Whole School Careers Programme (Years 7-11)
This Careers Programme outlines the progressive development of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) from Year 7 to Year 11. It is structured around the Gatsby Benchmarks, delivered through PSHE, tutor time, National Careers Week activities, employer encounters, and work experience opportunities. The programme is designed to meet the requirements of the 2025 statutory guidance and to support Ofsted expectations.
Discovering Careers
Overall Aim
Introduce students to the world of work, raise aspirations, and develop early self-awareness.
PSHE Content
- What is a career? Understanding the difference between a job, occupation and career.
- Skills and qualities: Identifying personal strengths (teamwork, creativity, communication).
- Dreams and goals: Setting early ambitions and recognising that these may change.
- Challenging stereotypes: Careers not defined by gender, background or disability.
- Introduction to digital tools (e.g. Unifrog or START) for logging interests.
Form Time
Weekly 'Career of the Week' with tutor-led discussions linking jobs to skills, salary, pathways and subjects.
National Careers Week
Whole-year assembly with guest speakers from different sectors; tutor quizzes and activities.
Work Experience/Encounters
Proposed one-day 'Take Your Child to Work' shadowing; at least one employer-led assembly or virtual talk.
Post-16 Interaction
Introduction via short college/university video tours in assemblies.
End of Year Outcome
Students can describe what a career is, identify at least 3 personal strengths, and name at least 10 different career sectors.
Exploring Pathways
Overall Aim
Deepen understanding of skills, raise awareness of pathways, and link learning to future careers.
PSHE Content
- Transferable skills: Teamwork, resilience, problem-solving
- Introduction to careers pathways: University, apprenticeships, college, employment.
- Exploring green jobs and digital careers.
- Money matters: Introduction to budgeting, earnings, tax, and the idea of living costs.
- Personal strengths and weaknesses: Self-assessment and target setting.
Form Time
Continued 'Career of the Week' with tutor-led research tasks
National Careers Week
Employer encounters (e.g. STEM challenge, NHS carousel); subject-linked careers focus.
Work Experience/Encounters
Employer workshops or challenge events; visit to a local college campus or apprenticeship talk.
Post-16 Interaction
College taster sessions; apprenticeship provider assemblies.
End of Year Outcome
Students understand pathways, can link skills to jobs, and begin forming early career
Making Informed Choices
Overall Aim
Equip students to make confident and informed GCSE option choices, linking subjects to career routes.
PSHE Content
- Decision-making skills: Managing influences from peers and family.
- Careers carousel: Exploring how GCSE subjects link to career routes.
- Goal setting: Creating a short- and medium-term career action plan.
- Labour Market Information (LMI): Introduction to local and national job trends
- Equality of opportunity: Understanding discrimination and equal opportunities in employment.
Form Time
Alumni case studies and 'Career of the Week' linked to GCSE subjects.
National Careers Week
Options-focused Careers Fair; external speakers explaining Post-16 options.
Work Experience/Encounters
Workplace visit or tour; in-school job shadowing.
Post 16 Interaction
Targeted college visits linked to subject choices (e.g. creative arts, engineering).
End of Year Outcome
Students understand how GCSE choices impact pathways and can justify their subject decisionns.
Experiencing the Workplace
Overall Aim
Provide meaningful, first-hand experience of the workplace and prepare students with practical employability skills.
PSHE Content
- Employability skills: CV writing, covering letters, applications.
- Interview preparation: Practice interviews and self-presentation.
- Rights and responsibilities at work: Health & safety, contracts, expectations.
- Labour Market Information (advanced): Exploring regional growth industries.
- Financial awareness: Wages, payslips, tax, pensions.
Form Time
'Career of the Week' focuses on apprenticeship roles and local jobs.
National Careers Week
Mock interviews with employers, speed-networking, skills workshops.
Work Experience/Encounters
One- to two-week work placement; pre- and post-placement reflection logbook.
Post-16 Interaction
Assemblies with colleges/UTCs/apprenticeships; visits to open days.
End of Year Outcome
Students complete work experience, produce a CV, and demonstrate interview readiness.
Transition and Next Steps
Overall Aim
Ensure all students make a successful and confident transition to Post-16 education, employment or training.
PSHE Content
- Applications and next steps: Completing applications
- Mock interviews and personal statements.
- Managing exam stress and resilience in transitions
- Life Skills: Budgeting, banking, accommodation, work-life balance
- Careers resilience: Adapting to change and lifelong learning.
Form Time
'Career of the Week' focuses on local growth sectors and application links.
National Careers Week
Final careers fair with Post-16 providers.
Work Experience/Encounters
Optional top-up placements; short insight days with employers
Post-16 Interaction
College taster lessons, apprenticeship workshops, provider visits; guidance interviews.
End of Year Outcome
All students make at least one Post-16 application and articulate their pathway clearly.