Careers in health and social care

Year 9 school pupils are being given the chance to find out more about the new Higher Diplomas in Society, Health and Development at a Discovery Day to be held at the Norton Grange Hotel in Castleton next week.

The event, on Wednesday 19 March, will offer participants an alternative choice to taking a traditional GCSE route into Further and Higher Education or employment.

Rochdale Council and Aimhigher Greater Manchester ran the first Discovery Day late last year for hundreds of Year 10 pupils studying Health and Social Care in Rochdale schools. It was such a hit among teachers and youngsters that the event is being repeated for the schools involved in the piloting of the new Diplomas.

The day will provide young people with information about Higher Diplomas and an opportunity to network with the local college and leading local and national employers. There'll be practical activities too to engage hands-on learning about the social care and nursing services provided by the council and the NHS. The young people will work together to produce a presentation about career options, focusing on job roles, teamwork, interaction with other agencies and career progression pathways.

Around a hundred Year 9 pupils who may benefit from the Diploma learning approach from schools in Middleton have been invited to attend. Many have the potential to succeed in Higher Education but may lack the confidence to apply, often because they are unaware of the new routes available to them.

Schools co-ordinator Lee Kilgour said: "We aim to raise awareness that traditional GCSE are not the only route into Further Education or employment. The Discovery Day will be an inspiring way for young people to find out more about Higher Diplomas, take part in specialist work related activities and meet future employers."