So, you have to do Work Experience?

Putting it simply, "Yes", but it should be seen as a learning opportunity for you to excel outside the learning environment of the school. We expect Work Experience this coming October to be a very positive thing for you, giving students an insight into the world of work. It might give them a chance to try out a career; to help with coursework; or to get a part-time job afterwards.

What do students hope to get from doing Work Experience? Lots of students last year felt that Work Experience gave them the chance to develop their confidence in working with new people and unfamiliar surroundings. When asked if this year's Year 10 students should have the same opportunity, Year 11 students said 'Yes'.

So when is Work Experience in October?

Monday 11th October to Friday 22nd October - that's two weeks!

How can students go about organising a placement?

Students should organise one themselves with the help and support of family, friends and school. We call this process Self-Generation and you have until Friday 2nd July 2010 to get yours sorted. For more information, and to download and print off a second copy of the 'Getting Started with Work Experience' booklet for Students, Parents and Carers, click here.

Why not take a look at where students have been over the past few years. Perhaps you'll be able to ask the employers if they'll take you this year. There is no guarantee that the places offered over the past four years will be available to you this year. However, you've nothing to lose by trying. One last point, it might be worthwhile doing an internet search to make sure the company/organisation still exists. There is a recession on!

Placement list one
Placement list two
Placement list three
Placement list four

Remember all paperwork must be returned to Lynda De Sousa by Friday 2nd July 2010. That means you need to have organised your placement by then!

Information for Parents and Carers

Below are copies of the documents that parents will need to read and complete.

Health and Safety Information / Parental Consent Form

This leaflet sets out what is involved with students undertaking Work Experience and also contains the form which Parents/Carers must sign and return to school prior to Work Experience taking place.

Self-Generated Placement Insurance Form

This is the form for employers to complete once students have written/verbal confirmation of their placement with an employer. Once completed and returned to school, this shows us that the employer has the necessary insurance in place to host a student on Work Experience.