Parent WEX launch letter Sept 2023
September 2023
Dear Parent/Carer,
Work Experience 2024
This academic year, all Year 10 students will complete a work experience placement from Tuesday 19th – Friday 22nd March 2024. Work experience is a vital and exciting part of mainstream education at Key Stage 4 which allows students to gain an insight into the world of work and learn key skills which will help inform students’ career decisions.
Students have already received an assembly introducing WEX and we wanted to make sure you have all the information you need to support them in securing a placement that will challenge and engage them.
How is work experience organised?
Students are encouraged to be independent and proactive in finding and confirming placements. In addition to your support at home, they will receive support in school through their SPACE lessons as well as individual guidance from the careers lead where needed. Students will be required to research potential employers and call or visit them to confirm a placement. They will write a cover letter or email during SPACE lessons which they will send or deliver to an employer with a work experience agreement form for the employer to complete. The completed form must then be returned to Hans Price reception or careers office for processing. Finally, students will receive a confirmation when the form is processed and Health and Safety checks have been completed. Sometimes students will need to reapply to another organisation or make a follow up call. We strongly encourage students to start thinking about their options now. Students have been advised to secure a placement before the end of December to avoid competition from other local schools and to allow time for the necessary checks to be completed.
Can students choose a placement which isn’t on a preapproved list?
Absolutely. As I am sure you will appreciate, the Health and Safety aspect of placements is a priority. When a student finds a work placement a Health and Safety check will be carried out. New placements, or placements which are further afield or less routine, may take a longer time to check so must be confirmed as early as possible.
What do I need to know now?
We recommend having an initial discussion at home with your child about possible work experience options and being proactive in securing a placement. If a student already knows where they would like to go they are encouraged to make an initial telephone call to ask if the organisation is taking on students and might consider them for a placement. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the school or the Work Experience team directly at [email protected].
What can you do to help?
Work Experience is a fantastic opportunity to raise aspirations, broaden mindsets and introduce our students to the world of work. Last year saw more diverse and far-reaching placements than ever before. If you have any links to employers who may be able to offer placements or you yourself are able to offer a placement, please let the careers team know.
Yours sincerely,
Ms R Allchurch Mrs J Fielding
Raising Standards Leader/WEX Co-ordinator Careers Lead
