Education and Careers - For Every Family

Introduction

In this section you will find lots of useful information about education and careers advice for young people including where you can go for more information or help.

If you would rather to speak to someone about this, you can pop into your local Family Hub or call South Tyneside MASH on 0191 424 5210.

Attendance

When it comes to attending school, you should remember:

Low attendance means a lower chance of getting into further education and employment
Good attendance means higher grades and better chances in life
Missing the odd day can become a habit
Every lesson in school matters and if you have time off you may find it difficult to catch up
Absences for medical appointments should be requested as far in advance as possible and your parents / carers should try to make routine appointments (for example dental check ups) during school holidays or after school hours
School is a great place to have fun and make new friends and it can give you improved confidence
There is a strong link between non-attendance and street crime and / or substance abuse
Attending school improves your health. It encourages good social skills, helps you create friendships and will also help you physically through regular exercise
Lateness equals lost learning. Five minutes every day adds up to over three days lost each year

If you would like to talk to someone about attendance, or any other related issues, speak to the attendance officer at your school or contact the Council’s Attendance Monitoring Team on 0191 424 7400.

Connexions

Connexions South Tyneside provides careers information, advice and guidance to young people aged between 16 and 18, and up to 25 if they have a special educational need or disability.

Connexions Advisers can support young people to make positive choices about their future with information about:

college courses
apprenticeships
6th form
employment opportunities
training schemes

All Connexions Advisers are appropriately qualified to nationally recognised careers information, advice and guidance standards (Level 6) recommended by Ofsted and the Career Development Institute (CDI).

You can contact Connexions South Tyneside for advice or to make an appointment by calling 0191 424 6690 or 0191 424 6657, or emailing connexions@southtyneside.gov.uk.

Connexions South Tyneside

Further and higher education

Choosing a course

Choices at 16

Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do in the future – you are not alone!

There are a lot of options available, so you will have to think carefully before making your choice.

Choices at 18

After taking a level 3 course, leading to qualifications such as A levels, you could consider higher education, further education or work-related training, getting a job, taking a year out or self-employment.