“If you can dream it, you can do it!”
Young people are entitled to an education which prepares them for life beyond their days in the classroom. Careers education is essential in this preparation. Evidence suggests that pupils are much more focussed if they can find the link between what they are asked to do in school and what they might do in their working lives or indeed visa versa. Once these links are made pupils tend to be more motivated in school provided they see their curriculum as useful.
Careers Suite
A newly refurbished facility containing the latest ICT C2k 15-networked station, laptop, whiteboard, data projector and printer. A wide variety of reference materials which pupils may access during class time or during free time including lunch time (with teachers’ supervision). This room acts as both a classroom and library. All careers lessons are taught in this room. Computer software - a range of computer programmes including the careers databases Odyssey, C.I.D, Pathfinder and Industrial and University C.D’s. Prospectuses – a wide range of College/University publications. Text books – variety of texts that will help pupils with subject choice, interest guides and job details. Magazines - a wide range of publications dealing with career themes. Work booklets - differentiated range for each pupil in each Year group. Videos and T.V. A number of video prospectuses, videos on job hunting, application and interview skills. Careers office used for administration and pupil interviews with Careers Officer.
Key Stage 3
Mr D Lappin has responsibility for Employability throughout the school. It is an opportunity for pupils to be introduced to a programme of self-assessment, personal career planning, decision making and job research. The latter is ongoing throughout the remainder of the Careers Programme.
Key Stage 4
Mrs M Brady has responsibility for Careers Education at Key Stage 4. Year 11 pupils are introduced to the reality of the “World of Work” and how it is classified. Consideration is given to the local and national / international job markets. Pupils are made aware of the limitations of job availability. Throughout Years 11 and 12 all pupils become familiar with the completion of application forms and CV’s. Interviews are undertaken as an essential part of the selection process. Key Stage 4 pupils have the opportunity of following a vocational route with our highly successful link with South West College. Pupils travel to SWC (Dungannon campus) one day a week to study Occupational courses including catering, beauty, hairdressing, brickwork, digital video, engineering or joinery. Alternatively they can do GCSE Construction or GCSE Engineering. In Year 12 the selection process is further developed with a series of programmes provided by DCBEP, Sentinus, Cragrats. A major link in the Careers department includes the range of services provided by the Careers Officer (Ms F Duffy).
