Skills and Careers Curriculum
[In the summer of 2021, in recognition of our ongoing work for Skills and Careers - our school was awarded the prestigious Skills Builder - Gold Award and the Career Mark].
The government career strategy sets out a long-term plan to build a world class careers system to help young people choose a career path that is right for them.
The ALP Trust is committed to ensuring that all of our pupils gain the Essential Skills they need and are shown/experience a wide range of career opportunities - that inspire them, raise their aspirations and eliminate gender stereotypes - so that they are ready for their next steps and future opportunities.
Our Careers and Skills Curriculum has three core strands:
* Strand 1 - Developing Essential Skills
* Strand 2 - Learning about/experiencing a wide range of career opportunities
* Strand 3 - The Importance of Values
STRAND 1 - Developing Essential Skills
Essential Skills are those Skills that are absolutely necessary to success in all aspects of life. It has never been more important to build a set of Essential Skills.
Essential Skills are defined as:
* Listening
* Speaking
* Problem solving
* Creativity
* Staying positive
* Aiming high
* Leadership
* Teamwork
Developing Essential Skills ensures that although pupils’ career choices may change - that they have built a set of transferable skills that will enable future ambitions.
To develop pupils’ Essential Skills we use the Skills Builder Hub. The Skills Builder Hub allows us to:
* See what progress looks like with clear next steps
* Use a consistent language and understanding of essential skills
* See success and be better at articulating the skills
The essential skills which underpin our careers model
Read the latest research on the connective between skills and academic success here: https://www.skillsbuilder.org/blog/better-prepared-essential-skills-and-employment-outcomes-for-young-people
STRAND 2 - LEARNING ABOUT CAREERS AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO THE CURRICULUM
Curriculum Passports
Our curriculum model is driven by a series of passports representing a range of sectors. Through our curriculum passports, our learners will understand the importance of being:
- Digital Learners (Computing)
- Engineers (Science, D.T., Maths, Computing)
- Scientific Investigators (Science)
- Designers (D.T., Art, Computing)
- Global Enquirers (History, Geography)
- Healthy Citizens (PSHE, P.E., Equalities Act)
- Sustainability Ambassadors (Science, Geography, PSHE),
- Cultural Explorers (Music, R.E., MFL, PSHE).
- Careers Pathfinders (All)
Careers by Key Stage
EYFS
It is important to build early childhood experiences and expose children to a range of careers. We know children as young as three mimic the careers they are exposed to - so starting early is key.
In EYFS, the Curriculum Passports are delivered through the environment - where rooms are specialised to offer a range of experiences. There is a strong emphasis on people who help us.
In the spring term, all pupils in Reception talk to their teachers about what they would like to be when they are older.
KS1
In KS1, Curriculum Passports drive the curriculum. Pupils build upon their experiences in EYFS and explore the Trust as a workplace.
Pupils begin to engage in real life experiences (For example, working with BMW through the Primary Engineer Award) and online careers/skills challenges.
In the spring term, pupils have a career conversation with their teacher.
KS2
In KS2, Curriculum Passports drive the curriculum. Pupils engage in extensive opportunities to explore careers through real life experiences and qualifications. Pupils work with a range of external partners, including - Arup, BMW, AkzoNobel, Wild About Adventure and the Challenger Space Centre. Pupils explore routes to success through University visits, talking to staff undertaking apprenticeships and by engaging in specialist training.
Through after school clubs, pupils undertake external qualifications such as the CREST award, Arts Award, first aid, the John Muir award and young leaders to build their CVs.
We offer our pupils opportunities to learn about a wide range of careers - for example, through Skills and Careers weeks, dedicated Skills and Careers lessons and Skills and Careers Challenges.
Embracing Hybrid Learning
During lockdown our parents and pupils engaged in weekly careers and skills challenges. We loved seeing our families working together to develop their skills and talking about future careers
Gatsby Principles
North East Labour Market
Gatsby Principles
North East Labour Market
North East Labour Market
North East Labour Market
Employment Statistics
Applying for University
North East Labour Market
Applying for University
Applying for University
Applying for University
Northumberland College
National Careers Service
Northumberland College
National Careers Service
National Careers Service
National Careers Service