Benchmark 4
Linking Curriculum to Careers & Staff cpd
Careers needs to be strategically embedded into the curriculum so that students are aware of how their learning is applicable to a range of careers.
Study programmes should also reflect the value that employers place on English & Maths and highlight how many of the skills they will learn in the classroom are transferable.
Key points from the Gatsby 10 Year Review
- WHOLE-INSTITUTION PROGRAMME OF CAREERS EDUCATION - Careers should be part of the institution’s overall programme of careers education. All teachers in schools and all subject staff in colleges and independent training providers (ITPs) should link curriculum learning to careers. This means that every year, in every subject, every young person should have had the opportunity to learn how the knowledge and skills developed in that subject helps people gain entry to, and be more effective workers within, a wide range of careers.
- CLARIFYING THE ROLE OF TEACHERS - Integrating careers into the curriculum can help young people see the relevance of their learning and become familiar with a wider range of career pathways. Like other aspects of a strong careers programme, it can be a great motivator and improve engagement, confidence and readiness for the future. Teachers and subject staff should highlight the progression routes for their subject and the relevance of the knowledge and skills developed in their subject for a wide range of future career paths
- VARIED APPROACHES - There are a variety of effective ways to achieve Benchmark 4. For example, careers-related projects can be included in the curriculum using real examples from employers to reinforce subject learning. Departments could also develop careers-focused starter activities or a progressive series of careers-focused lessons for every topic. Some teachers and subject staff make explicit links, highlighting the skills that are being developed in each lesson and exploring related career paths and progression options. Carefully planned encounters with employers (Benchmark 5) and experiences of workplaces (Benchmark 6) also bring curriculum learning to life for young people as well as enriching their career development
- CAREERS IN EVERY SUBJECT - Benchmark 4 has been broadened and now covers every subject.
- STAFF DEVELOPMENT - Careers should form part of the ongoing staff development programme for teachers and all staff who support young people. There are many effective approaches to building careers into staff development programmes, including whole-staff meetings, departmental CPD or bespoke training for individuals. Each institution should decide on the approach that will have maximum impact on each member of their staff
Key Resources
For more information contact the Careers Hub team
FEATURED
Employer Case Study - NHS
Employer Case Study – Somerset NHS Foundation Trust