By Mark Cullen
Careers Education
Welcome to the careers education section of the school website. Here, you will discover vital information regarding the careers curriculum at Woolston Brook School for Key Stages 3 and 4. We are committed to providing our students with a comprehensive understanding of various career pathways and the skills necessary to succeed in their future endeavours. Our programme is designed to inspire and equip young learners with the knowledge and experience needed to make informed decisions about their futures. We encourage both students and parents to explore this section and engage with the resources available.
Gatsby Benchmarks
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Rationale
The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks provide a comprehensive framework for a careers curriculum designed to prepare students for successful futures. By adhering to these benchmarks, our curriculum ensures that students receive well-rounded and effective career guidance.
- A stable careers programme: Establishing a structured and stable careers programme within the school ensures consistency and progression in career education.
- Learning from career and labour market information: Providing up-to-date career and labour market information helps students make informed decisions about their future careers.
- Addressing the needs of each pupil: Personalized career guidance supports individual aspirations and helps address diverse needs, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students.
- Linking curriculum learning to careers: Integrating career-related learning within the broader curriculum contextualizes academic subjects, making them relevant and demonstrating how they apply to the world of work.
- Encounters with employers and employees: Regular interactions with employers and employees provide students with insights into the working world and help them build valuable networks.
- Experiences of workplaces: First-hand experiences in workplaces allow students to understand workplace environments and expectations, enhancing their readiness for employment.
- Encounters with further and higher education: Exposure to various educational pathways, including further and higher education, ensures students are aware of the full range of options available to them.
- Personal guidance: Offering tailored personal guidance from qualified professionals ensures students receive expert advice and support in making informed career choices.
Implementing a careers curriculum based on these benchmarks equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to navigate the complex world of work confidently.
- Year 7 Lessons
Autumn Term 1
Gatsby Benchmark 1: a stable careers programme
- Lesson 7.1.1 Understand the concept of different career paths
- Lesson 7.1.2 Learn the importance of skills in professional life
- Lesson 7.1.3 Explore the role of education in career selection
- Lesson 7.1.4 Identify personal interests and related careers
- Lesson 7.1.5 Understand the concept of job applications
Gatsby Benchmark 2: learning from career and labour market information
- Lesson 7.2.1 Understand the concept of careers and labour markets
Autumn Term 2
- Lesson 7.2.2 Explore the range of jobs in various labour market sectors
- Lesson 7.2.3 Learn about the trends in job market and essential employability skills
- Lesson 7.2.4 Identify the pathways to different careers
- Lesson 7.2.5 Apply the knowledge of labour market information in personal career planning
Gatsby Benchmark 3: addressing the needs of each pupil
- Lesson 7.3.1 Understand the concept of careers and skills
- Lesson 7.3.2 Explore personal interests and potential careers
- Lesson 7.3.3 Learn about educational pathways
- Lesson 7.3.4 Introduction to the world of work
Spring Term 1
- Lesson 7.3.5 Develop an action plan for career goals
Gatsby Benchmark 4: linking curriculum learning to careers
- Lesson 7.4.1 Understand the range of local and national career options
- Lesson 7.4.2 Explore the connection between subject skills and career skills
- Lesson 7.4.3 Discover careers in STEM
- Lesson 7.4.4 Learn about the creative industries
- Lesson 7.4.5 Consider the future of work
Spring Term 2
Gatsby Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees
- Lesson 7.5.1 Understand the range of work roles and occupations available
- Lesson 7.5.2 Explore how employers and employees interact
- Lesson 7.5.3 Learn the significance of skills in the workplace
- Lesson 7.5.4 Investigate the pathway to different careers
- Lesson 7.5.5 Reflect on personal skills and career aspirations
Gatsby Benchmark 6 Experiences of workplaces
- Lesson 7.6.1 To understand different job roles and the skills they require
Summer Term 1
- Lesson 7.6.2 To explore how people apply for jobs
- Lesson 7.6.3 To learn about the interview process
- Lesson 7.6.4 To investigate workplace environments
- Lesson 7.6.5 To reflect on personal skills and how they align with careers
Gatsby Benchmark 7 Encounters with further and higher education
- Lesson 7.7.1 To understand what further education is and what it offers
Summer Term 2
- Lesson 7.7.2 To explore different types of higher education institutions
- Lesson 7.7.3 To research the difference between vocational and academic paths
- Lesson 7.7.4 To understand entry requirements for further and higher education
- Lesson 7.7.5 To identify the benefits of higher education beyond academics
Gatsby Benchmark 8 Personal guidance
- Lesson 7.8.1 Understand different job roles
- Lesson 7.8.2 Explore personal interests and strengths
- Lesson 7.8.3 Learn about educational pathways
- Lesson 7.8.4 Identify job seeking skills
- Lesson 7.8.5 Understand the workplace and employee rights
- Year 8 Lessons
Autumn Term 1
Gatsby Benchmark 1: a stable careers programme
- Lesson 8.1.1 Understand different job roles and sectors.
