Careers Programme

Key Stage 3 – Year 7, 8, 9

In KS3, career education typically focuses on introducing students to the concept of work and helping them develop the skills and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their future careers. This may include learning about different jobs and industries, as well as exploring personal interests and strengths.

At Queensmill School, the career education program may be tailored to meet the specific needs and abilities of autistic students. This may involve using visual aids, structured activities, and hands-on learning opportunities to help students understand and engage with the material.

Some specific activities that may be included in a career education program for autistic students in KS3 include:

• Exploring a variety of career options through interactive activities, such as role-playing and job shadowing.
• Developing social and communication skills through group work and mock job interviews.
• Learning about the skills and qualifications needed for different jobs
• Participating in in-house work experience placements to gain practical experience and skills.
• Exposure to different businesses through workshops and talks
• Overall, the goal of a career education program for autistic students in KS3 is to help them build a foundation for success in the workforce and make informed decisions about their future careers.

Key Stage 4 – Year 10, 11

At Queensmill School, our careers programme in Key Stage 4 is designed to help our students develop the skills and knowledge they need to prepare for the next stage of their lives, whether that be further education, employment, or independence.

To begin with, we work with our students to identify their strengths, interests, and goals for the future. This involves exploring different career options and helping them to understand what each career entails, as well as the qualifications and experience required to pursue it.

Once we have an understanding of our students' aspirations, we work with them to develop a personalised career plan that outlines the steps they need to take in order to achieve their goals. This might include completing further education, gaining work experience, or developing specific skills and competencies.

To support our students in achieving their career goals, we offer a range of resources and support services, including:

• Work experience: We help our students to secure work experience placements in local businesses, giving them the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience and build their skills and confidence.
  • School based work experiences – all students across KS4 and KS5 will access work experience either though a specific role in the school or through a skills workshop 
  • Community based work experience: Those students who are able to cope out in the public will be offered a work experience out in the community through a local business
• Exposure to different businesses through workshops and talks
• Further education: From year 10, students will be invited to attend an on-site FE/College fair where they can meet with and learn about their next steps and future pathways. Colleges will also be invited to speak to students during planned assemblies.

Key Stage 5 – Year 12, 13, 14

Our careers program in KS5 helps our students to prepare them for their future careers. This includes information about different jobs, helping students develop skills that are needed in the workforce, and connecting students with job opportunities or internships.

The goal of career program in our school is to help students in their chosen careers and become independent and self – sufficient members of society.

At the end of Key Stage 5, we make sure all of our students have participated in a range of activities, including:

• Mentorship: We work with local businesses and community organisations to provide our students with the opportunity to work with mentors who can provide guidance and support as they navigate their career journey.
• Exposure to different businesses through workshops and talks
• School based work experiences – all students across KS4 and KS5 will access work experience either though a specific role in the school or through a skills workshop
• Community based work experience: Those students who are able to cope out in the public will be offered a work experience out in the community through a local business

Further education: From year 10, students will be invited to attend an on-site FE/College fair where they can meet with and learn about their next steps and future pathways. Colleges will also be invited to speak to students during planned assemblies. From KS5, students will attend organised visits to FE/colleges.

Careers Leader: Aurora Garcia Martinez – aurora.garciamartinez@thequeensmilltrust.com

Careers Policy

Provided Access Legislation (PAL) Policy

Queensmill Opportunities

Business