Progress File
What is a progress file?
A Progress file will help you to manage your learning, personal development and career planning throughout your life. You may have already developed a Progress File for yourself in school. If you have that is great! Now you know what to do it is important to keep it up to date as you progress. If you are still at school and not sure about your Progress File ask your tutor to help you.
If you have not already developed a Progress File of if you have not kept it up to date the points below will remind you about what you should include and why it is so important to have one.
A Progress File does not have to be a fancy document but should encourage you to:
- reflect upon your strengths and weaknesses
- review your progress
- recognise your potential
- identify realistic and aspirational goals and targets
- record your achievements
If you do not have a Progress File already then you might want to start with a simple folder containing sections on each of the areas above.
How can a progress file help you?
It can show evidence of your achievements in learning and also at home, so you might want to include the following:
- certificates
- exam results
- photos of things you have done
- pieces of work you are proud of
It can also show information about your strengths and areas you want to improve, this might include the following:
- teams you are in
- awards you have gained
- clubs you have joined
It is sometimes easier to talk about yourself if you have things to remind you of what to say. If you have an up to date Progress File it might help when you are talking to:
- your teacher about your progress
- an employer at a job interview
- a personal adviser about your future
- a social worker or counsellor when you are talking about a problem or your future
- your parents or guardians about your future career plans and ambitions
This page was last updated on the 4th of September 2007 and is scheduled for review on or before the 4th of September 2008
