Vocational Education At Oasis Academy West Winteringham


Students specific requirements were identified to ensure the placement became more 'personal to the student'.  Students went out in two stages, enabling all students to achieve their maximum potential. The first fortnight 117 students were placed w/c 9th March and in the second stage 36 students went out on placement on 26th April 2009.

The planning and organisation played a crucial role in the success of the 2009 OAW Work Experience. Students were encouraged to find their own placements. Students chose four placements, and each student was allocated one of their four. Consultation with staff, students and parents was imperative. With the move to the new build imminent planning was crucial. Close work with CCO, SEN, CP Officer and ALT identified any students in need of additional support or whose attendance/behaviour needed to be considered prior to placement.

When the placements were allocated the risk assessment and parental permission forms were sent home first. This gave time for parents and
students to discuss the allocation enabling any necessary changes to be made before the students received notification of their placement.

Work Experience is not in any way intended to be a 'taster' for one particular job or profession, and clearly some placements do not allow students as much experience of the world of work as others. There are four main types of work experience providers:

1. Administrative
2. Practical
3. Primary and Nursery School/Caring
4. Retail

This was the first Work Experience in the OAW new build. The forward planning and teamwork between Academy staff paid off and the 2009 Work Experience first phase was a huge success.

The students were a credit to the Academy. With over 30 possibilities for the Humber EBP 2009 awards. Two students received top awards: 'Pupil Who has Performed Exceptionally Well' and 'Pupil who Has Benefited Most'. Seven further students received a 'Commended' award.

The Careers/Work Experience Notice Boards in the Agora were a huge success with the students! These were regularly updated.

Every student was awarded a certificate, as an acknowledgement of their achievement. Even the students who were not as successful were awarded a certificate to acknowledge their attendance and participation.

For more information please email Sally Lumby

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