Careers Education at BDS
At Bedminster Down School, we believe that every student should be encouraged to achieve their potential in life. Our desire to provide a first-rate careers programme comes from our whole school vision of Belief, Determination and Success.
Careers education has a clear role to play in producing young people who are ready for the challenges and opportunities they will face when they leave school. Working with parents, carers and the wider community, our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance will support them in making the best decisions for their future careers.
By encouraging high standards and by offering a wide range of opportunities, we give our students hope and aspiration for the future. Our aim is to produce students who are well rounded and are suitably prepared for their place in life when they leave Bedminster Down School and enter the fast-changing world of work or continue in education.
Our careers program is based on the Gatsby Benchmarks and is taught, starting in year 7. Our programme helps students to improve their decision making and to gain confidence in organising their own lives and to develop skills for their futures.
We have access to a careers advisor who is able to offer individual advice to students about career pathways, help them to organise their work experience, and select the most appropriate post-16 education opportunities.
Apprenticeship Parents and Carers Pack
The Careers Team
Careers Strategic Lead: Mr J Van Eker, Assistant Principal: Aspirations
Careers Leader– Mr S Harris, email sharris@bedminsterdown.org.uk, T: 0117 353 2800
Careers Advisor – Rebecca Dennis is in school two days per week. Appointments are allocated based on priority but can also be booked by emailing rdennis@bedminsterdown.org.uk or sharris@bedminsterdown.org.uk
Training Provider Access
Our Training Provider Access Policy sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to pupils at the school for the purpose of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.
Training Provider Access Policy
A provider wishing to request access should contact the Teacher in Charge of Careers Education.
Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature with the Careers Advisor so that they can be displayed in our Careers Zone.
Futura Learning Partnership CEIAG Policy
Careers Education, Information and Guidance Policy
The schools careers programme is reviewed bi-termly in conjunction with representatives from the West of England Careers Hub and Enterprise advisors from the private sector. The Careers programme is measured and assessed by a variety of methods including bi-termly measurement of the school’s progress against the Gatsby Benchmarks, Destination Data, evaluation feedback from pupils, parents/carers, staff and employers where applicable.
Useful links to career-related sites for students
Career Pilot
Career Pilot – All the information and tools you need to explore your future career.
SKILLS CHECKER
Take a short assessment to find out what job categories, and which particular job roles, might suit you. You don’t need to sign in or create an account to save your assessment. You can also complete it later and look at your results again at any time.
Go to the National Careers Service website
OTHER USEFUL CAREERS WEBSITES
Informed Choices – to help you make the right A level choices.
National Careers Service – job profiles, CV help and much more
Bright Knowledge – career pathways
Future Learn – lists the training, qualifications and experience needed for each career.
Barclays Life Skills – providing young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need for work with tools, tips and learning resources.
Careermap – providing careers advice and support for students and parents/carers including LMI information.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Amazing Apprenticeships– Information about apprenticeships, T-Levels and Apprenticeships
National Apprenticeship Scheme– (National Apprenticeship Service)
Useful links to career-related sites for parents
GENERAL CAREERS
Careerpilot – Information on all choices at 14,16 and 18
iCould – A range of articles for parents to help when advising children of their different options
Parental Guidance – Careers information and advice from the Careers Writers Association
APPRENTICESHIPS
.GOV.UK– parents guide on apprenticeships
HIGHER EDUCATION
Advice for parents about applying from UCAS
