Personal Development & Careers Programme

Career education and guidance programs are essential in equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate future challenges and seize opportunities.

At Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, we have developed a comprehensive program of activities across all year groups as part of our Personal Development offer. This program is designed to help our pupils choose pathways that align with their interests, skills, and goals.

This year, we have partnered with a diverse range of local and national employers to enhance our students' employability skills, career aspirations, and future opportunities. Our new partnerships include:

- The Royal Air Force
- The National Health Service
- Trinity College, University of Cambridge
- Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge
- University of East Anglia
- BAE Systems
- Lotus Cars
- EDF Energy

We provide additional career guidance during assemblies and form time at appropriate times throughout the academic year. Our teaching staff carefully consider how to support students in understanding the application of their learning by contextualising teaching points within careers, future opportunities, and the world of work.

A certified Level 6 Careers Advisor is available on-site one day a week. Additionally, all Key Stage 4 students receive at least one face-to-face interview to assist with their post-16 transition. We also offer extra support appointments for students who require them.

Work Experience

All Year 10 pupils participate in a week-long work experience program during the first week of July each year. This hands-on experience allows students to gain valuable insights into the working world and apply their skills in real-life settings. In the local area of Great Yarmouth, students can explore work experience opportunities in various sectors, including:

  • Industry: Opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, and energy sectors, including roles at local companies involved in offshore energy projects.
  • Health and Medicine: Placements in hospitals, clinics, and care homes, providing insights into nursing, midwifery, and other healthcare professions.
  • Hospitality and Tourism: Experience in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, offering roles in customer service, management, and culinary arts.

Meeting Gatsby Benchmarks

Our curriculum is designed to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks as a minimum standard. Here are some examples:

  1. A Stable Careers Programme: Our careers programme is well-structured and embedded within the school curriculum, ensuring all students receive consistent and high-quality career guidance.
  2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information: We provide students with up-to-date information about career paths and the labour market, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
  3. Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil: Our programme is tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
  4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers: Teachers integrate career-related examples into their lessons, helping students understand the relevance of their studies to the world of work.
  5. Encounters with Employers and Employees: Through partnerships with local and national employers, students have opportunities to engage with professionals from various industries.
  6. Experiences of Workplaces: The Year 10 work experience program provides students with firsthand experience of the workplace.
  7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education: We organize visits to universities and colleges, and invite representatives to speak to students about post-16 and post-18 options.
  8. Personal Guidance: Our certified Level 6 Careers Advisor from Beacon East offers one-on-one guidance to students, ensuring they receive personalised support.

Guest Speakers and Taster Sessions

We regularly invite speakers from local colleges, including East Coast College and East Norfolk Sixth Form College, to visit our school. These sessions provide students with insights into A Level programs such as engineering, law, the music industry, and STEM courses. Taster sessions allow students to experience these subjects firsthand and make informed decisions about their future studies.

We welcome enquiries from parents, representatives of local industries, and educational providers. You can email the Careers Lead using the link below or call us on 01493 842061.

Great Yarmouth Charter Academy's Provider Access Policy

This information is reviewed and updated annually - last updated February 2025