Leweston aims to respond to the needs of each individual student, provide good quality, impartial careers guidance and raise student aspirations.
The careers programme at Leweston is based on the eight Gatsby Benchmarks recommended by the government to ensure good practice in career guidance. They are:
- A stable careers programme.
- Learning from careers and labour market information.
- Addressing the needs of each student.
- Linking curriculum learning to careers.
- Encounters with employers and employees.
- Experiences of workplaces.
- Encounters with further and higher education.
- Personal guidance.
The first Gatsby Benchmark is met through a comprehensive programme of careers activities. Years 7 to 11 have timetabled careers lessons within their PSHRE programme. During these sessions, labour market information on the fastest growing job sectors is discussed, helping students to make informed career choices. The value of taking STEM subjects at GCSE and A Level is highlighted through videos and visiting speakers. Other topics covered include employability skills, interview practice, CV writing, networking, the importance of extra-curricular activities and social media mistakes that harm careers.
Promoting equality and challenging gender stereotypes is a priority at Leweston, as well as a flexible and individualised approach to education and career guidance. Students in Year 11 and Sixth Form are interviewed on a 1:1 basis to provide personalised advice. Career information is also delivered by subject teachers linking potential careers to topics within the curriculum.
There are opportunities to meet employers and employees through visiting speakers and by utilising the extensive network of Old Antonians, with many willing to advise or mentor pupils considering their fields of study or employment. Parents of Leweston School also provide work experience opportunities and take part in mock interviews. Local employers such as Leonardos come into the school to
promote their degree apprenticeship schemes and Cardiff University visit every year to talk to Year 12 and their parents. Year 12 are also given the opportunity to visit a Russell Group University and encouraged to attend university open days. Local apprenticeship events and webinars are communicated to the students.
Work experience is vitally important and Year 11 students are encouraged to organise work experience after their GCSEs. The school provides information about online work experience programmes and helps Sixth Form students to network with potential contacts. Careers support and guidance is also available to students and parents at key points in the academic year, including the KS4 and Post 16 Options Evenings, as well as Year 9 to 13 Parents Evenings, and results day.