- Lesson 8.1.2 Explore how personal interests link to careers.
- Lesson 8.1.3 Learn about the qualifications needed for different careers.
- Lesson 8.1.4 Identify the skills employers look for.
- Lesson 8.1.5 Plan for future studies and career paths
Gatsby Benchmark 2: learning from career and labour market information
- Lesson 8.2.1 Understand different career paths
Autumn Term 2
- Lesson 8.2.2 Explore the concept of labour markets
- Lesson 8.2.3 Analyse the effect of globalisation on careers
- Lesson 8.2.4 Investigate how personal interests align with careers
- Lesson 8.2.5 Learn about educational pathways to desired careers
Gatsby Benchmark 3: addressing the needs of each pupil
- Lesson 8.3.1 Understand different career paths
- Lesson 8.3.2 Explore the concept of employability skills
- Lesson 8.3.3 Research individual career interests
- Lesson 8.3.4 Learn about educational pathways to careers
Spring Term 1
- Lesson 8.3.5 Develop a basic personal careers plan
- Lesson 8.4.1 Identify how subjects link to various careers
- Lesson 8.4.2 Explore how skills developed in school are used in the workplace
- Lesson 8.4.3 Understand the concept of 'career pathways'
- Lesson 8.4.4 Research careers in a specific sector
- Lesson 8.4.5 Presentation of findings and reflection
Spring Term 2
Gatsby Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees
- Lesson 8.5.1 Understand the concept of employment
- Lesson 8.5.2 Explore various job roles and responsibilities
- Lesson 8.5.3 Gain knowledge of the workplace environment
- Lesson 8.5.4 Learn about the pathway from education to employment
- Lesson 8.5.5 Develop communication skills for workplace interactions
Gatsby Benchmark 6 Experiences of workplaces
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Lesson 8.6.1 To understand different types of industries and jobs
Summer Term 1
- Lesson 8.6.2 To learn about the skills required in diverse workplaces
- Lesson 8.6.3 To explore how personal interests relate to careers
- Lesson 8.6.4 To understand the pathway for getting into different careers
- Lesson 8.6.5 To reflect on and evaluate their own workplace skills
Gatsby Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education
- Lesson 8.7.1 Understand the concept of higher education
- Lesson 8.7.2 Explore different types of further education
Summer Term 2
- Lesson 8.7.3 Identify a range of higher education institutions
- Lesson 8.7.4 Understand entry requirements and application process
- Lesson 8.7.5 Reflect on personal aspirations and fit for higher education
Gatsby Benchmark 8: Personal guidance
- Lesson 8.8.1 Understand different types of employment
- Lesson 8.8.2 Explore job roles and their requirements
- Lesson 8.8.3 Learn about employment rights and duties
- Lesson 8.8.4 Discover the path of entrepreneurship
- Lesson 8.8.5 Prepare for the future workplace
- Year 9 Lessons
Autumn Term 1
Gatsby Benchmark 1: A stable careers programme
- Lesson 9.1.1 Understand different job roles and industries
- Lesson 9.1.2 Explore the concept of career pathways
- Lesson 9.1.3 Learn about the job market and employability skills
- Lesson 9.1.4 Discover the importance of work experience
- Lesson 9.1.5 Reflect on personal interests and career planning
Gatsby Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information
- Lesson 9.2.1 Understand the range of careers and jobs available
Autumn Term 2
- Lesson 9.2.2 Explore how labour markets operate
- Lesson 9.2.3 Investigate how salaries vary across different sectors
- Lesson 9.2.4 Learn how to access and use career and labour market information
- Lesson 9.2.5 Apply knowledge of labour market in personal career planning
Gatsby Benchmark 3: Addressing the needs of each pupil
