At MEA, our careers programme is based on Gatsby Benchmarks which is a key framework for practice in school and colleges.
The table below shows the range of careers and employability opportunities available to students across the whole school.
Each opportunity has been signposted to the following Gatsby Benchmarks:
Gatsby benchmark |
Year 10 |
A stable career programme |
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MEA has a stable and well-structured careers programme that has been approved by the schools Governors.
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The careers programme is published on the school’s website so students, parents, teachers and employers can access and understand it
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It is regularly evaluated with feedback from students, parents, teachers and employers as part of the evaluation process
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Learning from careers and labour market informatio |
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Careers Assembly
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Careers Education in FF.
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Labour Market Assembly/ form time PPT
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Tutor time careers focus
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Introduction to GMACS (Greater Manchester Apprenticeship and Careers)
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National Apprenticeship Week Assembly and Activities
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UK University Apprenticeships search fair
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Addressing the needs of each pupil |
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Linking curriculum learning to careers |
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Encounters with employers and employees |
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Lloyds Mentoring
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Mentoring programmes
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National Apprenticeship Week Assembly and Activities
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National Careers Week
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Employability Skills form time focus.
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Apprenticeship Workshops – Manchester College, and the Growth Company
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UA92 workshops.
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UK University Apprenticeships search fair
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World of Work session
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Experiences of workplaces |
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Encounter with Further Higher Education |
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Careers drop-in sessions break, lunch and after school
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Manchester University Gateways IAG Programme
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The Brilliant Club (Leeds University visit)
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Oxford University visit
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College taster days
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The Growth Company Taster days
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Personal Guidance |
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Careers Guidance Interview
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Career conversations (personal guidance) a part of form time focus/ assemblies
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Advice to parents and students at careers fairs and parents’ evenings
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Half termly email from Careers advisor to parents – providing links to further advice and guidance.
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The Careers Leader at MEA is Ms Oakes, Vice Principal. If you require any further information about our careers programme please contact Ms Oakes via our main reception on 0161 499 2726.

Karin Davidson a careers advisor from Positive Steps is at the Academy every Tuesday and Wednesday to provide careers guidance on an appointment basis for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Karin also offers a drop in session at break for all students.