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Gatsby Benchmarks

The Gatsby Benchmarks were developed on behalf of the Gatsby Foundation by Sir John Holman to define world class careers provision in education. They provide a clear framework for delivering the Careers provision at The Ashcombe School.

We are measured against these 8 Benchmarks by an external advisory body, The Careers and Enterprise Company, who are the national body for Careers education in England, supporting schools and colleges to deliver modern, 21st century Careers education.

Key Stage 3

  • From Year 7, we introduce students to careers through career assemblies and activities to get them thinking about their future and their options. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2 and 3)
  • During Years 7, 8 and 9 students investigate various aspects of careers education in PSHE lessons, and by accessing dedicated careers websites such as Unifrog. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 3 and 4)
  • Each half-term our students are invited to attend a Discover small group career session with an external representative talking about their chosen career path. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2 and 5)
  • The school organises Explore Career Days (Business, Creative and STEM) and educational visits which provide opportunities for interactive events with external businesses. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 5 and 6)
  • As our students progress, opportunities include external speakers, webinars, and events dedicated to thinking about next steps,  including those with further and higher educational bodies. All options are investigated: BTECs, apprenticeships and T-levels. (Gatsby Benchmarks 4, 5 and 7)
  • In Year 9, students are fully supported to make their GCSE choices. The options evening in January gives parents/carers and students a chance to talk to different subject areas. Student work is displayed and current are on hand to provide an insight into their learning and experiences of the chosen subject. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 3 and 4)

Key Stage 4

  • The academic year starts with our largest career event, the Careers Fair where students Year 10 and above are invited with parents to engage with over 100 companies and professions. Additionally, over 30 universities, colleges are also present. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2,3,5,7)
  • We encourage all students to consider the career possibilities throughout Year 10 and 11 and we provide impartial guidance and information on post 16 options through tutor time (Unifrog ), assemblies and attendance at external events. (Gatsby Benchmarks 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
  • In the autumn term our Year 10 students attend small group workshops with Innervate to learn of all the different options available to them and the pros and cons of each. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2,3,7 and 8)
  • One-to-one career interviews with the Careers Adviser take place for Year 10 students during the summer term, and these continue into Year 11. The data collected from interviews, combined with information about proposed destinations obtained from all students, results in a clear picture about Post-16 intentions. A further interview is prioritised for any targeted student, based on identification of need and support requirements and their progress is monitored. The Ashcombe are supported through this process by Innervate.  (Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 3, 7 and 8)
  • KS4 students are offered advice and guidance about apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship application process. Sue Taylor (ALPS Surrey) runs an annual assembly and is available to help any students who are interested in undertaking an Apprenticeship or a Degree Apprenticeship. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 3 and 7)
  • To further develop our students knowledge of Apprenticeships we hold an annual Apprenticeship fair in the Spring term inviting in companies and bodies offering apprenticeships. Our students get to learn the benefits of apprenticeships and where they can take you. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2,3,5 and 7)
  • In the summer term of Year 10, all students are encouraged to participate in Work Experience week learning how businesses operate and gaining awareness of the demands and expectations of working life. (Gatsby Benchmarks 5 and 6)
  • In Year 11 students focus on making informed choices for options after GCSEs. Well-planned information and events are provided about our own post-16 provision and about  external institutions. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 3 and 7)
  • College Open Evening dates are circulated to all students and parents/carers. Information about college open days is posted on our Live Ashcombe Careers Board Padlet with prospectuses available online and in the dedicated Careers area. (Gatsby Benchmarks 2 and 7)
  • We encourage Key Stage 4 students to volunteer within the local community as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. (Gatsby Benchmarks 5 and 6)