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Sixth Form Work Experience

Work Experience

Preparation for university and employment is an integral part of the Sixth Form programme at The Misbourne. Employability or work-readiness is becoming more and more important to universities and employers. While qualifications remain essential, with very few exceptions, they are no longer the only consideration. By gaining work experience in relevant sectors our students can gain a real advantage when applying for university or work. While on work experience students will be able to talk with and observe skilled and qualified people who can give them a better idea of what their job involves. It is an opportunity to network and find contacts.

We encourage all our Year 12 and 13 students to secure and participate in meaningful work experience at an agreed appropriate time, this may be in the school holidays. Students are released from the timetable for a week in June / July, after their exams to complete their work experience. Work experience is an ongoing process in the journey towards a career and should not be viewed as just one week - students should be encouraged to take up as many opportunities as possible.

All students are expected to find their own work placements. Taking personal responsibility for finding the placement and researching their further education and career path is an important part of the process. While we will provide support and inspiration in school, we expect students to actively find the placement and apply for it themselves - and they will learn a great deal from doing so.

Students need to let the school know when they have organised work experience so that their records can be updated and the information used to help support their reference.  From this year we have subscribed to the Unifrog platform to manage the administration of the process - families, employers, students and the school will complete their relevant paperwork on the system.

Work Experience - potential sources

Using your own family / friends network is often the best route but there are other useful sources:

Bucks Skills Hub - work experience page

LinkedIn - The Misbourne alumni

School Careers & Higher Education Fair

Virtual Work Experience 

It can be difficult to obtain work experience within a workplace. We therefore encourage students to enhance their CV or personal statements by completing relevant virtual work experience. Click here to find sources of potential virtual work experience and online courses.