Careers Education at Our School

At our school, we are committed to providing our pupils with high-quality Careers Education, tailored specifically for Key Stages 3 and 4. Each learner engages in one lesson of Careers Education each week, ensuring they receive consistent and purposeful guidance as they prepare for their future pathways.

Our lessons have been meticulously designed around the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, which serve as a comprehensive framework for a robust careers curriculum. These benchmarks set the standard for effective career guidance, and by adhering to them, we aim to equip our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern job market.

The Gatsby Benchmarks

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The Gatsby Benchmarks encompass various aspects of career education, including establishing stable employer engagements, providing encounters with different workplaces, and ensuring that students receive personalised advice and guidance. By integrating these elements into our curriculum, we strive to create an enriching environment where students can explore diverse career options and understand the relevance of their education to their future aspirations.

Through this approach, we are dedicated to fostering well-rounded individuals who are not only academically competent but also career-ready, ensuring their success in a rapidly evolving world.

Rationale for the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks in our curriculum
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.
1. A stable careers programme: Establishing a structured and stable careers programme within the school ensures consistency and progression in career education.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Experiences of workplaces: First-hand experiences in workplaces allow students to understand workplace environments and expectations, enhancing their readiness for employment.
7. 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.
8. 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.

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