Careers / Work Experience
The Guidance and Work Experience programme at Burnholme Community College has been identified as one of the best in all York schools. In previous years the College has received three awards: accreditation for the Careers programme by York & North Yorkshire Guidance Services; accreditation for the Work Experience programme and for the Recording Achievement Programme by North Yorkshire Business & Education Partnership - the first York school to gain these three prestigious awards.
The Careers Education programme at Burnholme College is integrated into the timetabled Citizenship lessons. College staff work on the general principles and skills, whilst specialist guidance is provided through our contract with Guidance Enterprises Group.
The facilities include access to specialist staff, a dedicated Careers Library and Information Technology equipment with a range of Careers software. In the scheme of work, students are taught basic interview techniques and job application skills. They are also given a set of skills aimed at allowing them to identify suitable career patterns for themselves. Information on specific careers and courses of further education are provided.
The guidance programme at Burnholme starts in earnest in Year 8 when students work through an exciting life skills programme called “The Real Game.” They are also allocated a place on a rota to be away from their normal timetable to work on study skills activities centred around the job of Librarian in the College Resources Centre. In Year 9 a similar rota operates so that the students have a programme of activities related to the job of Receptionist.
During KS4 (Years 10 or 11) all students undertake one weeks work experience in an organisation outside the school environment - usually a commercial business. KS4 students are encouraged to take on extra responsibilities - either within the college or the local community. The College also organises extended Work Experience through Trident and York Training Centre.
Links with local Further and Higher Education institutions ensure that we run an effective programme that familiarises students with the nature of post-16 education; encourages access and eases transition. Selected students participate in an outreach programme which begins in Year 9 with visits to local colleges. Other youngsters have mentors from York University or the business sector to help guide academic progress and raise aspirations.