Gatsby Benchmark 4

Linking curriculum learning to careers

All teachers should link curriculum learning with careers. For example, STEM subject teachers should highlight the relevance of STEM subjects for a wide range of future career paths. 

Dell Technologies

Year 8 pupils had the amazing opportunity to attend the "Powering Transformation" workshop developed by The Talent Foundry, and supported by Dell Technologies. The workshop offered the opportunity for the pupils to utilise Dell technology in a collaborative problem-solving challenge with a focus on community activism and local social issues.

The workshops was hosted at Edge Hill University.

Through these means, we hope to increase professional aspirations in the field of tech and ICT, whilst simultaneously communicating a message of inclusion in higher education and illuminating the connection between education and employment in the tech sector.

Avantor

Our year 9 pupils were given a fantastic opportunity to participate in a STEM and Career workshop sponsored by Avantor. The session ensured that pupils were enthused and excited about STEM through a range of creative and hands-on activities, fully supported by role models from leading science and tech companies. 

This half-day workshop focused on the range of careers in the STEM industries, the importance of people skills in any career and the difference between hard and soft skills. In addition, there was the opportunity to engage in Q & A sessions, link curriculum learning to careers, take part in an engineering challenge and pitch their ideas ‘Dragons’ Den’ style to their peers. 

This event gave the pupils the chance to build positive relationships and improve their confidence, which helps to aid their transition into higher education and the world of work. The specifically chosen activities helped to foster a ‘can do’ attitude, whilst encouraging independence and resilience. All pupils were exceptional and came up with fantastic and innovative ideas.

Careers in the curriculum

Every topic taught at Outwood Academy Hindley will link to a possible career to enable the pupils to understand the relevance of what they are being taught and how it will benefit their future career opportunities. 

Each new topic, within every subject,  the pupils will see a career slide displaying how what they are being taught links to learning about a specific career. 

Linking curriculum to careers

We understand the importance of preparing our pupils for their future careers. To support this, we have created a career booklet that is used by our Year 9 and Year 10 pupils during a form periods. This booklet provides valuable information on a range of careers, including job descriptions, entry requirements, and potential earnings.

By using this booklet, our pupils can gain a better understanding of the different career paths available to them and the skills and qualifications needed to pursue those careers. They can also identify the subjects and topics they need to focus on to achieve their desired career goals.

Linking curriculum learning to careers is a vital aspect of our approach to education. By providing pupils with real-world context, we can make their learning more engaging and relevant. The career booklet is an excellent tool for linking curriculum learning to careers, as it demonstrates the practical applications of the knowledge and skills students are acquiring in the classroom.

Overall, we believe that the career booklet is a valuable resource that helps our pupils to make informed decisions about their future careers. By connecting curriculum learning to careers, we are equipping our pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce and make positive contributions to society.

At Outwood Academy Hindley, we believe that it's never too early to start preparing our students for their future careers. That's why we have incorporated career education into our Year 7 and Year 8 life lessons. During these lessons, pupils learn about different career paths, the skills required for various jobs, and the importance of setting career goals.

By linking this curriculum learning to careers, we aim to provide our pupils with a clear understanding of the value of education and how it can help them achieve their career aspirations. We believe that by starting early, we can help pupils to identify their strengths and interests, and set achievable goals that will help them succeed in their future careers.

Additionally, by incorporating career education into our life lessons, we are ensuring that our pupils are receiving a well-rounded education that prepares them for life beyond the classroom. Our pupils are learning essential life skills that will serve them well in any career, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Overall, we believe that linking curriculum learning to careers is an essential aspect of our approach to education. By helping our pupils to understand the relevance of their learning to their future careers, we can inspire them to work hard and pursue their passions.