- Lesson 9.3.1 Introduction to Career Awareness
- Lesson 9.3.2 Exploring Different Career Paths
- Lesson 9.3.3 Understanding the Skills and Qualifications Required
- Lesson 9.3.4 Role of Work Experience in Career Development
Spring Term 1
- Lesson 9.4.5 Setting Career Goals and Planning
Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers
- Lesson 9.4.1 Understand the range of career opportunities available
- Lesson 9.4.2 Explore the link between school subjects and careers
- Lesson 9.4.3 Discover required skills and qualifications for professions
- Lesson 9.4.4 Learn about the job application process
- Lesson 9.4.5 Reflect on personal skills and career aspirations
Spring Term 2
Gatsby Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees
- Lesson 9.5.1 Understand different workplace roles
- Lesson 9.5.2 Explore the skills needed for different jobs
- Lesson 9.5.3 Gain insight into the recruitment process
- Lesson 9.5.4 Understand the impact of effective communication
- Lesson 9.5.5 Reflect on learning and personal career aspirations
Gatsby Benchmark 6: Experiences of workplaces
- Lesson 9.6.1 Understand different types of workplaces
Summer Term 1
- Lesson 9.6.2 Explore roles and responsibilities
- Lesson 9.6.3 Skills required in the workplace
- Lesson 9.6.4 Pathways to employment
- Lesson 9.6.5 Reflection and personal goal setting
Gatsby Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education
- Lesson 9.7.1 Understand the concept of higher education
- Lesson 9.7.2 Explore courses and career pathways
Summer Term 2
- Lesson 9.7.3 Discuss the benefits of further and higher education
- Lesson 9.7.4 Learn about the university application process
- Lesson 9.7.5 Consider alternative pathways
Gatsby Benchmark 8: Personal guidance
- Lesson 9.8.1 Understand the range of local and national employment opportunities
- Lesson 9.8.2 Learn about different educational and career pathways
- Lesson 9.8.3 Explore the importance of skills in the workplace
- Lesson 9.8.4 Investigate how to make effective career choices
- Lesson 9.8.5 Introduction to the world of work
- Year 10 Lessons
Autumn Term 1
Gatsby Benchmark 1: A stable careers programme
- LESSON 10.1.1 Understanding different career pathways
- LESSON 10.1.2 Identifying personal strengths and skills
- LESSON 10.1.3 Exploring further education and training
- LESSON 10.1.4 Creating effective CVs and cover letters
- LESSON 10.1.5 Preparing for job interviews
Gatsby Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information
- LESSON 10.2.1 Understand the range of career opportunities
Autumn Term 2
- LESSON 10.2.2 Explore how labour markets are structured and function
- LESSON 10.2.3 Analyse job advertisements and career prospects
- LESSON 10.2.4 Learn to interpret and use labour market information
- LESSON 10.2.5 Apply knowledge of labour market to personal career planning
Gatsby Benchmark 3: Addressing the needs of each pupil
- LESSON 10.3.1 Understand different career paths
- LESSON 10.3.2 Identify personal interests and skills
- LESSON 10.3.3 Explore the concept of career planning and development
- LESSON 10.3.4 Learn about the world of work
Spring Term 1
- LESSON 10.3.5 Simulation of job application process
Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers
- LESSON 10.4.1 Understanding how curriculum subjects link to careers
- LESSON 10.4.2 Exploring career options related to STEM subjects
- LESSON 10.4.3 Exploring career options related to humanities
- LESSON 10.4.4 Career planning and skills assessment
- LESSON 10.4.5 Understanding the job market and future trends
Spring Term 2
Gatsby Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees
- LESSON 10.5.1 Understand different types of employment sectors.
