Careers

Vision for a Careers Curriculum

Our vision is to provide students with a dynamic, inclusive careers curriculum that empowers them to explore and navigate their future pathways confidently. We aim to inspire self-awareness, broaden horizons, and equip students with the practical knowledge and soft skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world of work. Grounded in the Gatsby Benchmarks, this curriculum focuses on providing high-quality, meaningful career guidance, ensuring all students are prepared for their future.

Core principles:

Personalised and Inclusive: Tailored to the individual needs and aspirations of students, with a focus on promoting equality of opportunity for all and supporting students to ‘grow throughout life’.

Practical Exposure: Students will have hands-on experiences and direct access to professionals across a variety of industries.

Skills for Success: In addition to career awareness, students will develop essential employability skills and emotional intelligence.

1. Aspirational Careers Programme

The careers curriculum at John Masefield High School runs through all 3 Key Stages and supports students to:

  • Grow throughout life by learning and reflecting on themselves and their strengths.
  • Manage career actively to make the most of opportunities and learn from setbacks.
  • Create opportunities by being proactive and building positive relationships with others.
  • Balance their life as a worker and/or entrepreneur with their wellbeing, other interests and your involvement with their family and community.
  • Explore the possibilities open to them and learn about recruitment processes and the culture of different workplaces.
  • See the big picture by paying attention to how the economy, politics and society connect with their own life and career.

 

2.  Learning from Career and Labour Market Information

Students and parents will have access to up-to-date labour market information (LMI) so that students can understand current trends in employment and future job opportunities. We will support students to see the See the big picture by paying attention to how the economy, politics and society connect with their own life and career aspirations. Workshops on emerging industries and evolving job roles, as well as interactive platforms such as UniFrog, help students connect their interests with real-world opportunities.

 

3. Addressing the Needs of Every Student

Careers advice and support are personalized. We use assessment tools to understand each student’s strengths, interests, and aspirations, ensuring all receive targeted advice about their next steps, whether that’s further education, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. Every students will have had at least one 1-1 IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) meeting with our independent careers adviser Mrs Kelly by the end of Year 11, and another one by the end of Year 13. Students will receive more guidance and support if needed.

 

4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers

Subject teachers highlight the relevance of academic learning to real-world careers, demonstrating how skills learned in school directly apply to various professions. This helps students see the practical applications of their studies and encourages them to think critically about future pathways.

 

5. Encounters with Employers

Regular opportunities for students to engage with employers and professionals through career fairs, guest speakers, workshops and work experience. These encounters bring different careers to life and provide students with role models and insights into the world of work.

 

Useful links for parents/carers:

Amazing Apprenticeships – https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/choices-magazine-february-parent-carers-guide/

Labour Market Information – https://themarches.startprofile.com/page/home-page

National Careers Service – www.natonalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) https://www.ucas.com/

Parents Guidance for Apprenticeships         https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/support-for-parents-and-guardians

Apprenticeship Applications – www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Russell Group University Guide to A Levels – www.russellgroup.ac.uk/informed-choices.aspx

T Levels                 www.tlevels.gov.uk