Which

Way Now?>> The guide for parents of year 10 & 11 students

Sponsored by

Welcome >> HSBC is delighted to sponsor the latest edition of Which Way Now? We value our close links with the Guernsey Careers Service and hope that our support will benefit many young people in local schools. We strongly believe that high quality career and educational guidance is vitally important for young people who are making the transition from school to work and are pleased to be able to provide some tangible help. Steve W Hogg, Area Manager, HSBC Bank plc, Guernsey

Your son or daughter is entering a very important stage in his or her school life. Young people have always had to make decisions about their future, but there is now an increasing number of choices available. Therefore, it is important that your son or daughter is well informed in order to make the right decision about the route they are to follow. It is also important for you to be clear on the opportunities available so that you can provide the support and advice they need as they move into another stage of their life. Do not worry if your son or daughter has not yet made up his or her mind about the education or career paths they wish to follow.

At no time in the past could there have been a wider or more varied choice of careers available to young people than there is now. This booklet is designed as a starting point for the process of consideration and reflection that will inform you and your children as they make that choice. Please read it carefully and do not hesitate to make full use of the careers advice and guidance available, both in your children’s schools and colleges and through the Guernsey Careers Service.

Some people will know what they want to do from an early age. Others will have no idea when they reach Year 11 or even beyond that. For those who are finding it difficult to make a decision there will be plenty of help and advice available. As there are a number of options available, it is very important that a young person thinks through them all before making a decision. This booklet explains the options and how to access help and advice that is available. If you have any questions or you would like more information then please do not hesitate to contact the Careers Service. Our address is:

Derek Neale, Director of Education

Guernsey Careers Service Education Department Grange Road St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 1RQ Tel: 01481 733044 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.careers.gg We are open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.00pm, including school holidays.

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Making

Decisions >>

An informed decision is where someone gives thought to all of the consequences of their actions. Your son or daughter is going to be asked to make some decisions during their last year of school, so it is important to think through the process. Ask your son or daughter to think long and hard about themselves. They should be honest about their strengths and interests. Some of the questions they can ask themselves are:

c Do I enjoy working alone or with other people?

c Am I confident when speaking

careers teachers or Careers Service will be able to put them in touch with an appropriate employer. Using the JOB BOX section on the careers website will also help young people find out more about what opportunities there are for them. To locate JOB BOX, click on the section where you can find out more about the Trident Work Experience Programme.

in front of others?

c Do I prefer to start and finish a task before starting another?

c And so on...

Skills and Experiences It is not only qualifications that are important for the future. Having skills that you can apply to a range of situations are useful, e.g. teamwork, presentation, communication, timemanagement. Most young people develop their skills through a range of activities and interests such as:

Work experience Most students have the opportunity of going on work experience, which is a great way to find out more about careers. The school work experience is run through the ‘Trident’ Scheme which ensures that placements are checked for health and safety and quality. Your son/daughter will choose their work experience placement in lessons at school with the careers teacher, using information from JOB BOX on the careers website and the Work Xperience fact file booklet.

c DofE c Link Courses c Sports Leadership c Community Service c Music Centre c Youth Speaks c Theatre/Drama c Work Experience It is important that your son or daughter makes an effort to find out about the job market. One of the best ways to get the information that your son or daughter needs is for him or her to speak to people who actually do the job that he or she is interested in. Whatever the interests of your son or daughter, the

Lifelong learning

MY WAY - Hollie Duquemin Hollie went to the Grammar School from La Mare De Carteret Primary School and is taking ‘A’ levels in French, Spanish and English Language/ Literature and ‘AS’ Religious Studies. Hollie said, ‘I have done work experience in a school and went on a two day ‘Teaching as a Career’ seminar. I hope to go to university, possibly in Wales, and then teach languages in a secondary school.’

It is reassuring to note that learning is now a lot more flexible and more and more people are learning at different stages in their lives, not just when they are at school. It is important for your son/daughter to be aware of lifelong learning as an option.

Getting help Making decisions may seem like a very lonely task for your son or daughter. However, there are lots of people who want to help and whose job it is to help. Therefore, you will find sources of help in the next section.

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Options Available to

Year 11 Students >> In order to provide support for your son or daughter, it is important that you know what options are open to them. There are 4 main options: c Study AS or A levels

c Study AVCE, National Diplomas/ Certificates, GNVQ, and other courses

c Start full time work c Start an apprenticeship

‘A’ and ‘AS’ levels A range of subjects are available and most students choose three or four subjects to study over two years. They are available at Grammar School, Ladies’ College, Elizabeth College and Blanchelande Girls’ College. Students normally need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grade C or above to study AS/A levels.

AVCE (Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education), National Diplomas/Certificates, GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) and other courses A range of subjects and levels is available. Students choose one course of study depending on what level they are at. There are courses where you need 4 GCSEs at grade C or above but there are also courses that ask for grade Ds or no qualifications at all. These are available at the Guernsey College of Further Education.

