2008/2009 Careers Education, Advice, Information & Guidance (CEAIG) 

At Malone College we place an increasingly strong emphasis on the careers guidance of our pupils. We are aware that we are helping to mould young people in order to take their place in society effectively and as such, the careers programme is student-centred. The Careers Department strive to give all pupils the skills, knowledge and understanding that can lead to them being informed, concerned and employable citizens. In a rapidly transforming world it is our aspiration to assist all pupils to develop to their full potential and to help students acquire the necessary skills and attitude that will help them succeed in an ever changing workplace.

We work in partnership with parents, employers, Further and Higher Education providers, Department of Employment and the Careers Service NI. We aim to make the transition from school to the world of work, further education or training a seamless join for all young people in our care.

The Career Education Information, Advice & Guidance curriculum is taught within three broad career skill categories: Self-Development; Career Exploration; Career Management.

Key Stage 3

Careers education, advice, information and guidance is provided for all pupils in year 8, 9 & 10 through the ‘Employability’ strand of the ‘Learning for Life and Work’ programme as well as ICT classes and to Years 11 and 12 as a timetabled subject. In Year 10, the employability syllabus offers an introduction to the world of work and occupational awareness. All Year 10 pupils will receive an interview from a member of the Careers team to assist with GCSE choices at this important transitional time. Pupils also complete an individual Personal Career Plan, which is reviewed progressively in CEAIG classes up to and including Year 12. CEAIG classes provide a structure for assisting pupils to make the vital educational and personal decisions, which are necessary for the rapidly changing employment market. All Key Stage 3 pupils will participate in Young Enterprise and Sentinus presentations and workshops.

Key Stage 4

As Year 12 marks the end of compulsory schooling, pupils need to gain a realistic view of the world of work. This makes participation in Work Experience an essential element in their Careers Programme during this time and it helps pupils to assess themselves and what they have to offer any employer. This manages transition from school to work as well as providing pupils with information and impartial guidance about all possible Post-16 progression routes. As part of this process all Year 12 pupils are entered for AQA Preparation for Working Life. This GCSE includes 20% coursework based on applying for jobs, preparing a CV and practising for an interview. From September 2010 Year 11 pupils will also complete the CCEA ‘Learning for Life and Work’ GCSE. This will include a module on ‘Employability’.

CEAIG includes activities outside the classroom such as a planned series of mock interviews for all Year 12 students, regular Careers Talks from visiting speakers and opportunities to attend Road Shows and Careers Conferences held outside of school. There are visits to local workplaces and guest speakers will be invited from many of the ‘sector skills’ companies represented in Northern Ireland. In addition, Careers Officers from the Careers Service NI support the careers programme in the College. CEAIG is a cross curricular theme and as such it is incorporated into every Department's scheme of work, reinforcing CEAIG being taught as a subject.

Year 11 pupils will also have the opportunity to participate in the KEY residential programme. This is a cross-community residential at the SHARE Centre, Lisnaskea with two other schools. Pupils take part in four residentials and get the opportunity to develop their social and physical skills, as well as improving their business and employability skills.

Post 16

All pupils continuing their education in Malone College receive LLW as a timetabled subject. Within a strongly focused programme of study, pupils plan comprehensively for the transition to further education, higher education or the work place. They prepare effectively for application and interviews and investigate career routes through the opportunities available. All pupils are encouraged to attend Career information events, University Open Days and make use of the Career Library, dedicated computers suite and resources. There will be a number of guest speakers from colleges and universities; these speakers will provide information on their own university as well as advice on applications, personal statements, student finance and general information on university life. The Careers staff are available to all pupils to provide relevant, up to date and impartial advice.