Westhaven School

'an outstanding school' (Ofsted)

Business and Enterprise College

Work Experience

Welcome to the Work Experience page

Work Experience Co-ordinator – Mrs. Wendy Kirk

Year 10's first Work Experience

(June 1st - 12th 2009)

Year 10 have just completed their first work experience. There were a variety of placements and the attitude and commitment of everyone was excellent. All the students took on board what they had been told in the preparation stages and each one completed every task that had been set which was remarkable, especially as this was their first work experience.

Some of them said that the days were long and tiring but understood that this is all part of the process. They have all learned very important skills that they can now carry forward to their next work experience in November.

A huge thank you must also go to parents/carers for their support throughout.

We would like to congratulate them all for their fantastic efforts and wish them well in their next placements.

Please feel free to come and have a look at the display showing Year 10’s work experience which will be in the foyer of the school during the final two weeks of term. Also, please have a look at a selection of the photos from their placements.

Take a look at pictures of Year 10's recent work experience placements

click here >

Why Work Experience?

At Westhaven we pride ourselves on helping students to achieve as many qualifications/skills as they are able, not only academic but social/life skills that many people take for granted.

The work experience which is completed in June (Yr 10) and then November (Yr 11) is a part of the curriculum and gives students the opportunity to become involved in the world of work and to be independent. It also makes them aware of Health/Safety in the workplace and working as part of a very ‘different team’.

The work experience process does not begin in Key Stage 4. It begins much earlier. Work related learning programmes take place in all Year groups. In Year 9, students are encouraged to start thinking of ideas for their first work experience and will sometimes have the opportunity to listen to talks made by KS4 of their latest placements. They can also ask questions to find out other information. These sessions also form part of KS4 English assessments. By the time they leave school they will then hopefully have some understanding of the world of work and what should be expected of any prospective employee.

In the next column is a brief overview of the process of work experience. Obviously, times will vary according to the time of year. The example is for students going on placements in the summer.

The Process in Year 10

Term 3

During Term 3 Yr 10 students have an informal chat about placement choices

Parental consent forms usually sent out at this time

Any student with definite choices will have this confirmed (subject to the necessary health/safety checks)

Term 4

Confirmation letters sent to parents

Visits/Interviews with employers

Placement/Details finalised

Any outstanding placements confirmed

Term 5

Continued visits/interviews to employers

Thank you letters written (for interview)

Log book preparation

Term 6

Work Experience takes place

Thank you letters written (for placement)

Work Experience review on return

Completion of log books

Internal log book/work experience moderation

External log book/work experience moderation by representative from Connexions

Certificates awarded

What the students thought ...

Alex: I miss Morrisons and would like to go back and work there when I leave school

Ayrton: It was great and I want to go back

Daniel W: I found it fun and enjoyable and really want to go back

Jack: I really liked working in the shop with all the books and videos

Jess: The children were adorable but it's not the job for me

Jordan: It was better than I thought it would be and I want to go again

Pippa: It was fun cool and challenging and I would like to do it again

Richard: I really enjoyed my work experience - it has been the best. I would like to do it again because it has made me understand what work is all about

Simon: It was a valuable experience that will help me in the future

At Westhaven we are lucky to have the support of many local organisations but also use a secured site to find further placements.

To see the range of different placements that our students have been to over the last few years click here >

If you have any worries or concerns about your son/daughter’s work experience please do not hesitate to contact the work experience co-ordinator. After all, our aim is for students to have an enjoyable two weeks and to learn as much about the world of work as they are able.

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