Work Experience for Key Stage 3 at The Cottesloe School

At The Cottesloe School, we believe that a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom. Our Work Experience program for Key Stage 3 is a vital part of our Careers Education and Guidance, designed to give students a valuable first-hand insight into the world of work.

This experience is a crucial stepping stone, helping our students to:

• Gain confidence: Taking on new responsibilities and challenges in a professional setting.
• Develop essential skills: Improving communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
• Explore career paths: Discovering what motivates them and making informed decisions about their future.
• Understand the workplace: Learning about the expectations and etiquette of a professional environment.

Our Commitment to the Gatsby Benchmarks

Our careers program is built on the internationally recognised Gatsby Benchmarks, a framework of eight principles for excellent career guidance. The Cottesloe School is proud to have been awarded 8/8 on the Gatsby Benchmarks, demonstrating our dedication to providing an outstanding careers education for every student. Our Work Experience program directly contributes to this by:

• Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees: Providing students with direct interactions with real-world professionals.
• Benchmark 6: Experiences of workplaces: Giving students a practical, immersive experience in a professional setting.

This ensures that our students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical knowledge and skills needed for a successful future.

How we deliver careers education to Key Stage 3

Whole School Events

We will have a Careers Fair during the academic year to allow lots of students access to employers. 

Year 7

In Year 7, we will introduce students to the world of work through Unifrog. This will be done in Form time and PSHCE lessons. 

Your Careers Education Passport: Unifrog

To help our students navigate their careers journey, we use Unifrog as their personal careers education passport. This award-winning online platform is a one-stop shop for all things careers, and it's where you'll manage your work experience process from start to finish.

How Unifrog works for you:

• Explore Careers: Unifrog's Careers Library provides in-depth profiles on hundreds of jobs, including information on required skills, qualifications, and daily responsibilities. You can even filter by your favourite school subjects to see where they could lead you.
• Find Your Placement: You will use Unifrog to search for and log your work experience placement. The platform helps you record employer details, ensuring that all necessary information is collected and stored securely.
• Record Your Journey: Unifrog allows you to document the skills and experiences you gain during your placement. This "Activities" section becomes a powerful tool for building a professional CV or personal statement in the future.
• Access Support: The platform provides a wealth of resources, including guides on CV writing, interview skills, and more. This empowers you to take ownership of your career development.

We encourage all students and their parents/carers to get familiar with Unifrog. It's the central hub for our careers guidance and a fantastic resource that will support you long after your Work Experience placement is complete.

Years 8 and 9 Careers Taster Day

A Special Opportunity for Years 8 and 9

For our students in Year 8 and Year 9, we are providing a unique opportunity for a one-day work experience placement in July. This "Careers Exploration Day" allows students to go to work with a parent, carer, or family friend. This is a fantastic introduction to a professional environment and a chance to gain a preliminary understanding of a specific job role. The dates will be Year 8 - Tuesday 7th July and Year 9 - Wednesday 8th July 

This one-day placement is an excellent way to:

• Observe and Learn: Students can shadow a trusted adult, observing their daily tasks, responsibilities, and how they interact with colleagues.
• Ask Questions: It's an ideal setting for students to ask questions and learn about a career in a comfortable and supportive environment.
• Build a Foundation: This early experience helps to build confidence and provides a great starting point for more extensive work experience in the future.