At Orpheus, we have a varied programme of careers education incorporated into the curriculum. All activities are designed to develop the students’ self-awareness and employability skills while enhancing their knowledge of different career sectors and roles.
We hold our own career and employer engagement events, visit national conferences, have one-to-one career sessions, and group work.
The Orpheus careers programme is mapped to the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks of good career guidance.
The intent of our programme is to equip learners with skills, confidence, and knowledge of the world of work.
We do this by:
Information, Advice and Guidance is delivered by our level 7 qualified Career Adviser Paulette Russell who is both independent and impartial.
Paulette supports the Orpheus learners in making informed educational and career choices. Paulette has vast experience in providing independent, impartial CEIAG (Careers Education Information Advice & Guidance) in a multitude of settings. Paulette uses a variety of career software programmes and online tools to support the delivery of Careers Guidance interviews and increase awareness of Labour Market Information.
Paulette helps the learners to be aware of their opportunities and aspirational choices and involves parents/carers in their decision making while keeping the young person at the heart of all matters.
Students will receive a personalised curriculum that supports their aspirations and keeps them at the centre of everything that we do. They will have access to work experience in the first two years of their three-year programme at Orpheus, for them to explore their aspirations and develop vital employability skills and behaviours. In their known final year at Orpheus, they may have the opportunity to have an extended external work placement that provides practical extended experience of the world of work in line with their transition plans.
During their known final year at Orpheus, this work placement could be external and, or internal at Orpheus. They will be supported throughout this time and their placement will be tailored to their aspirations.
In this final year, there is a great emphasis on preparing learners for transition into life beyond Orpheus. A bespoke work experience programme enables them to gain experience within industries that are tailored to their individual interests and aspirations. They also have ongoing support in securing housing which meets their needs and plenty of social development and independence opportunities. The Transitions Team work closely with all Next Stage learners to support them in finding progression destinations that meet their aspirations and needs. These include paid or voluntary employment, further education, community-based initiatives, and supported living.
The Orpheus Centre. North Park Lane, Godstone. Surrey. RH9 8ND
