29th June 2023
Dear parents and carers,
As your children come to the end of Year 10 having completed their Annual Exams and with work experience only a few weeks away it is time to turn our attention to their preparation for Year 11.
Year 10 students have had the opportunity to have a range of experiences this year including assemblies, Development Days and Personal Development lessons where we shared important information about what careers and college opportunities await them. We are committed as a school to embed a dedicated Careers Program and have been successful in achieving 100% in the government measure for the Gatsby Benchmark. More information about these measures can be found here: https://www.gatsby.org.uk/education/focus-areas/good-career-guidance
There are three events coming up which are very important in preparation for year 11. Two of these days are strike days however we have ensured these events will not be affected by the strikes and as such all students are expected to attend.
Wednesday 5th July – Discovery day at Exeter College-
Start time: 8:30, arrival in Exeter 9:45
Finish time: 3:00, leave Exeter at 2:15
Attendance: Compulsory
Dress code: Non-school uniform
Students will be taken to Exeter College by bus and will need to take their own lunch. Students entitled to FSM will need to collect a packed lunch from the Refectory when they arrive at school in the morning. Students will not be able to go into Exeter city centre.
Students have picked activities from a range of subjects for taster sessions and we have attached the requirements of what is needed for the day. If students have forgotten what they have picked please see Mrs. Gould in the Careers office.
Dress code for the day is in line with our normal expectations for non-uniform days i.e.
- no abusive or offensive logos/branding on clothing
- No cleavages/midriffs visible – no low cut or cropped tops.
- No halter neck or strappy tops
- No underwear to be visible
Provision will be made onsite for those who are not attending this day.
Friday 7th July- Progression Day
Start time: 8:30am
Finish time: 3:00pm
Attendance: Compulsory
Dress code: School uniform
During this day, students will be off timetable and have a range of activities to encourage and support them to think about what they would like to do after THS, as all students need to be in full time education or educational training (e.g. an apprenticeship or traineeship) until they are 18. This day was extremely successful last year and we hope to build on this.
During Progression Day the opportunities we have for all students to participate in are:
- A careers fair with employers, local colleges, Universities, apprenticeships and independent training providers
- Post 16 pathways – Explore different courses, qualification levels and pathways with Bridgewater and Taunton College
- A tour around PETROC and find out about the new developments
- A revision workshop run by MADE in preparation for their Year 11 mocks and exams
- Finance and student life delivered by Next Steps South West and Plymouth University
All these activities are run with staff from outside agencies and tutors.
Work Experience: Monday 17th-Thursday 20th July
Attendance: Compulsory
Work experience is only a few weeks away. If students have not yet set up a placement it is now too late, however we have work experience opportunities in school where we will ensure all students engage with employers.
On Friday 21st July all students are asked to come into school to discuss their placement and reflect on what they have learnt prior to the end of the summer term. Year 11 Early in September, students will have a tutor careers meeting with our fully qualified Careers Advisor and if needed students will be able to have a one-to-one appointment.
In September we start our college assembly program where we have representatives coming in to talk to students about the 5 colleges most students go onto study at. These include PETROC, Exeter College, Bicton, Huish and Bridgwater and Taunton College. We also have opportunities for some students to meet with Maynards School, where the girls will find out about scholarship opportunities. There are other colleges both locally and further afield and we actively encourage our students to undertake their own research into options and choices. Further information is available on our school website in the careers section and all colleges have a wealth of information available on their own websites.
The college application process opens in early October with many colleges wanting applications to be made by December. During the Autumn Term students will also have their mock exams during a two week period.
A parents’ revision evening with College and Career advice will be held in October. In the meantime if there is anything you wish to discuss about your child’s future plans please email careers@tiverton.devon.sch.uk.
Kind regards
Rae Parker Kate Gould
Assistant Head Curriculum and Assessment Transition Officer and Careers Adviser