Reform of Vocational Qualifications (Author: G Newbery, TAA)

Role and Responsibilities Giovanna Newbery Job title: KS5 Curriculum Manager The Thomas Alleyne Academy

Role: ensuring students are supported to explore different options: At TAA one of the first questions we ask students entering sixth form is ‘destination focused’ i.e. we ask them what their ‘dream career’ is and then give students (and parents who are also invited to interviews) advice, guidance and support enabling them to make an informed decision about their futures Detailed provision is incorporated in our Study Skills sessions which make up students’ GLHs (schemes of work and lesson plans are recorded for audit and evaluative purposes)

Each academic year I create a detailed and diverse Complimentary Curriculum Programme that is fit for purpose for Post 16 students and that promotes higher education, apprenticeships and traineeships and a ‘work ready’ ethos The value is to develop employability prospects and to ensure that we comply with the Ofsted framework for overall effectiveness strategies

Teach Meet Helps forge new working relationships with employers in the three counties area Creates training opportunities for students (and staff) An insight into what employers are really looking for in an apprentice/trainee today Allows staff to keep up to date with new apprenticeship opportunities (e.g. STEM apprenticeships introduced by Government in March 2015)

Impact: Interaction with local companies enables the exchange of valuable information, an insight into employers’ needs, and helps to establish and develop professional contacts To utilise training to promote Expert Student Skills and student progression into the world of work and beyond

Events attended through Teach Meet: Warner Brothers Studios, Leavesden AECOM, St Albans GSK, Stevenage

Outcomes: Meeting apprentices and hearing about their personal journeys and the trials and hurdles they had to overcome Meeting other members of staff in the industry Creating valuable business contacts (which have led to half term and summer work experience placements for our students) Sharing the information with students through the teaching of ‘soft skills,’ telephone and mock interviews, CV writing, letters of application and professional etiquette

Benefits of Teach Meet on students and staff : Lesson planning: write bespoke Study Skills Sessions and ask guest speakers to reinforce the value of ‘soft skills’ required by employers Visits: have enabled staff to maximise the quality of applications to support students’ destinations The curriculum: is continually being revised to ensure students are Work/HE ready and through the development of the student PDP (personal development portfolio) further enhance Expert Student Skills (a TAA programme encompassing differentiation at A level, critical thinking, problem solving, cultural and social awareness, time management, planning, risk taking, challenge etc).

I have utilised training from the Teach Meet meetings to research and create a more diverse complimentary curriculum following employer requests for more employment based skills. Here are some of the events: National Careers Week 7 th -11 th March (3 keynote speakers) Vicky Holmes – A Career in HR (Apprenticeship Route) Jasbeer Bandall – Learner Recruitment Manager Pearson Education – Game of Life Armed Forces in Education – Work Skills Adjutant General Cor AGC

Summary Whether our students decide to progress to higher education (where they will still need employment skills) an apprenticeship/higher apprenticeship or traineeship the Teach Meet Programme has been instrumental in many ways: Insightful: we have noted that employers place a great deal of importance on professional etiquette (courteousness, enthusiasm and the ability to work as part of a team) Progressive: we have been able to issue students (and parents) with up-to- date advice and guidance on apprenticeships and sponsored degrees and issue them with Apprenticeship Packs Guidance: we have been able to guide and successfully support students through the application processes which in turn has enabled students to gain interviews and employment Award: one of our students was awarded ‘Apprenticeship of the Year 2015’ for his outstanding dedication, commitment and sheer hard work