AQA Level 1 and 2 Preparation for Working Life
All our Key Stage 4 pupils are encouraged to take part in work experience, gaining skills and confidence that they can use to enter the workplace or that will help them as they move to further education or training. As well as preparing them for future work, it also gives them an opportunity to gain a qualification.
A pass in the Certificate is indicated by one of two levels, Level 1 and Level 2, a pass at Level 1 is broadly equivalent to attainment of a GCSE Short Course at grade 6. A pass at Level 2 is broadly equivalent to attainment of a GCSE Short Course at grade 5.
This qualification aims to give students the skills, knowledge and understanding which will prepare them for working life, helping them to gain entry into work, training and further education and develop their future careers as confident individuals who are able to contribute positively to society.
The course covers aspects of careers, health, personal safety, employment opportunities, applying for jobs and personal finance. Preparation for Working Life is a practical course in which pupils learn skills such as how and where to find employment opportunities, how to write and develop their CV, how to apply for jobs and courses, and how to prepare for an interview. The course also links to specific PSHE Key Stage 4 Units, such as Personal Action Planning; Making Informed Career Choices and Applying for Jobs and Courses.
The Course Content is divided into nine main compulsory sections, and includes 3 pieces of coursework and an exam:
- Personal Awareness
- Healthy Lifestyles for work-life balance
- Relationships and the Differences Between People
- The Changing World of Work
- Applying for Jobs and Courses
- Economic and Financial Aspects of Life
- Employment Opportunities
- Enterprise Activities
- Hazard Identification at Home, on the Roads and at Work.
Pupils have gained previous work experience with HMRC; Ashton Nursery; Landhorn Kennels; Community Gateway Housing; Preston Vocational Centre, Kirkham Primary School, Longridge British Heart Foundation and JC Hairdressers.
In addition, in 2017 – 2018, 8 pupils gained their Level 2 Certificate and 19 pupils gained a Level 1 Certificate.