Big Creative Academy is pleased to announce its first national award for the quality of our careers education. A Quality in Careers Standard (QiCS) kitemark is awarded to colleges that demonstrate high-quality careers learning and experience for students.
The award is a recognition of the Academy’s investment in careers and its impact on our learners. Our students are inspired to pursue fantastic opportunities after they finish their course, with the professional skills and attitudes they need to succeed in the creative arts.
The assessment report states: “Congratulations on achieving the Quality In Careers Standard which fully incorporates the Gatsby Benchmarks. This is an excellent achievement and recognises the quality and breadth of your careers provision.”
For the assessment, learners are asked about their thoughts on the careers education they are receiving and, having talked to learners, the report concludes: “All learners spoke positively of the support they are given by the academy. This included tutors and careers staff. Learners were pleased that they had chosen to attend BCA for this reason. Whether it is in the support given for the UCAS process or for sourcing work experience they believe that their successful outcomes are in no small part due to the help they have received.”
A number of strengths were highlighted:
- Employer engagement is high – students learn from our industry contacts including Stormzy, Avelino, Christopher Raeburn, Sadlers Wells, Ashley Walters, Lucasfilm
- Work experience placements have had a positive impact for students
- Very good support with independent advice for each learner and staff working together
We also have a job centre on-site – Cafe Works – a hub for all opportunities in the creative arts where young people and the public can seek advice in the creative arts. Drop in and see us!
We have worked with the team at Complete Careers who carried out the accreditation for the award and we are grateful for their assistance and mentoring throughout the process. They have provided both challenge and support to ensure we are achieving the best careers provision for our students, and we will have annual reviews to maintain the high standard of careers education.
