Work Related Learning - (WRL) including Work Experience, Extended Work Experience, and Enterprise
What is it?
WRL is not new but now it is part of a government statutory requirement at Key Stage 4. It is a cross-curricular aspect that means it is delivered to ALL students at KS4.
Work Related Learning is an approach to the curriculum that aims to improve the employability skills of all young people by:
- Learning about work
- Learning through work
- Learning for work
Students will participate in a variety of activities within their chosen subjects, the fortnightly Preparation for Life lessons and during the whole school events, which take place six times a year.
Also included in Work Related Learning are the following:
- Enterprise
- Careers Education and Guidance
- Work Experience
- Extended Work Experience
Enterprise
Enterprise is the ability to handle uncertainty and respond positively to change, to create and implement new ideas and ways of doing things, to make reasonable risk/reward assessments and act upon them in both personal and working life. Enterprise capability can also be described as: innovation, creativity, risk-management, a ‘can-do’ attitude and the drive to make ideas happen.
Work Experience and Extended Work Experience
Year 10 students participate in Work Experience It is an established and valuable part to the KS4 curriculum. It involves students spending two weeks away from school in a working environment at the end of June during Year 10.
In addition some students will have the opportunity of experiencing the world of work by spending one or more days a week on a placement. This takes place during Year11.
The whole process of Work Experience takes nine months to organise beginning with a Presentation Evening for parents/carers in October. Student preparation involves writing of formal letters and a CV, a discussion of interview techniques and other pertinent issues, and an understanding of Health and Safety at work. Students are expected to carry out much of the preparation as independent study with guidance. Students will record their experiences daily and complete a variety of tasks in a Student Record Book. This information will be used in a de-brief session and further subject coursework when they return. Much of the preparation will take place in the fortnightly Preparation for Life lesson.
Apart from providing an aid to a career choice it gives each student insights into the world of adult working relationships. It is invaluable in their development, and I would strongly recommend that students begin to consider at the earliest possible opportunity how best to spend that time.
Contact Member of Staff : Mr N Pritchard |
