The range of learning pathways facing young people is getting more complex. This will be further highlighted as the new Diploma courses are introduced from 2008. The Department for Children, Schools and Families has asked each area of the country to establish a searchable database of all learning and training options for young people between 14 and 19.

Routes Ahead is the database of education and training courses that has been produced for the Derbyshire area.

• It includes traditional academic and vocational courses and a range of new courses. The database also covers the full range of Apprenticeships and Entry to Employment (e2e) options.
• The comprehensive search facility will let you and your students choose courses that can be stored in my courses. If the registration section is completed, this information will be kept for use on future visits to the website.
• A number of features will help you get the most value from the database, such as the glossary which explains key terms, the help button which will explain how the main sections work, and the site map which is another way of navigating around the site.

If you have any difficulties in using Routes Ahead or any queries please contact our free helpline on 0800 269 468

Key links

• Routes Ahead PowerPoint – this will enable you to deliver an introductory session about Routes Ahead with or without internet access.
• Lesson support materials – a range of materials designed to introduce Routes Ahead and support careers lessons.
• Printable matrix – this will give you an alternative way of displaying and printing lists of courses.
• The 14-19 IAG warehouse on the practitioners section of the Connexions Derbyshire site - this has a range of support materials for staff which include information on the new Diploma, the range of qualifications at Key Stage 4 and progression pathways.

Other support materials

A range of other support materials is available to help you introduce Routes Ahead to your students:

• Routes at 16 magazine including Routes Ahead pull out user guide - one copy for each Year 11 student plus spare copies for tutors
• 14-19 tutor booklet including a Routes Ahead tutor guide
• Routes Ahead poster
• Routes after 16 poster
• Connexions Derbyshire website poster, and
• Routes Ahead business cards.

All these materials are delivered to schools in early September