Students and staff at Nene Park Academy, part of Meridian Trust, are thrilled to be awarded the highly regarded Quality in Careers Standard, the national quality award for careers.
The award, which was certified through the local awarding body, Cambridgeshire County Council, celebrates the school’s high-quality careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG).
In the report, presented to the school, assessors praised how notably “articulate all the students and staff were about the careers provision and how impactful it can be if done well.”
Vicki Barkney, Careers Co-ordinator, was commended for her role in improving the school’s careers provision, with the report stating: “Vicki has worked hard to have the careers provision in a central place within the academy, from a ‘standing start’ three years ago, and has every intention on to carry on improving.”
Vicki added, “I am extremely proud that the academy has been awarded the prestigious Quality in Careers Standard. It is very pleasing that all of our hard work over the last few years has been rewarded. We understand how crucial it is for our students to have access to a high-quality careers programme and education. It helps shape the students’ to be confident and motivated individuals with ambitious plans for their future.”
Embedding careers in subject learning was highlighted as a key strength in the report. The assessor commented: “There is a general willingness from staff to make the links between what is being taught and careers.”
“Departments have gone through a self-evaluation process, with most subjects confident that they integrate careers well into their subject.”
The way in which individual needs are identified and supported was also highlighted as a key strength within the report. The assessor stated: “students are supported through academic mentoring and tutor referral. The SEND team also have an input here to help with transitions, including tailored college visits”.
Robin Grover, Principal of Nene Park Academy, said: “We are delighted that we have been awarded the nationally recognised Quality in Careers Standard. I’d like to say a particular thank you to Vicki Barkney, our Careers Co-ordinator, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that our careers programme is up to a high standard.
“At Nene Park Academy, we value the importance of not only providing our students with a high-quality learning environment, but also ensuring they have access to a comprehensive careers programme and education. This programme plays an important role in educating the students on opportunities after they have completed their academic journey.”
To achieve this award, Nene Park Academy followed an extensive assessment process where standards had to be consistently met. This culminated in the careers department of the academy providing vast amounts of evidence, ready for assessment. There was then an evaluation by an external assessor, followed by a moderation to confirm the judgements made.
With a duration of three years, the award provides Nene Park Academy with signed certification from Cambridgeshire County Council, which will serve as a reminder of the academy’s unwavering commitment to careers education.