Academic : Work Experience

All students are expected to complete a week of Work Experience in the summer term of Years 10 and 12. The dates are set by the school.

A work placement is an opportunity to spend a period of time outside the classroom, learning about a particular job or area of work. Work Experience helps students understand what it might be like to work in a particular job. This will help them decide what they want to do for a career and also develop skills and attitudes essential for the world of work.

During the placements, they will be able to find out what skills employers look for when they are hiring someone to fill a job vacancy. They will also get the chance to develop their self-confidence and communication skills. This will help them to work better with other people in further or higher education, as well as in their future careers.

What our girls get out of work experience

If they do some work experience they will be expected to carry out a range of tasks and duties. They will also be able to:
• put it down on their UCAS Form, CV and job application forms
• pick up new skills, experiences, ideas and understanding of the work
• learn how to deal with people, work in a team, use office equipment and IT packages
• see what they enjoy and don't enjoy about the particular jobs/careers
• talk to people who are already doing the job and find out what they think about the work they are doing

Planning ahead
There is a lot of competition for some placements so students should think about planning something they would like to do in advance. They should consider early where they would like to complete their work experience. If they have any contacts in a particular area of work that interests them, they may wish to explore these at the beginning of Years 10 and 12. The Work Experience coordinator at school will guide them through the process and help them to get their work placement organised.