The programme of study is structured so that in each year of school, the pupils incrementally develop character traits, skills and knowledge. Learning outcomes have been derived from our curriculum aims, drawn from the CDI Framework as well as ensuring that our pupils receive provision based on their individual needs.
Integrated within the curriculum, pupils are introduced to different sectors of work and career pathways. They begin reflecting on the character traits and employability skills needed for success for life in modern Britain. Year 7 parents are introduced to our CEIAG programme and are given advice and guidance on how to support young people through their career’s education at our Year 7 information evening. Encounters with employers are provided through lunchtime employer talks, within curriculum subjects through visiting speakers, as well as various external visits to workplaces. External visits are supported by our work with organisations such as the Manchester United Foundation, UK Fast, the Careers and Enterprise Company, Ask Apprenticeships, GM Higher and Aldi. All year groups are invited to our employer and training provider Apprenticeship Evening. Pupils have a log on to Unifrog and are inducted as to how to use this careers platform from Year 7.
The programme in Year 8 continues the development of character traits, employability skills and careers research but focusses more on explicitly using labour market information when planning a career and setting goals with step by step actions of how to achieve them. As in Year 7, encounters with employers are provided through lunchtime employer talks, within curriculum subjects through visiting speakers as well as various external visits to workplaces. We keep parents and carers up to date with information and guidance through our parental coffee mornings.
From Year 9, pupils begin to have one-to-one careers guidance provided by a qualified careers advisor, ensuring that all pupils have had at least one in-depth careers interview by the end of Year 10. Within the first half term, CEIAG focusses on making informed choices about GCSE options and where studying a variety of qualifications could lead. During this process, identified pupils have a specific interview with a middle or senior leader to ensure that they are selecting the most suitable KS4 pathways for them to achieve success.
Employability skills and character development work within this year, focusses on resilience, building confidence, public speaking and understanding of enterprise. All pupils complete an enrichment programme this year, based on enterprise which runs throughout the year. Pupils are given the opportunities to participate in various workshops, visit FE and HE providers and workplaces.
Our Year 10 programme focusses on ensuring pupils can make choices surrounding study at post-16 which are fully informed, especially by considering their end goal and ambition. Pupils engage in activities visiting FE providers (such as sixth form/college taster days) and with employers around understanding and becoming skilled at all areas of an application process from writing a CV and application form, to psychometric testing and interview (face-to-face and other media).
Year 10 pupils all go through a mock interview process in which they complete an application, including a personal statement and have a one-to-one mock interview with an employer who provides them with developmental feedback.
Through Year 11, we ensure pupils are fully ready for their journeys beyond school and are mentored through the actual application process onto academic, vocational study, apprenticeship or work.