- LESSON 10.5.2 Explore roles and responsibilities in workplaces.
- LESSON 10.5.3 Learn about the recruitment process.
- LESSON 10.5.4 Investigate employer expectations.
- LESSON 10.5.5 Reflect on personal skills and career planning.
Gatsby Benchmark 6: Experiences of workplaces
- LESSON 10.6.1 Understand different types of work and workplaces
Summer Term 1
- LESSON 10.6.2 Explore the roles and responsibilities of job positions.
- LESSON 10.6.3 Assess the value of workplace skills.
- LESSON 10.6.4 Investigate the pathways to different careers.
- LESSON 10.6.5 Reflect on personal interests and potential career paths.
Gatsby Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education
- LESSON 10.7.1 To understand different types of further education
- LESSON 10.7.2 To explore higher education options
Summer Term 2
- LESSON 10.7.3 To analyse the benefits of further and higher education
- LESSON 10.7.4 To learn about the application processes
- LESSON 10.7.5 To consider alternative pathways
Gatsby Benchmark 8: Personal guidance
- LESSON 10.8.1 Understand the range of opportunities available post-16.
- LESSON 10.8.2 Explore how personal aspirations can be matched with career paths.
- LESSON 10.8.3 Learn about the world of work and employer expectations.
- LESSON 10.8.4 Develop understanding of job application processes.
- LESSON 10.8.5 Reflect on how education impacts career prospects.
- Year 11 Lessons
Autumn Term 1
Gatsby Benchmark 1: A stable careers programme
- LESSON 11.1.1 Understand different education and training pathways
- LESSON 11.1.2 Explore the world of work
- LESSON 11.1.3 Develop effective job-search skills
- LESSON 11.1.4 Prepare for the workplace
- LESSON 11.1.5 Set personal career goals and plan steps to achieve them
Gatsby Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information
- LESSON 11.2.1 Understand different career pathways and jobs
Autumn Term 2
- LESSON 11.2.2 Explore how to access career and labour market information
- LESSON 11.2.3 Analyse labour market trends
- LESSON 11.2.4 Evaluate the skills required for different careers
- LESSON 11.2.5 Create a personal career development plan
Gatsby Benchmark 3: Addressing the needs of each pupil
- LESSON 11.3.1 Understand different education and training pathways post-16
- LESSON 11.3.2 Explore how personal interests and skills influence career choices
- LESSON 11.3.3 Learn about the world of work and labour market information
- LESSON 11.3.4 Develop job application skills
Spring Term 1
- LESSON 11.3.5 Preparation for interviews and effective communication
Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers
- LESSON 11.4.1 Understand the range of careers linked to STEM subjects
- LESSON 11.4.2 Explore the influence of creative arts on careers
- LESSON 11.4.3 Evaluate how humanities subjects influence career choices
- LESSON 11.4 Analyse the career potential in modern foreign languages
Spring Term 2
Gatsby Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees
- LESSON 11.5.1 Understand different sectors and what they involve
- LESSON 11.5.2 Explore roles and responsibilities of employees in different sectors
- LESSON 11.5.3 Evaluating skills and qualities required in various professions
- LESSON 11.5.4 Learn about pathways to employment in chosen sectors
- LESSON 11.5.5 Engage with employers and professionals
Gatsby Benchmark 6: Encounters with further and higher education
- LESSON 11.6.1 Understand the range of work and roles in industries
Summer Term 1
- LESSON 11.6.2 Explore job roles and responsibilities in various sectors
- LESSON 11.6.3 Learn about entry requirements and progression routes in careers
- LESSON 11.6.4 Identify the skills and attributes employers look for
- LESSON 11.6.5 Evaluate personal skills and develop a personal action plan for career goals
Gatsby Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education
- LESSON 11.7.1 Understand different post-16 education paths
- LESSON 11.7.2 Explore how to research and choose further education
- Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement
At our SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) provision, we are committed to delivering high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) which is tailored to the unique needs of our pupils. Our intent is to:
- Empower Pupils: Foster self-awareness and personal development, enabling pupils to make informed decisions about their futures in both education and employment.
