Work Experience
During the week of 17th to 21st June, all Year 10 students will have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement to give them first-hand experience of the workplace.
Many parents will have benefitted from a work experience placement themselves, as a child, and will therefore be aware of the valuable insight into the “World of Work” that the opportunity provides.
Parents of students who experienced a work placement last year told us:
“I have seen a massive change in her self-confidence throughout the whole work experience. She has been pushed to do things outside of her comfort zone and this has developed her social skills no end…I believe this has been an excellent experience for J, especially as it was hands on all the time.”
“T has really enjoyed his time at HY… T even said this may be something he would consider doing when leaving school.”
“This week I has learnt so much from her placement. She has used several different skills, such as time-management, organisation etc which can be applied to any work environment.”
“Thank you for giving R the opportunity to experience the world of work. She has thoroughly enjoyed every moment working with the fantastic team at M’s. They have been so kind and supportive of her, I cannot thank them enough.”
“A is undecided about whether or not she wants to be a teacher… This week has given her an invaluable insight into teaching at Primary level. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time there and the tasks she has been set to do. Its really given her something to think about and the pathway she will choose after leaving school. Its been good for A to experience a full working day, she’s certainly felt more tired!”
“The week has been a really good experience for J; as well as a big eye opener- although school is a sort of preparation for work, it does not really demonstrate the extent to which 'work' can be quite exhausting - especially if on your feet all day. This is something for Jack to think about. In the round, J really enjoyed being around cars… and this certainly fulfilled that itch and gave him food for thought about his future ambitions.”
“I am really proud of the way that J has approached his week of work experience. He has shown confidence and independence by using public transport to get to A and seems to have really enjoyed his week. It is lovely to hear that they would offer J a job in the future should he decide to work in the motor trade.”
“K … had researched where he would like to go before the dates were announced, and as soon as they were, he applied. He threw himself into the experience with great attitude, gaining mutual respect with the other staff. Ending the week, them asking if he would be interested in voluntary work. Unfortunately, with his other commitments he as outside school this isn't possible, but great to be appreciated. Great work K.”
“W enjoyed his week at NC, … The sporting environment suits W such that he is considering progressing into sports physiotherapy. This work experience opportunity has been hugely rewarding and something that he will remember for a long time to come.”
At Stalham High School, work experience placements are self-generated. This means we ask students to reach-out to the community themselves to find a work placement. This approach helps students from the outset to think about what employers might be looking for, and how they present themselves as well as thinking about what placements will be able to offer them! Although they may find it challenging, with some students needing more support than others, approaching employers themselves really is part of the experience as it prepares them for future employment.
In identifying a suitable work placement, we encourage students to consider a range of different employers. Some students may have a clear idea of an occupation they are interested in, but many will not know what they want to do in the future. It really does not matter, as all work placements will be useful in teaching your child about the world of work! We do encourage students to reach and use personal connections to help them identify a placement (perhaps you will have contacts, or there will be friends or family who may be able to ask their employer if they would take your child) as understanding the value of networks for future opportunities is an important lesson to learn.
We will guide students through the process which will begin as part of the Self and Society curriculum in the first half of the Autumn term. In finding a potential placement we ask students to:
- Consider carefully the location of the work placement. Unfortunately, the school cannot provide transport and therefore students must be able to make their own way to and from placements.
- Not work for immediate family. If, for example, you run a pub, we ask that they don’t work for you. It would be appropriate, however, for a student to work with a family member for an employer; so for example, if you work for Aviva, they can have there placement there also.
- Not organise a placement somewhere they already have paid employment, unless they will be experiencing other aspects of the workplace that they don’t work in.
- Not approach a school they attended themselves, as a child.
All work placements will be subject to a health and safety check and must provide their Employer Liability Insurance details, and a copy of their Risk Assessment before they can be approved. The school work together with Parents and the Local Authority to approve and agree all placements.
All Year 10 students are expected to attend a week of Work Experience. There will be no lessons provided in school. If a student does not get an external placement, they will be required (legal requirement) to come to school and work either with School Departments or the Site Team.
What is the Timeline?
The table below outlines the important dates to be aware of regarding Work Experience:
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When
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What
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September 2023
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Students begin to prepare for Work Experience by learning about the World of Work in your Self and Society lessons
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6th October 2023
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Year 10 Work Experience launch assembly. Paperwork will be issued to students.
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11th October 2023
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Year 10 Work Experience Information Evening for Parents/Carers.
6 - 7pm
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October to Dec 2023
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Please support your child to research potential placements, explore personal connections and approach employers.
Students get agreement from Parents and Employer by completing the work experience paperwork
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26th January 2024
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Deadline for students to hand in work experience paperwork
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May Half Term 2024
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Please support your child to complete “skills” and “expectations” section of Work Experience Journal.
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3rd -10th June 2024
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Please support your child to phone or visit placement 1 – 2 weeks before to confirm arrangements
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17th – 21st June 2024
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Work Experience Week. All students are expected to be out on placement.
Please support your child to complete their daily diary and to reflect on their experiences at the end of the week.
Please complete the Parent Comment section at the back of their Journal
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28th June 2024
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Deadline for students to hand in completed Work Experience Journal and to complete evaluation.
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19th July 2024
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Work Experience Awards issued at celebration assembly
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Please do attend the Information Evening on the 11th October to find out more, and for the opportunity to chat about any questions or concerns you might have.
Below you can find links to useful documents
Norfolk Work and Skills Booklet
