The LEH Work Experience Scheme

Heads of Departments talk to pupils about their subjects at A level during PSHE sessions, and discuss links with other subjects and progression to higher education and career areas.

Members of the Sixth Form share their A level subject experiences with the Upper Fifth in a forum.

Work Experience:

The Work Experience Co-ordinator talks to the Upper Fifth about planning and safety aspects of placements. In addition, there is a session on CV preparation, together with tips for completing application forms.

Parents’ Evening

The Upper Fifth Parents’ Evening will be held in February 2023, and A level choices are submitted shortly afterwards.

The LEH Work Experience Scheme

Introduction:

In the Lower Fifth, your daughter will have participated in the “Meaningful Connections programme”, often a first introduction to researching possible careers. In the Upper Fifth this is followed, for most students, by work experience. Work experience has become increasingly important: students can refer to it in their UCAS application, as part of their Personal Statement, while for some future careers, for example Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science, work experience is an essential part of the application process. In addition, students gain confidence and learn some of the practicalities of going to work, albeit for a brief period. LEH strongly recommends that, if at all possible, all students undertake work experience.

Purpose:

To acquire an understanding of the work environment, both physical and social, to experience working discipline, and to apply experiences to their own situation and aspirations. It also makes an important contribution to the UCAS form.

Organisation:

In most cases pupils and their parents are able to organise their own placements, but where this is difficult, the Careers Department can offer suggestions. Students carry out work experience during the summer holidays. There is no designated time limit: some go for two or three days; others may work for one week or two. Many students undertake more than one placement in order to sample a variety of fields. In some instances, pupils choose to start their work experience in the Sixth Form or find placements which build on the experience gained in the Upper Fifth. This may take place during any of the school holidays. In addition, students may apply to highly regarded Work Experience Programmes, such as those offered by Morgan Stanley with their Step In Step Up Programme. The Sixth Form are also encouraged to apply for summer internships and further information is included later in this booklet.

How Parents Can Help:

• Assisting your daughter with finding a work experience placement, often through family contacts, but also through encouraging her to identify and contact likely companies. • Helping to prepare your daughter for the programme; this can range from talking through what might be expected to checking travel plans. • After the placement, encouraging your daughter to reflect on her work experience, considering what she has learnt about herself and the wider world. • Considering, with your daughter, what her next step might be in finding out more about a particular career, or gaining further ‘hands on’ experience during the Sixth Form years.