- Promote Aspirations: Encourage high aspirations and instil confidence in pupils, helping them to understand that career paths are diverse and achievable, regardless of their background or challenges.
- Holistic Development: Integrate CEIAG within a broader curriculum context, recognising the role of social and emotional skills in career readiness.
- Personalised Pathways: Provide tailored CEIAG that considers individual pupil needs and interests, accommodating various abilities and promoting well-being.
- Engagement with Professionals: Facilitate engagement with role models and professionals to enhance pupils' understanding of the world of work and the variety of paths available.
Implementation
Our CEIAG programme is structured to ensure that every pupil experiences a comprehensive and meaningful journey throughout their time at our setting. The implementation features include:
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Curriculum Integration:
- CEIAG is embedded across the curriculum, helping pupils to see the relevance of their learning to future opportunities. Subject lessons incorporate discussions about skills and careers related to the specific subject area.
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Personal Development Programme:
- A dedicated personal development programme that covers topics such as self-awareness, goal-setting, resilience, and employability skills is delivered alongside CEIAG lessons, allowing pupils to reflect on their strengths and areas for development.
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Individualised Guidance:
- All pupils receive one-on-one support from trained CEIAG advisers who are skilled in relating to SEMH needs. These advisers conduct regular assessments of pupils’ skills, interests, and emotional readiness for transitions, developing tailored action plans for each learner.
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Collaboration with Parents and Stakeholders:
- We actively involve parents, guardians, and external partners in the CEIAG process, holding workshops and information sessions to empower families and enhance the support network for pupils.
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Work Experience and Exposure:
- Opportunities for work experience are provided, alongside enterprise initiatives and visits to local employers. Pupils engage in realistic job previews and shadowing experiences that are carefully matched to their individual interests and capabilities.
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Regular Review and Development:
- CEIAG strategies are continuously reviewed in response to pupils’ evolving needs, feedback from stakeholders, and alignment with national guidance. Staff are trained regularly to stay up-to-date with best practices in CEIAG.
Impact
We measure the impact of our CEIAG programme through various qualitative and quantitative indicators:
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Engagement and Participation:
- Pupils demonstrate high engagement levels in CEIAG activities, as evidenced by attendance and participation rates in various programmes.
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Transition Outcomes:
- Tracking data shows that the majority of our pupils successfully transition to appropriate post-16 education, training, or employment, reflecting their readiness and confidence developed through our CEIAG support.
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Skill Development:
- Feedback from employers, educators, and parents indicates an improvement in pupils’ resilience, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness as they approach important transitions.
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Personal Development and Well-Being:
- Pupils report increased confidence in articulating their aspirations and career goals, alongside enhanced emotional well-being due to the personalised support provided.
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Positive Relationships with Role Models:
- Evaluations highlight that pupils built positive relationships with industry professionals, which has helped to broaden their career horizons and aspirations.
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Longitudinal Tracking:
- We establish a longitudinal tracking system to evaluate the long-term impact of our CEIAG on pupils’ educational choices and outcomes, continually refining our approach based on this data.
By aligning our CEIAG framework with the principles of intent, implementation, and impact, we ensure that our SEMH primary and secondary provision delivers an outstanding experience that prepares our pupils for successful futures in a supportive and understanding environment.