Careers Curriculum Plan.
Curriculum Intent:
Our careers programme is designed to raise aspirations, support personal development, and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their futures. We aim to ensure all pupils, including those with EHCPs and additional needs, have access to meaningful encounters with work and further education opportunities, appropriate to their abilities and interests.
Key Objectives:
To prepare learners for the transition from education to employment, training, or further study
To develop students' understanding of the world of work and a range of career pathways
To raise aspirations and promote equality of opportunity
To provide individualised careers guidance based on learners’ needs and EHCP outcomes
To promote independent living, self-confidence, and responsibility
Annual Overview (Years 7–11)
Focus Areas:
Exploring strengths, interests, and aspirations
Understanding the world of work and employment sectors
Learning how to make informed choices and set goals
Developing practical life and employability skills
Understanding rights, responsibilities, and workplace expectations
Engaging with post-16 options including further education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and supported internships
Key Activities:
Careers assemblies and themed weeks (e.g. National Careers Week)
Employer and college visits or virtual talks
Enterprise and project-based learning
Skills audits and interest surveys
CV writing, interview skills, and job search tasks
Work experience or supported internal work placements (where appropriate)
Year-by-Year Progression:
Year 7–8: Introduction to jobs, careers vocabulary, exploring interests
Year 9: Matching skills and interests to job sectors, setting goals
Year 10: Understanding qualifications, application processes, and preparing for interviews
Year 11: Planning transitions, applying for courses or apprenticeships, accessing external careers advice
Gatsby Benchmarks Alignment
Our careers programme reflects the Gatsby Benchmarks:
A stable careers programme
Learning from career and labour market information
Addressing the needs of each pupil
Linking curriculum learning to careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Experiences of workplaces
Encounters with further and higher education
Personal guidance
Differentiation & Support
Tailored 1:1 guidance session linked to EHCP outcomes
Use of visuals, supported templates and simplified resources
Life skills sessions to support independence and workplace readiness
Support for communication, travel training, and confidence-building
Strong links with SEN-friendly colleges, training providers, and community organisations
Monitoring & Evaluation
Careers learning is tracked via individual learning plans and PSHE journals
Student voice is gathered through surveys and career reviews
Progress is reviewed termly in line with EHCP outcomes and personal goals
Feedback from external providers and work placements is used to improve provision
Our careers education programme empowers all learners to dream big, understand their options, and take meaningful steps toward a fulfilling and independent future.