Understanding the range of qualifications With the introduction of AVCEs, National Diplomas/Certificates, GNVQs and NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) as well as A levels and GCSEs there can be understandable confusion about what they all mean and how they link together. The chart below explains this. There are different types of qualifications - leading to further study, introducing a broad area of work or offering preparation for a specific job. The qualifications within the framework can be divided into three main categories: General – related to a specific subject e.g. AS/A2 level geography Vocationally relevant – a broad introduction to a work area e.g. AVCE travel and tourism Occupational – skills and knowledge for a specific job e.g. NVQ customer service or City & Guilds plumbing

Nick left Les Beaucamps School at the end of year 11 and is now taking A-levels in theatre studies, history and RS at The Grammar School. Nick is hoping to go to university to take drama as either a BEd or BA with PGCE. To gain experience Nick has worked in four schools. Nick said, ‘I like the Grammar School because it has a welcoming environment and there are lots of opportunities available to you.’

Each qualification is equal to any other on the same level. It is possible to progress from one level and type of qualification to another, providing that a qualification from the level below has been achieved e.g. a qualification from level 2 must be successfully completed before embarking on a level 3 qualification.

Level 3

AS/A2 Levels

AVCE (Voc A Levels)

BTEC National Diploma

City & Guilds/NVQ Level 3 Apprenticeships

Level 2

4/5 GCSEs (at A-C)

Intermediate GNVQ Voc GCSEs

BTEC 1st Diploma

City & Guilds/NVQ Level 2 Apprenticeships

Level 1

GCSEs at D-G

Entry Level

Foundation GNVQ

CFE Vocational Qualification No Formal Qualifications

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MY WAY - Nick Legg

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City & Guilds/NVQ Level 1 Apprenticeships

MY WAY - Hayley Spratt After taking her GCSEs at La Mare De Carteret Secondary School Hayley worked for the Rue Maze Dental Surgery for 16 months. She then took up a three-year apprenticeship in catering at Sueco and now works in the Hansa Restaurant. Hayley said, ‘I am now taking a level 3 course at College of FE and hope to do a level 4 with the intention of going into teaching, I really enjoy catering.’

To train for a trade as an Apprentice The States Registered Apprenticeship Scheme includes more than 400 local employers who provide training and support for young people. Apprenticeships take between three and five years to complete and are available in employment areas such as engineering, catering, motor trades, building trades, horticulture and hairdressing. Training involves going to the College of FE once or twice a week and learning on the job. Apprentices get paid as part of their training.

To find a full-time job Many local employers now offer their own training programmes that lead to recognised qualifications. Having qualifications already, such as GCSEs can improve your chances of finding work, as many employers prefer young people with qualifications.

Need more information about options? If you would like to know more about the options, you can contact the careers teacher at your son/ daughter’s school or give the Careers Service a call. Contact numbers can be found on the back page.

Fact File: for year 10 2003 • 12% left education • 2% were engaged in further training • none went into office work • none went into work as apprentice mechanics • majority went into retail and building trades

Hot tip: Choosing the right starting point Fact File: for year 11 2003 • 61% continued with their education • 8% were engaged in further training • 6 went into work as apprentice mechanics • 22 went into office work • majority went into service industries, retail and engineering

Vocational and general qualifications are on offer at different levels, and it is important to start out at the level you feel comfortable with and work your way up! c I might not achieve any qualifications at GCSE level. Start out by looking at the qualifications at foundation level. c I am hoping to get four or more GCSEs at grades D-G. Intermediate level would be a good place to start. c I am predicted to achieve four or more GCSEs at A*-C. Check out the advanced level courses.

Fact File: for year 13 • 49% went into Higher Education • 3% were engaged in further training • 30% went into work • 55 went into office work • others went into creative, technical or service industries

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Sources

for help >>

Parents Parents are fundamental when it comes to supporting their son /daughter. Some useful tips are:

c Allow them time to think through all the options available.

c Make sure a decision has been made before the end of year 11

c Encourage your son/daughter to consider an alternative option in case their first choice does not work out.

Careers Teachers at school Careers education and guidance will be offered to your child directly through their school. Each school has a careers teacher who has received training on how to deal with careers information and provide careers education. The careers teacher will be available throughout the school year for your son/daughter to consult with on any queries they may have. The list of careers teachers can be found on the back page.

Careers Advisers at the Guernsey Careers Service Careers advisers visit schools throughout the academic year. Careers advisers are professionally trained in careers guidance and are available to meet with students to talk through their career ideas and look at all options. Many students find it helpful to speak with a careers adviser as they are not directly part of a school or family. A student will have the chance to meet with a careers adviser in a one-to-one interview or through group works and presentations. Parents may attend interviews if they wish and they will also have the opportunity to meet with a careers adviser at parents’ evenings held at school. Students and parents are also welcome to visit the Careers Service to meet with a careers adviser, although it is best to telephone first and make an appointment. The contact details for careers advisers are on the back page.

