Work Experience

The Lenham School believes Work Experience is vital in preparing students for the wider world of work.

Workplace experiences take place regularly in Key Stage Three. As per the Work Experience Guarantee, all Key Stage 3 students are entitled to five days of work place experiences. To achieve this students work with a variety of employers in a range of subject areas so students learn to understand the close links between

Work Experience week is carried out in Year 10 and Year 12 during Term 6. At KS5 there is a strong emphasis made on placements linking to students chosen academic pathway.

Structure of work experience:

The Lenham School uses the Equalex framework provided by the Career and Enterprise Company to structure students work experience journey. Modern Experience at The Lenham School exceeds statutory requirements in offering:

• 5 days of workplace experiences at Key Stage 3
• 5 days of block work experience at Key Stage 4
• 5 days of block work experience at Key Stage 5

The Equalex framework states that at Key Stage 3 students should be introduced to a range of different workplaces over a shorter period. This initial phase focuses on inspiring students based on their different experiences and raising awareness both of their own aspirations and skills but also the wide range of opportunities available to them. Students will then use these experiences to help them investigate a more specific experience in Year 10 leading to an experience in Year 12 more related to student’s specific subject pathway.

The Aims of Work Experience are:

As in line with the Equalex implementation model, our Modern Work Experience programme aims to:

Delivery:

In preparation for the work experience placement a variety of sessions are delivered to focus on preparing students for the world of work. These sessions include:

• Health and Safety
• Professionalism and Confidentiality
• Safeguarding and Whistleblowing

During placement students complete a Work Experience Log which is a reflective tool used to identify the skills and characteristics being developed. At the end of the placement, employers receive a form to provide feedback on the students’ performance during placement.

Safeguarding considerations

The Lenham School has a ‘duty of care’ for all our students. Before students can attend a work experience placement a number of checks must be made:

• Health and Safety policies and documents
• Employers Liability Insurance with certificate provided
• Risk assessment provided
• Agreement to follow the School’s Safeguarding policy
• Information about the employees the student will be working alongside

Our work experience for Year 10 is organised by EBP (Education Business Partnership)

During the student's placement, a member of school staff will visit the student in placement. During this visit, the staff member will check with both the student and the employer how the placement is going and identify any issues.