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Key Stage 5 Work Experience

Work experience is a vital milestone in your Sixth Form journey and a powerful stepping stone toward your future. At The Cottesloe School, we provide a high-quality careers programme designed to help you explore your options, build essential industry skills, and make confident decisions about what comes next.

Our programme aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks, the gold standard for world-class careers guidance. By connecting you directly with employers and real-world workplaces, we ensure you leave us fully prepared for university,  apprenticeships, or the competitive job market.

Why is Work Experience Essential?

Securing a placement during your Sixth Form years offers a distinct competitive advantage for your personal and professional growth:

  • Informed Career Choices: Test drive a career you are considering. Discover firsthand if it’s the right fit or unlock alternative paths you hadn’t considered.
  • In-Demand Skill Development: Develop transferable skills, like project management, professional communication, and critical problem-solving, that top universities and employers actively look for.
  • Stand Out on UCAS and CVs: A well-documented placement gives you concrete, real-world examples to write about in your personal statement or resume, instantly setting you apart from the crowd.
  • Professional Networking: Build relationships with industry experts who can offer future mentorship, references, or even direct employment opportunities.
  • Personal Growth: Step outside your comfort zone, build professional confidence, and gain independence in a workplace environment.

Finding Your Placement

While our dedicated team is here to guide you, finding and securing your placement is your responsibility. This independence is part of the experience! Be proactive, start early, and make use of your personal networks, family connections, and local businesses.

Tools, Resources and Support

To help you succeed, you have full access to our comprehensive careers toolkit:

  • Unifrog: Our dedicated online platform is a one-stop shop for careers-related information and a tool for managing your work experience placement. You will use Unifrog to record your placement details, including employer information and feedback.
  • Careers Advisor: Our dedicated careers advisor is available to provide guidance and support throughout your work experience journey.
  • Online Resources: Below are just some of the major companies that offer Work Experience

How to Email an Employer

Once you have identified a local business or organisation you would like to work with, the next step is reaching out. Your initial email is your first impression, so it needs to be professional, polite, and clear about your intentions.

Key Tips for a Professional Email:
  • Use a sensible email address: Use your school email address or a professional personal one (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com). Avoid nicknames.
  • Write a clear subject line: Make it obvious what the email is about so it doesn't get lost in their inbox (e.g., Key Stage 5 Work Experience Enquiry - [Your Name]).
  • Address it to the right person: Try to find a specific name (like the HR Manager or Department Head). If you can't, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern."
  • Proofread carefully: Always check your spelling and grammar before hitting send. A well-written, error-free email shows professionalism and attention to detail.
  • Keep it concise: State who you are, what you are studying, and why you are specifically interested in their company.
  • Attach your CV correctly: Always save and attach your CV as a PDF file so the formatting doesn't change when they open it.

Example Email Template

Subject: Key Stage 5 Work Experience Enquiry - [Your First and Last Name]

Dear [Name of contact or "Hiring Manager"],

My name is [Your Name] and I am a Year [12/13] student currently studying [List 2-3 relevant A-Levels/BTECs] at The Cottesloe School.

I am contacting you to ask if you might consider hosting me for a work experience placement between [Start Date] and [End Date]. I have a strong interest in [mention their industry/field] and have been following your company's work, particularly [mention one specific project or detail about the company to show you’ve done your research].

I am eager to gain hands-on experience and develop my skills in a professional environment. I have attached my CV for your review, which details my current studies and skills.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

Logging your work experience on Unifrog

Logging your work experience on Unifrog is a straightforward process, but you must only do it after an employer has officially agreed to host you. Once you have that verbal or written "yes" from the company, follow this step-by-step guide to get your placement approved.

"I have a placement, what do I do now?"
  1. Ensure that this information is entered on Unifrog https://www.unifrog.org/student/placement
  2. Unifrog will then email your employer and then your parents
  3. Begin your Work Experience on the given date
  4. Your employer will be asked to complete the Employer Placement Feedback Form via Unifrog
  5. You will then complete a Student Placement Feedback Form via Unifrog.

Ready to take the lead?

Work experience is what you make of it. By stepping up and embracing this opportunity, you are taking a proactive leap toward a successful, fulfilling career. We are with you every step of the way!

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