MY WAY - Rebecca Norman Rebecca took her GCSEs at Blanchelande Girls’ College and is now on a BTEC National Diploma course at the College of FE. Although Rebecca did not study art at GCSE she has always been interested in it and had a portfolio of work. Rebecca said, ‘there is a great atmosphere and a diverse range of activities. The people are enthusiastic and you get out of it what you put in.’

Other sources of help: Website: www.careers.gg The careers website is a great way to find information on options, work experience, job vacancies etc.

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Computer Programmes The Careers Service and the schools have various computer programmes that can help generate career ideas, which can be particularly useful if a student is unsure of the career they wish to pursue. The Careers Service offers the following programmes:

KUDOS A programme that allows a student to answer a series of questions about aspects of careers. For example, ‘Working with numbers and statistics’, to which a student would reply from a series of answers ranging from Dislike to Like Very Much. From the student’s responses, the computer will be able to identify those careers that the student is likely to be most suited to.

Pathfinder A complete careers guidance system comprising a questionnaire which matches interests, abilities, skills and preferences to occupations.

CID (Careers Information Database) This is a comprehensive multimedia careers resource with nearly 1000 job titles, pictures and videos of people at work. It also offers a careers interest quiz, links to the internet and activity sheets.

Internet There are many websites available that help with course searches, job information, study/revision techniques etc. The internet is available at the Careers Service to find out more.

Careers Library Your son/daughter’s school will have some careers information either in the careers room or the main school library. The Careers Service has a library that is free to use and includes books, information leaflets, college/university prospectuses and directories. The Guille Allés Library also has a section with useful books and directories.

Careers Convention The convention for local education, training and employment is usually held at Beau Sejour in January. Parents and students are invited to attend as it is a great way to find out lots of information about opportunities in Guernsey all under one roof.

Higher Education Convention This is usually held every February when over 50 universities/colleges have a stand for students and parents to find out more about going to university. Year 11’s are welcome to come along to increase their awareness about university and help them plan what A levels or AVCE course to study.

MY WAY - Ben Peree Ben left Sark when he was 11 and went to Shaftesbury School and Sports College. Ben enjoyed his GCSE design technology and especially working with wood. Ben is currently doing an apprenticeship with R H Le Tissier and said, ‘I am in the second year of my five year apprenticeship and am really enjoying the workshop/joinery aspect of the work.’

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Contacts

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS FOR YEAR 11’S: Autumn Term

Careers Teachers >> Les Beaucamps Secondary School, 256477 Mrs Joan Simpson La Mare de Carteret Secondary School, 256588 Mr Jim Banks St Peter Port Secondary School, 720236 Mr Emyr Davies St Sampson’s Secondary School, 244411 Mr Paul Cochrane Guernsey Grammar School, 256571 Mr John Lihou College of Further Education, 737500 Mrs Marian Root Blanchelande Girls’ College, 237200 Mrs Karen Higgs Ladies’ College, 721602 Mrs Elaine Webster

October Joint talks by Grammar School and College of FE to Year 11 parents November Careers Service interview Year 11 students in schools to discuss all options. Year 11 visits to College of FE and Grammar School

January-February Individual student interviews by Grammar School and College of FE

Oakvale School, 723045 Mr Rob Tiplady Mont Varouf School, 263135 Mrs Helena McGovern St Anne’s School (Alderney), 822173 Ms Joy Maiden

Careers Advisers >> Each careers adviser is linked to a particular school. The list below tells you who they are and for which schools they are responsible. Sarah Stonebridge (St Sampson’s, St Anne’s, Grammar, CFE) 733070 [email protected] Richard Vivian (Les Beaucamps, La Mare de Carteret, Grammar, CFE) 733057 [email protected] Sarah Hibbs (St Peter Port, Grammar – until Jan 2005, CFE) 733042 [email protected] Geoff Martel Careers Advisory Teacher 733041 [email protected]

Other helpful contacts >> Tina Watson Director of Sixth Form, Grammar School 256571 Steve Dudley Vice Principal, College of Further Education 737500 Helen Grand Education Officer (Post 16), Education Department 710821

Canary Media 3 Men & a Suit John de Garis

End of September Prospectuses available for Grammar School and College of FE

Spring Term

Elizabeth College, 726544 Mr Mike Higgins

Published by Design Photography

September (start of term) ‘What Next?’ leaflet circulated to schools. Joint talks by Grammar School and College of FE to Year 11 students

[email protected] www.3men.co.uk www.johndegaris.com

January Careers Convention January Grammar School Post 16 Evening for Parents and Students February Guernsey College of FE Open Day for Year 11’s. Grammar School Sixth Form Information Day for Year 11’s. March Closing date for all applications to Grammar and/or College of FE. Year 11’s start preparing to apply for employment/ apprenticeships

Summer Term April Offers for places at Grammar or College of FE sent to all applicants. Copies sent to schools. Closing date for acceptance of first choice place. End August GCSE results. Confirmation letters to all students.