Varndean25 - Flipbook - Page 70
ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES
“Students
develop valuable
employability skills in
work experience and
through the courses they
undertake ” Ofsted 2024
Varndean College prides itself in its excellent
progression rate and offers extensive support to
students by an experienced, professional team
who work in accordance with the DfE Guidance
for Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges and
using the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks to develop our
careers progression.
Throughout their time at Varndean, students will
receive careers related support which is delivered
through their weekly tutorial sessions. All students
are also able to book an appointment to see a Level
6 qualified Careers Adviser for 1:1 help. Information,
advice and guidance is given to help students make
choices about their next steps whether that be
applying for an apprenticeship, university or planning
a structured ‘gap year’. Materials are updated
annually and students are able to provide feedback to
ensure the Careers team are meeting their needs.
The Careers Department also provides support to
students, parents, staff and employers who choose to
partner with the college by supporting our curriculum
areas with employer-led activities. Through the
‘Careers Spotlight’ programme, all curriculum areas
invite employers in to talk to students about their
field of work and provide information on what it is like
to be employed in that occupational sector. This is
then directly linked to the subjects the students are
studying, helping them see the relevance of what they
are studying to the workplace and helps them identify
the transferable skills their subject provides them.
Speakers have included a liver transplant specialist,
fashion designer, oncologist nurse, a play therapist,
marine engineer, book publisher, tv production
company, Bank of England economist, games
developer, Sussex Police and The Army.
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Throughout the year, the Careers team organise a
diverse range of events for students, including the
annual Apprenticeship Fair, UCAS Fair, Personal
Statement Writing Day, the Varndean Internship
Programme (VIP) and the HE Information Day, held at
the University of Sussex.
The team also provide help and guidance to students
at results days in August and through the UCAS
clearing process if needed.
In its 2024 Ofsted inspection, Varndean College
received accolades for its excellent student outcomes,
with Ofsted recognising the college’s success in
helping students achieve strong academic results and
progress to higher education or employment.
