Throughout your child’s time at DCGS, we provide several specific careers based events, however as a school we pride ourselves on the way we combine curriculum lessons and extra curricular activities in order to give our students all the necessary soft skills in order to progress into their working life.
Our Careers Fair is a biennial event, joint with Dr Challoner’s High School. We host a wide range of organisations and individuals across different sectors offering students the opportunity to speak to gap year providers, universities, apprenticeship programmes and employers about their post 18 options.
A UCAS and University focused evening for students and parents, hosted by the Director of Sixth Form and Assistant Director of Sixth Form who alongside University and Student representatives provide expert advice for a higher education based future.
Apprenticeships are changing and we believe that all our students should have a wealth of knowledge ahead of making any decisions regarding their future. We invite former pupils, professionals and employers to join us and give students and parents key information on Apprenticeships.
During the Summer Term in Year 12, we take the whole of Year 12 off site, in order for them to fully focus on what might be next for them. We hold lectures regarding UCAS applications from the Director of Sixth Form as well as speakers from selected Universities.
Throughout Year 12 and Year 13, we run a lecture programme every week with speakers coming in to talk to students covering topics such as UCAS and moving on, personal and social education, and motivational speakers.
Every May we offer our Year 10 students a week off timetable to enhance their soft skills, and develop their understanding of the world of work. Throughout the week the students are set tasks that involve working on communication, presentation, leadership, team work, and prioritising, all of which contribute to character building and ensuring that our students are prepared for their future.
Our Year 8 students are given a day off timetable for ‘Work Shadowing’ in the middle of the Summer Term, students organise a day in a place of work where they can have their first taste of a what a work environment may be. Work Shadowing is followed up during form time for students to discuss their experience.
Our Work Experience programme is launched at the beginning of Year 11, students are expected to undertake 2 weeks Work Experience before they start Year 12. Most of our students complete this after they have taken their GCSEs. The Careers office is on hand to help with drafting applications and sourcing placements if required.
