Careers
Collin and Watts (1996) define careers as ‘the individual’s development in learning and work throughout life.’ At Vale of Evesham School our ‘Learning for Life’ careers provision is tailored to meet the needs of learner groups and individuals across all pathways. Our curriculum consists of learning, advice and experiences across:
• Careers
• The World of Work
• Enterprise
• Life Skills
• Preparation for Adulthood
We understand that for students at the Vale, everyone’s learning for life journey will be different and aim to ensure they have opportunities to engage in meaningful and relevant experiences to broaden their horizons and ensure they have the tools they need to engage in society at their level. In Complex classes, Careers and PfA are experienced through our community sessions, and the development of Communication and Problem-Solving Skills. In Semi and Formal classes below Year 7, Careers is taught through relevant PSHE and Cross-Curricular encounters, where students are encouraged to link experiences and skills. In Year 7 onwards, Semi and Formal students have additional discrete Careers Sessions, linking to the PFA strands, Gatsby Benchmarks and local Labour Market Information. Learners are encouraged, where it is meaningful and appropriate; to run enterprise projects, linking with advisors and local businesses to triangulate their experiences and running school events where appropriate. We also provide the opportunity for students to gain work experience (where meaningful and appropriate) to build confidence, broaden their horizons, and transfer skills.
In addition, all learners from EYFS to KS5 are invited to participate in our whole school ‘Inclusive Careers Week’ annually and can access sessions and support from our impartial Careers Advisor.
Preparation for Adulthood (PFA)
The Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2018) describe preparing for adulthood as preparing for:
Education, Training and/or Employment– Courses learners might like to study and where, what type of work they might want to do, either paid or volunteering, and about how to get a job.
Participating in Society- Having friends and supportive relationships and being part of the local community, also things to do in your spare time and keeping safe.
Being as Healthy as Possible in Adult Life– Who and what is there to help you stay healthy.
Independent Living– Living as independently as you are able (doesn’t mean living on your own).
Current provision at The Vale of Evesham School
Teaching staff contribute to the delivery of careers guidance through:
- Timetabled PSHE, Community, PfA, MPITW, Careers and Enterprise Events
- Employability and Enterprise lessons.
- Employer and transition visits and workshops across the curriculum
- PFA skills and ‘job focus’ learning across the curriculum
- Assemblies and group discussions.
- Making all encounters meaningful
- Modern Work Experience (Y7 upwards- where meaningful)
- Engaging with Social Care and Support providers to support the wider lives of our learners and their families
- Providing opportunities to engage with ALL Post-16 options, not just traditional EET options
- Discussion with parents, pupils and Careers Advisor at Annual Reviews, Parents
Evenings, transition events as appropriate throughout the year.
- Learners who are supported additionally by Blossom House Residential Provision:
- Promotion of independent living skills through daily routines (cooking, shopping, personal care, household tasks)
- Community visits
- Self-advocacy
Local Employers contribute to the delivery of careers guidance through:
- Workplace visits and virtual meetings
- Modern Work Experience
- Workshops
- Attendance at careers fairs
- Supporting classroom learning
- Supporting enterprise activity
- Engaging with learners at all levels and phases
Parents and Carers contribute to the delivery of careers guidance through:
- Attending careers and transition events within school and at colleges and providers
- Support in attending interviews, transition visits and inductions
- Supporting Enterprise Events
- Contribution to Annual Review
- Engaging with Careers Advisor
- Supporting our classroom careers learning e.g. talking to a class about their own job role and experiences
For further details, please see our Careers Strategy
