable experience of the world of work and to demonstrate their skills and abilities whilst working within a team of adults in a real working environment.
Work experience for students at Whitstone School is arranged for a block week during term 6 in year 10. Our PSHE team supports each student in finding a suitable placement, ensuring all of the relevant health and safety checks are in place, as well as ensuring the environment is suitable for that particular student and their future aspirations. We are lucky to be able to work with a range of proactive local companies to ensure every pupil has the opportunity to spend time in the world of work, enhancing their employability skills.
Staying in Touch
We always love to hear from our past students, and to celebrate in their achievements after their time with us here at Whitstone School. If you are a past student, and would like to share your news with us, please do by emailing: info@whitstoneschool.org