• Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future

Careers and Guidance

Careers Events & Workshops

Careers and Guidance is part of a range of work-related learning activities available at Downend. This includes preparation for GCSE option choices and work experience, plus guidance and support for students making decisions about what to do at the end of Year 11. Post sixteen students receive advice and guidance on university, college and employment applications. Please look around this page to find useful information and links to helpful websites.

The careers Office is next to M14. We are open Tuesdays and Fridays; you are welcome to pay a visit during break or lunchtime.

Connexions drop-in sessions

 

Drop-in sessions posters: Yr 7-11 / Post 16

The careers Office is next to M14.
You are welcome to pay a visit during break or lunchtime.

 Connexions drop-in sessions
Ambitions careers event 2012

Ambitions+ Careers Event

UWE Exhibition & Confenece Centre
Thurs 1 March 2012, 4.30-8pm

PDF poster: click
Careers websites
Connexions
Directgov Careers Advice
 Kingswood Partnership careers

Making Careers Choices

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We have a number of careers databases which can help students identify possible careers and give information about aspects of the work entry requirements and where to train.

Careers Information
If you wish to access the Careers information databases please come to the careers office (open Tuesdays & Fridays) and we can give you a user name and log-in.

Directgov careers advice Directgov website for careers advice can be found here ; Adviser contact details here

Kingswood Partnership careers careers pages here

Jed - the Job Explorer Database
The interactive multimedia careers resource from Careersoft. Comprehensive information on over 800 jobs with pictures, videos, quizzes and text. Jed introductory video here.

Higher Ideas
Visit this website if you are wondering about going into Higher Education. You may be unsure about what courses to follow and are trying to make the right school / college subject choices for your future degree. Higher Ideas can help.

Regional Training Prospectus
A-levels to apprenticeships, college courses to employer funded training. This website features promotional content from local training providers, employers and colleges, who are offering students opportunities.

Planning Your Career
Starting in Year 9, students use Plan-it to record their skills, qualities and achievements in order to create an action plan to help them make the next step in their future. In Year 9 this relates to option choices, in Year 10 it relates to work experience and in Year 11 post 16 choices.

Plan-it is accessed through the website www.myplan4life.org
You will need to know your password: please visit Careers (next to M14) if you need your password.

Talking to a Personal Advisor
Connexions Personal Advisers are available at Downend in person. They can offer pupils in Years 9-14 impartial information, advice and guidance about a number of issues including careers, education, relationships, health, bullying, drugs and housing. The service is confidential and pupils are advised to drop into the Careers Centre next to M14 during break or lunchtime, Tuesdays and Fridays only. After an initial chat, if a longer appointment is necessary then this can be organised.

Young people can also access a Careers Adviser by ringing 0800 100 900 (open 8am – 10pm). More about this service can be found here.

Connexions Contact Details

Connexions website Dave Jenkins, Adviser: djenkins@connexionswest.org.uk ; Connexions website

More Careers Advice contact information can be found on this webpage

Year 9 Option Choices

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In Year 9 you will have to decide which subjects you wish to study for Level one or two (GCSE standard) qualifications. All students follow a core curriculum consisting of English, Mathematics, Science, Design Technology, PE and Personal Development Curriculum.

In addition, you can choose from a number of optional courses:

Administration, Art, Business Studies, BTEC Engineering, BTEC Performing Arts, BTEC Sport, Child Development, Drama, French, Geography, German, Health and Social Care, History, Humanities ICT, iMedia, Music, PE, Philosophy and Ethics with Religion, Separate Sciences.

Year 10 Work Experience Information

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All Year 10 students spend a week on Work Experience when you will carry out work tasks with an employer. This is much the same as being an employee, except that the student will focus more on the learning aspects of the experience.

Downend School Work Experience Process

Work Experience 2012

Letter to Parents - PDF

Parental Consent Form - Word / PDF

Work Experience Placement Form - Word / PDF


Airbus
Work Experience Dates for 2012:

5 March, 12 March
23 April
7 May, 14 May
4 June, 25 June
2 July, 9 July, 16 July
1 October, 29 October

To apply: All applicants to apply online. Given the popularity of these events, we cannot guarantee a place for every student that applies. Apply here (the Airbus website is due to be updated shortly).

On work experience you have the chance to:

• Develop your skills
• Find out about a career you have an interest in
• Find out information which will help with subjects you study in school
• Get a reference
• You may even get a job or apprenticeship offer

To find a placement:

• Use Tutorial time in the morning
• Visit Careers Office before school, during break and lunch
• Make sure that you follow up letters with a phone call

Work Experience PowerPoint Info for Students

Information for Parents

Parents can play an important part in helping students get the most from their work experience. It is very helpful to have documents returned promptly and these can be emailed to wex@downend.com which is our dedicated email address for all enquiries relating to work experience.

Letter to Parents

Parental Consent Form

Work Experience Placement Form

Information for Employers

We are very grateful to the large number of employers who offer work experience placements to our students and we appreciate the time and effort that is made to make the placement a success. We hope that employers also benefit from the experience. Please contact us at wex@downend.com if you feel your organisation may be able to offer a placement or support work related learning in other ways.

Work Experience Info for Employers

 

  • Work Experience Week 2008
    Work Experience Photos
  • HP Presentation
    HP Presentation

Year 11

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Careers Advice for Young People

Directgov careers advice Directgov website for careers advice can be found here

Advisers are able to offer careers information, advice and support to 13-19 year olds between 8am and 10pm, seven days a week. Contact details webpage

Kingswood Partnership careers careers pages here

Year 11 Careers Day

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Careers Convention

 

 

  • Y11 Careers Day
    Y11 Careers Day
  • Y11 Careers Day
    Y11 Careers Day photos

Post 16 Careers

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This is an integral part of the Student Support programme. Students will meet with their tutors in a one to one interview at least once a term to discuss their progress. Tutors offer advice, and pastoral support to empower students to take responsibility for their own learning.

Post 16 career opportunities can also be found on the Post 16 webpages


Appenticeships

National Apprenticeship Service
National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) website


Airbus
Work Experience Dates for 2012:

5 March, 12 March
23 April
7 May, 14 May
4 June, 25 June
2 July, 9 July, 16 July
1 October, 29 October

To apply: All applicants to apply online. Given the popularity of these events, we cannot guarantee a place for every student that applies. Apply here (the Airbus website is due to be updated shortly).


Airbus Training Schemes
We are now accepting applications for entry to our 2011 Craft and Higher Apprenticeship Schemes. Apprenticeships are available at our UK sites in Filton (Bristol) and Broughton (North Wales).  

Airbus in the UK offers work experience in line with national curriculum requirements to school and college students aged 14 to 19. Placements offer a great opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of work. It allows them to see first-hand how a modern manufacturing business operates.

Students spend time in an Engineering, Manufacturing or support functions, at either Filton (Bristol) or Broughton (North Wales). The programme contributes to the students' personal development as well as helping them learn.

go to the Airbus website

Rolls Royce Apprenticeships: visit the website

Carillion Training Services
This Bristol-based service offers paid apprenticeships and a guaranteed work placement in the construction industry. After a 3-year apprenticeship, trainees are awarded a nationally recognised qualification to start their careers with. Phone 01173 005231 / visit their website

Kaplan Apprenticeships
Accountancy, Buisness & Administration, Customer Service, Team Leading, Management.
They run summer schools and careers events. Visit their website
Get tips on how to write your CV with Kaplan here

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