Ebbsfleet Academy recognises the importance of careers education, information and guidance (CEIAG) to prepare students for the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of life, during which they must be able to respond to the changing demands of a technological age, adapt to differing modes of employment, develop life-long learning resources, and balance work and leisure.
In order to provide quality, tailored support and guidance to our students we have created ‘EA Prospects’ — a department dedicated to supporting our students to pursue their natural curiosity about the working world.
EA Prospects is committed to enabling students to understand the working environment in which they will eventually take their part. We recognise that it is important for students to identify their own strengths and aptitudes. Working with students, parents and school staff we aim to raise student aspirations to ensure they plan to achieve, and attain, full learning and career potential. Independent, impartial careers education guidance will be delivered in-school and coordinated by CXK and Unifrog.
Students receive unbiased careers information, impartial guidance and a curriculum relevant to the world of work. In addition, the academy encourages and supports appropriate work experience opportunities and placements in KS4, as well as providing information and support to students making applications for employment and further and higher education.
Our careers programme builds from year to year as students move through the school. The academy uses the Unifrog platform to log and track careers guidance. Examples of the activities carried out with students include:
- Year 7 — Completing competencies and career research using the Unifrog platform. STEM sessions delivered by DEC.
- Year 8 — Subject specific careers education delivered through ‘Murder Mystery Day’.
- Year 9 — Option choice guidance sessions delivered by University of Kent. WOW sessions delivered by DEC.
- Year 10 — preparation for work experience sessions, CEAIG delivered by CXK. Labour Market Information sessions delivered by external providers.
- Year 11 — support with UCAS progress and Kent Choices for applications to colleges and sixth-forms, support in researching and applying for apprenticeships. Individual advice and guidance delivered by CXK.
- Year 12 — EA Prospects induction for new entrants, Higher Education institution visit, Higher Education Event, NCS participation, work experience preparation, personal statement support and impartial guidance for post-18 delivered by CXK.
- Year 13 — tailored tutorial programme to support applications to university and job applications, UCAS application support, tracking and decision-making advice, CV writing skills support.
The impact of this department will be measured through annual student and staff evaluations, and by achieving the ‘Quality In Careers’ award at the end of academic year 2021/22. Student destination data will be analysed at the end of each academic year to ensure meaningful progression to higher and further education.
Our CEIAG programme and related information is reviewed annually, however information may be revised throughout the year to reflect new regulations.
Our Provider Access Statement can be found attached below.
If you wish to contact our Careers Advisor, Ms Knowles, please email her at: careers@ebbsfleetacademy.org.uk.
We value input from parent/carers, businesses or former students so if you are willing to contribute to our careers programme please email the Academy on admin@ebbsfleetacademy.org.uk.
Choosing a Degree
There are in excess of 50,000 degrees and choosing a degree can be a daunting choice! The following links and resources can help you with this:
- UCAS – Research into different courses with links to the universities on UCAS.
- UK Course Finder – You can also try the Course Finder questionnaire on UK Course Finder. This questionnaire may help you choose your degree subject. There is additional information which may help you with your university decisions.
- Discover Uni – Find the right course for you at Discover Uni. You can also compare official statistics from many universities.
- Open days – The university and college open directory helps you choose the right university for you.
Degree Types
Associate-level programmes offer different degrees for a variety of careers. These 2-year programmes may provide the necessary training to prepare students for entry-level positions in fields like nursing, graphic design and other vocational areas. Associate degree programmes are most commonly available from community colleges and technical schools.
Completing an associate degree programme may qualify graduates to enter the workforce. Transferable associate degree programmes cover the general education requirements needed to continue a student’s education at a 4-year university. The most common degrees available at the associate level include the following:
- Associate of Arts (A.A.)
- Associate of Science (A.S.)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
A bachelor’s degree programmes is an undergraduate programme that usually takes three years to complete. Enrolling in a bachelor’s degree programme requires that students choose a major area of study, such as finance, history, communications or biology. Graduates from a bachelor’s degree programme are qualified to work in entry or management-level positions, depending on the field.
A bachelor’s degree is also usually required for admittance into a graduate programme. The different types of degrees available in a bachelor’s degree programme include the following:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Master’s degree programmes are graduate programme that let students specialise in an area of study. They typically take 1-2 years to complete after a bachelors degree. Along with an undergraduate degree, enrolling in a master’s degree programme usually requires a minimum GPA and an acceptance score on a graduate entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Many master’s degree programme require a thesis or capstone project for graduation.
Earning a master’s degree may qualify graduates to work in advanced or executive-level positions. A master’s degree is also required for entrance into some doctoral programme. Different degree programme available at the master’s degree level include the following:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Master of Engineering (MEng)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Doctoral degree programmes also known as Ph.D. programmes, are the most advanced type of degree program available. Admittance into a doctoral degree program may require individuals to hold a master’s degree, although several programmes accept candidates who only hold bachelor’s degrees. Additional requirements to be accepted into these programme may include submitting standardised test scores and sending in letters of recommendation.
Completing a Ph.D. program usually takes several years, and often involves the completion of a dissertation and a major research project. Medical-related doctoral programme may have students complete hands-on clinical hours with real patients during the final years of the program.
Ph.D. graduates are qualified to work as experts in areas of business or research, and professors at the post secondary level. Common types of doctoral degrees include those listed below:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
While there are many college level degree options, the four main degree levels include associate, bachelors, masters, and doctorate.
