Careers at St. Augustine's is not just about jobs - it is about preparation for life. It involves developing the skills that will be needed in any job, learning how to market / present oneself and planning ahead so that targets and goals are set, both long term and short term. It is part of the Personal Development Planning of students at St. Augustine's.
Many young people today drop out of courses or fail to meet the necessary standard because they do not choose options that make the most of their interests and abilities. If they make better choices, they are more likely to achieve higher standards. “Giving young people the skills to make informed choices and to manage their progression through learning – through an effective careers education programme, backed up by an integrated package of advice and support – will be essential.” Miliband, D. and Lewis, I. Careers Education and Guidance in England- A National Framework 11-19 (2003). This philosophy is further acknowledged in the same publication, “progressive careers programmes, alongside other, related curriculum activities, promote personal and social development.” We view effective careers education and guidance to be the vehicle in helping students to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will enable them to successfully manage their future lives in the rapidly changing worlds of study and work.
Nationally, Careers Education has come under the spotlight in recent years. Politicians have realised that good Careers Education is central to the achievement of high standards. If students achieve higher standards, there will be more, better qualified people entering the workforce, able to adapt to the many changes there will be during their lifetime. A flexible, more adaptable workforce will help to improve the performances of employees, and make them and the U.K. more competitive. At St. Augustine’s, we endeavour to instil the philosophy of lifelong learning to all of our students.