Greenfields Specialist School for Communication

Careers

Intent

At Greenfields Specialist School for Communication Careers is part of the whole school curriculum that meets the GATSBY benchmarks, that define the best in careers provision and is monitored internally by the Compass self evaluation tool.  There is a named careers leader- Claire Frogley, who can be contacted through the school office regarding careers. 

The careers programme is designed to support pupils in: developing new skills, providing them with the opportunity to their use talents, being recognised for a job well done and social benefits around working collaboratively in a team including; communication skills, financial independence, better physical and mental health, which includes holistic approaches such as self-esteem, confidence etc.

‘Careers’ at GSSC is also about the wider definition of it's meaning, ensuring the curriculum aids pupils to develop skills and knowledge as appropriate but also supports pupils to make decisions and choices in school, the wider world and about their future choices, supporting pupils to manage change and transition during their time at GSSC as well as in their future destinations.

Impact

All of our pupils at GSSC are well prepared for life beyond GSSC and have successful placements following their time with us, whether this is at the end of Year 11 or Year 13.  Transitions for all of our pupils are designed to meet their individual needs.

All pupils future destinations are personalised and may include, day centres, colleges, health/social care placements, or residential settings. The impact of careers is monitored through EARWIG to capture the learning and engagement of our pupils.

If you are an employer locally and would like to support our careers work we would love to hear from you.  We are always looking for opportunities to expand our careers provision and the experiences we offer, from employer visits in school to supported work placements.  Please get in touch with the school office on 01604 741960.

Implementation

Careers at GSSC is delivered through curriculum days, enterprise, community visits/ visitors and events throughout the year and also as part of Careers week. Teachers use our curriculum outcomes appropriate to the individual needs of all of our pupils to support and develop skills for their future destinations, drawn from the Talentinos curriculum.

Pupils have equal access to the careers curriculum however this is highly personalised to respect pupils individual needs and priorities. GSSC holds an annual community options/ transitions event to support pupils and their families to explore local options (through the Local Offer) and alternative providers at Post 16 and beyond. 

Pupils and their families in Year 11 and Year 13 also have access to impartial, externally commissioned careers guidance where there is an opportunity to explore future pathways and provisions, and to create a plan to support our pupils with their appropriate identified pathways.

At Post 16 all pupils have a careers specific outcome as part of their EHCP to support careers development and careers related learning. In Year 13 all pupils have personalised access to work experience, whether that be on or off site, this may include GSSC Café Laurel, the School Library, School Office or with local enterprises,