Careers investing at St Richards

The successful assessment is the result of a whole range of career education activities which are being delivered to pupils as well as support offered by the Connexions PA and other advisors made available at the college.

Careers Coordinator Caroline Thomas was delighted to accept the Investors in Careers Award on behalf of the college in a special presentation assembly this week.

She said: "It means a lot that the school has been recognised for its continued efforts in enabling the pupils to make successful transitions into further education, training or the world of work."

Feedback from the assessor recognized that St. Richard's has continued to offer and develop a progressive careers education programme geared to the needs of its pupils.

The assessor's report also referred to the active engagement of all staff in delivering, contributing to or supporting elements of the careers education programme as tutors through the discrete elements of PSHEE, in their subject areas, or on 'collapsed' timetable days.

Examples of good practice included the use of theatre company productions and the RAF Motivational Outreach Team, which engage pupils into thinking about career planning and options, as well as the introduction of "CareersEtc", a one-stop online shop for careers information, advice and guidance. The "Words and Work" week organized by the English department, the STEM pirate project led by the Science department and the Year 9 Enterprise Day were also highlighted for praise.