Careers education and information at Birchensale Middle School is incorporated into all year groups to stimulate students’ interests in life and the world of work.

The main aims of careers provision at Birchensale Middle School is to develop the skills, attitudes and abilities of our students to enable them to make effective decisions about their future education, training, employment and life as an adult member of society. We aim to ensure that all students have an equal entitlement to high quality careers education, information, advice and guidance, that: 

  • raises aspirations; 
  • empowers our pupils to plan and be inspired for their own futures; 
  • helps them understand the world of work and the personal and academic skills required to be successful within it; 
  • helps them to explore a broad range of career options; 
  • actively promotes equality of opportunity and challenge stereotypes; 
  • provides for the particular needs and aspirations of pupils, as well as offering a basic entitlement to broad areas of experience; 
  • equips pupils with the skills and knowledge for a fast-changing world. 

Birchensale Middle School is an active member of the Worcestershire Careers Hub and supports the development of Worcestershire’s Future Workforce through the Worcestershire Enterprise Adviser Network. 

The School will assess the impact of its careers programmes on students by completing an annual student survey in line with activities that they have taken part in at school. We will also complete the Compass + careers benchmark tool. 

Careers Lead – Mrs Amy Evans 

Communication to Ms Anne Howard on 01527 68430 or [email protected] 

In accordance with Technical and Further Education Act 2017, Baker Clause stipulates
that schools must allow colleges and training providers access to every student in Years 8 to 13 to discuss non-academic routes that are available to them. We hope this will help
address the UK’s productivity challenges and address skills shortages experienced across several sectors of the economy.

We are very keen to engage with businesses and employers to help us inform and educate our students.  This links directly with Gatsby Benchmark 5 (Encounters with Employers and Employees) and Gatsby Benchmark 6 (Experiences of Workplaces). We provide many opportunities for businesses to interact with students: careers carousels, skills workshops, presentations etc.   

Opportunities for access to our curriculum and careers programme include opportunities for providers to come into school to speak to our pupils and/or their parents/carers.  

These can be arranged during timetabled Careers lessons or at other suitable times. Please speak to our designated staff member to identify the most suitable opportunity for your organisation.  

Providers wishing to request access should contact: Ms Anne Howard on 01527 68430 or [email protected]  

Links and Downloads

Careers and Provider Access Policy
Careers Strategy and Action Plan
Alumni

Worcestershire Labour Market Information

LMI Poster
The Bigger Picture – Redditch
Sector Profiles – Agri-Tech
Sector Profiles – AME (Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering)
Sector Profiles – Business and Professional Services
Sector Profiles – Construction Sector
Sector Profiles – Cyber, IT and Defence
Sector Profiles – Health and Care

Useful Links

The Careers Enterprise Company https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/
The Careers and Enterprise Company Resource Directory https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/
Gatsby Foundation http://www.gatsby.org.uk/education/focus-areas/good-career-guidance
Post 16 Skills Planhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/post-16-skills-plan-and-independent-report-on-technical-education 
Skills For Worcestershire http://www.skills4worcestershire.co.uk/ 
Government Careers Strategy December 2017 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/664319/Careers_strategy.pdf 
Government Careers Guidance and Access for Education and Training Providers 
(Jan 2023 update) 
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1127489/Careers_guidance_and_access_for_education_and_training_providers_.pdf
National Careers  Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) https://www.ucas.com/ 
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership http://www.wlep.co.uk/ 
Worcestershire Apprenticeships http://worcsapprenticeships.org.uk/  
HOW College http://www.howcollege.ac.uk/  
Kidderminster College http://kidderminster.ac.uk/
Warwickshire College Group https://wcg.ac.uk/
Worcester University https://www.worcester.ac.uk/