Careers Education at Alde Valley Academy

At Alde Valley Academy, our Careers Curriculum equips all students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to make informed choices and succeed in the world of work. We aim to raise aspirations, broaden horizons, and ensure every student can access a full range of career pathways.

Through personalised guidance and targeted support at key transition points, we help students make confident decisions about their futures—from further education to employment. Our careers programme develops lifelong career management skills, fostering ambition, resilience, and independence.

Students benefit from a wide range of experiences including:

• Employer talks and workplace visits

• Work experience placements

• Insight into specific sectors (with support from partners like The Hotel Folk and EDF)

• Access to further and higher education providers

• A well-structured PSHE and careers education programme

We follow the Government's Careers Strategy and are working towards all 8 Gatsby Benchmarks, with the support of the Enterprise Adviser Network. Research shows that students who have four or more encounters with employers are significantly more likely to succeed in education and employment.

Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) supports students in developing self-awareness and career planning skills, boosting motivation, confidence, and achievement.

Careers Lead:

Mr J Smith

j.smith@aldevalley.suffolk.sch.uk

01728 830570

Careers Adviser:

Mrs B Bridges