Careers Guidance

Pupil Entitlement

Students at The Charter School Bermondsey are entitled to careers education and guidance that is impartial and confidential. It is integrated into their experience of the curriculum as a whole and it is based on a partnership with the school, the students and their parents or carers. Our Careers Education programme promotes equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion, whilst promoting the best interests of the students to whom it is given.  

To that end, all pupils in Years 7-11 are entitled to: 

  • Find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point 
  • Hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions and taster events
  • Understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses 
  • Learn about a range of careers from first-hand experiences such as workplace visits, guest speakers and work shadowing 
  • Curriculum support in all subjects promoting related job advice 
  • Allotted time through LFT (Learning Family Time) for self-development, focusing on lifestyle and progression 
  • Local university presentations 
  • Information on College Open dates 
  • Support with completing Sixth Form application form, and access to computers for on-line registration and application 
  • Mock Interviews 
  • Supported CV and Personal Statement sessions 

The Charter School Bermondsey employs the services of an external independent careers advice professional who provides individual careers interviews and careers information for every Year 11 pupil.

Careers Roadmap

Years 7 to 9

  • Curriculum support in all subjects promoting related job advice.
  • Allotted time through LFT (Learning Family Time) for self-development, focusing on lifestyle and progression.
  • Access to up-to-date careers information through the Celebration PowerPoint, the school website and their Unifrog account
  • Assemblies and other information on KS4 options including vocational and alternative options such as apprenticeships and traineeships.
  • Specialized sessions from various universities through the Gifted and Talented Programme
  • Meaningful employer encounters take place every year to provide students with the opportunity to learn about a broad range of industries

By the end of KS3 all students will have:

  • A better understanding of their strengths, achievements and weakness. Students will have the adequate support that will enable them to make informed decision on how these skills might influence future choices on learning and in work.
  • A better understanding of the full range of 14-19 opportunities for progression.
  • An understanding of some of the qualities, attitudes and skills needed for employment.
  • Used online careers resources to research information about opportunities and apply their findings to help them make informed choices for KS4 options.

Years 10 and 11

One week block Work Experience placement which will focus on the student’s future careers aspirations where possible, allowing learning about work through the experience of work.

  • Dress to Impress Day
  • College presentations
  • Local university presentations
  • Careers Interview for every Year 11 student
  • Information on College Open dates
  • Support with completing Sixth Form application form, and access to computers for on-line registration and application
  • Mock Interviews
  • Supported CV and Personal Statement sessions
  • Apprenticeship Workshops for those interested in pursuing this route
  • Parent evening and assemblies to be supported by external IAG provider
  • Close monitoring of vulnerable and SEN students
  • Meaningful employer encounters take place every year to provide students with the opportunity to learn about a broad range of industries

By the end of Year 11 all students will have:

  • Enhanced their self-knowledge, career management and employability skills
  • Used ICT software and other sources of advice to investigate and explore future choices and progression routes.
  • Experienced the world of work through Work Experience.
  • Been given direct access to employers, colleges and training providers.
  • Been given guidance to help identify a range of post-16 options and careers advice and support networks that they can use to plan and negotiate their career pathways.
  • Been provided with the resources to complete their post-16 application procedures, including CV’s, personal statements, and preparation for interviews.
  • Produced a challenging but realistic plan for their future learning and work, by relating their abilities, attributes and achievements to the goals they have set for themselves.

Careers in the curriculum

Whilst the CAIG lead will lead the vast majority of these events, subject leads will also be expected to demonstrate that they have made explicit links between their subject areas and career opportunities through their curriculum planning. This could be in the form of external speakers, school trips or through lesson/homework planning. This will be complemented by a programme in Year 10 Relating lessons that includes sessions on work experience and hosts external speakers from a range of sectors to elevate subject-specific career opportunities and experiences at a crucial point in our students’ decision-making. 

 Tracking and impact 

 All CAIG activities will be tracked against the Gatsby benchmarks and reviewed on a termly basis. 

Opportunities for provider access

A number of events, integrated into the school careers programme, offers a plethora of providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils and/or their parents/carers. Students are also encouraged to attend the various career events that are planned throughout the year. Provider requiring access should contact: Mr Haverty on phaverty@charterbermondsey.org.uk.

In order to facilitate provider access, the school will make the main hall, classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. The school will also make available AV and other specialist equipment to support provider presentations. This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit with Mr Haverty. Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature with Mr Haverty. This will be available for pupils to peruse in the school’s Library.

The school offers a comprehensive Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance programme and an overview can be seen in the School’s Careers Calendar.

Please speak to our Careers Advisor to identify the most suitable opportunity for you to engage with our students. Employers will be granted access in line with the school’s careers programme and calendar, with most opportunities available during National Careers Week, in March. Employers may be refused access if the provision does not meet an identified need in the School’s careers programme, or coincide with the calendar. Employers may also be refused access if they are unable to meet the school’s safeguarding policy.

Careers Links

Post 16

Charter North Dulwich

The Sixth Form is holding an Open Day on Thursday 9th November 2023 4:30pm to 7pm. You can find out more about Year 12 admissions and apply online by visiting our Sixth Form website.

Charter East Dulwich

Our Open Evening for entry in September 2024 will take place on Wednesday 15 November 2023 between 4.30pm and 7pm. No booking required. Head of Sixth Form presentations at 4.45pm and 6.15pm. You can find out more about Year 12 admissions and apply online by visiting our Sixth Form website.

For admissions to local providers in September 2024, please see Southwark’s Prospectus: Post 16 Providers in Southwark

Careers Research

  • Unifrog is an online platform where pupils can easily explore their interests, then find and successfully apply for their next step after school. Please see our Parent and Student Guides.
  • careerswales.com Click ‘Tools and Resources’ and then ‘Career Search’. This data base provides a detailed description of hundreds of jobs, including qualifications, training routes, skills and qualities for entry. Also try the ‘Ideas Quiz’ for career ideas which may suit you.
  • National Careers Service Click on your job profiles
  • icloud.com Careers information by sector and personality quizzes
  • careersbox.co.uk Careers information by sector

Higher Education

  • brightknowledge.org Clear articles about different jobs. Explains typical day, entry requirements, pay, and pros and cons of different jobs.
  • https://www.ucas.com Find out about suitable universities and courses
  • discoveruni.gov.uk Compare and contrast university data to include student satisfaction, employability figures etc. for each course

Apprenticeships

Job Search

  • indeed.co.uk Live vacancies, recruitment support and CV matching service
  • fish4jobs.co.uk Live vacancies, recruitment support and CV matching service
  • jobsite.co.uk  Live vacancies, recruitment support and CV matching service

Volunteering and Work Experience

  • do-it.org Search for opportunities in your local area
  • tcv.org Conservation volunteering opportunities
  • vinspired.com Search for volunteering opportunities in your local area
  • charityjob.co.uk Search for charity shop volunteering opportunities locally