Work Experience

The Process

All pupils log onto Changing Education via the Morrisby website.

Students and parents decide whether they would like to use Changing Education to source work experience or find their own placement.

If families choose Changing Education, a fee of £95 is charged on the spring term bill of Year 10.

Students fill out a form stating their top three choices for work experience.

During the spring term, between February half-term and the beginning of April, Changing Education will upload the placements available for pupils.

The Careers Lead will allocate placements as closely as possible to pupils’ top three choices for those opting for the Changing Education route.

Once a placement has been allocated, the paperwork will automatically be issued to the family and employer for completion.

If a pupil chooses to source work experience themselves:

1. Log onto Morrisby.
2. Under Progress – click on Work Experience.
3. On the right-hand side – click on Open Online Portal.
4. In purple – click Submit a New Placement, then go through steps 1-4.
5. The Careers Lead will accept the position if it is suitable.
6. Paperwork will be sent to the employer taking the pupil for work experience, asking them to complete a risk assessment.
7. An email will be sent to parents asking them to approve the work experience placement.

When and where does work experience take place?

Work experience takes place in Year 10 and is normally scheduled for the last full week of the summer term.

Work experience lasts for five full days, following full-time hours.

Changing Education will offer placements in and around Wokingham, with a broad variety of options available.

Why do work experience?

Work experience in Year 10 is important for several key reasons, particularly in the UK, where pupils are at a formative stage in their education and personal development.

Here’s why it matters:

1. Introducing pupils to the world of work
2. Helping pupils make informed career decisions
3. Developing key employability skills, including:

1. • Communication and interpersonal skills
   • Time management and organisation
   • Problem-solving and adaptability

These skills enhance CVs and prepare pupils for future roles, whether through apprenticeships, further education or direct employment.

4. Boosting confidence
5. Enhancing applications for sixth form, college and jobs
6. Understanding workplace realities
7. Linking classroom learning to real life
8. Encouraging independence and responsibility
9. Gaining insight into different work environments