Careers Statement
‘Subject Teachers are highly influential – students are 18 times more likely to be motivated to learn if their teachers know their hopes and dreams.’ The Gatsby Benchmark
‘One in four pupils from poor families make it to university. Nearly double the number of other children make it. If bright children from poor families had the same support to achieve as others four in ten would go to a top university - today only one in ten make it.’ The Gatsby Benchmark
At St Peter’s we believe that careers education and guidance plays a major part in preparing young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life. A planned programme of activities supports young people in beginning to consider pathways that suit their interests and abilities as well as assist them in following a career path and sustain employability throughout their working lives. Furthermore, by ensuring that real life context, application of skills and wider relevance are embedded in the curriculum along with focused career events, guidance and visits, we aim to inform and inspire all children across the school. They will then be able to identify their strengths and preferences which in turn will help them to define the steps they need to achieve their goals.
We follow the Government’s careers strategy which sets out a long-term plan to build a world class careers system that will help young people and adults choose the career that is right for them. The Government’s statutory guidance has been updated to make sure that all young people at secondary school age have access to a programme of advice and guidance that is stable, structured and delivered by individuals with the right skills and experience.
The careers programme is coordinated by the deputy head with support from the entire teaching team as we believe that careers education should be embedded throughout the curriculum. All members of the school community play an important role.
The implementation of careers education will be addressed directly through the curriculum as well as through discrete sessions, visits and events.
All children are entitled to be guided in their preparation for adulthood so differentiation and, where necessary, special provision will be made available for vulnerable groups and children with SEND.
The school’s careers programme will be reviewed annually by the Deputy Head and Raising Standards Leaders with a specific focus on identifying areas for improvement and aspects that may need updating.
Aims of Our Careers Provision
- To contribute to strategies for raising achievement and expectations, especially by increasing self-motivation
- to ensure all aspects of the programme are inclusive, challenge stereotyping and promote equal opportunities
- to encourage aspiration to continue learning through apprenticeships, further and higher education
- To develop enterprise and employment skills
- To engage with the local community through both work place visits and local businesses
- to contribute to the economic prosperity of individuals and communities
- To meet the needs of all our students through appropriate differentiation
- To focus students on their future aspirations
- To involve parents and carers
- To embed the school’s vision in our careers programme:
You yourselves like living stones are being built up– Aspire, Believe, Grow, Achieve
(Quote taken from: 1 Peter, 2:5) You yourselves like living stones are being built up- valued by God- and a unique member of our school community. You will continue to build firm foundations for life in all its fullness– spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally, as this is at the heart of everything we do. We want you to become a wise, compassionate and responsible citizen in today’s multi-faith modern Britain.
- Reflect the school’s values and ethos:
At our core are the values of: Wisdom, Integrity, Trust, Compassion and Fellowship. Through God and these values, we will live out our Motto:
To Aspire to be the very best we can, to Believe in our own abilities and those of the people around us, to Grow and develop continually and to Achieve the very best we can.
The guidance follows the Gatsby Benchmarks which we have adopted at St Peter’s to ensure quality provision.
The benchmarks are as follows:
- A stable careers programme
- Learning from career and labour market information
- Addressing the needs of each pupil
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
- Encounters with employers and employees
- Experiences of workplaces
- Encounters with further and higher education
- Personal Guidance
Following a Change in the Law - Provider Access Legislation 2023
The updated provider access legislation (PAL) has now been enacted. It specifies schools must provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education for all their students. As a Middle School we are classed as the first key phase.
- Two encounters for pupils during the ‘first key phase’ (year 8 or 9) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend
- Two encounters for pupils during the ‘second key phase’ (year 10 or 11) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend
- Two encounters for pupils during the ‘third key phase’ (year 12 or 13) that are mandatory for the school to put on but optional for pupils to attend
In recognition of the provider access legislation (PAL), we warmly welcome any contact from colleges, industry and training providers. Please see contact details below.
Careers and Aspirations at St Peter’s
At St Peter’s, we are dedicated to helping our students explore the world of work, develop their aspirations, and understand the diverse range of careers available to them. Below is a snapshot of some of the opportunities provided:
Year 5 & 6
Year 5 students begin their careers journey with a focus on exploration and inspiration.
Inspirational Figures: Lessons about David Attenborough and Jane Goodall highlight the incredible achievements of these role models, showing students how passion and determination can lead to impactful careers.
PSHE: Dreams and Goals: This topic introduces students to the world of jobs and careers. Dedicated lessons allows them to investigate different roles, encouraging them to think about their own future aspirations.
Living Rainforest Trip: A visit to the Living Rainforest brings careers to life as students meet a professional responsible for the care and wellbeing of animals, offering a glimpse into conservation and zoology.
Financial Awareness: In partnership with HSBC, students learn the basics of money management, laying the foundation for future financial literacy.
Visitors: Visitors from a range of professions including authors, sports people and business owners, exposing students to the skills and pathways needed to be successful.
Year 7
In Year 7, students delve deeper into understanding employment, civic roles and the importance of participation in society.
PSHE: Dreams and Goals: Lessons explore employment, helping students begin thinking about the skills and qualifications they might need for their future careers.
Parliament Trip: A January visit to Parliament introduces students to the workings of government, encouraging them to consider careers in politics, law, or public service.
Science Live trip: An opportunity for students to see and hear from some of Britain's top scientists on their careers and the journey they took to get there.
HMRC Assembly: We have arranged for representatives from HMRC to deliver an assembly on tax, helping students understand its role in society and how it affects earnings and employment.
Citizenship: Through roleplay activities, students step into the shoes of judges and lawyers, gaining insight into the legal system. They also learn how young people can get involved in politics and make a difference in their communities.
Visitors: Visitors from a range of professions including authors, sports people and business owners, exposing students to the skills and pathways needed to be successful.
Year 8
Year 8 builds on earlier lessons, focusing on practical skills and a deeper understanding of the working world.
PSHE: Dreams and Goals: This topic explores the realities of money, earnings, and the cost of living, equipping students with essential knowledge for their future.
Supreme Court Trip: A visit to the Supreme Court gives students a first hand look at the justice system and the important roles within it, such as judges and lawyers.
HMRC Assembly: We have arranged for representatives from HMRC to deliver an assembly on tax, helping students understand its role in society and how it affects earnings and employment.
Visitors: Visitors from a range of professions including authors, sports people and business owners, exposing students to the skills and pathways needed to be successful.
Useful Careers Links
Army Careers - https://jobs.army.mod.uk/
Barclays life skills - https://barclayslifeskills.com
Berkshire Opportunities - https://berkshireopportunities.co.uk
Careers Box - https://www.careersbox.co.uk/
National Stem Centre - https://www.stem.org.uk/
NHS Careers information - https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles
National Careers Service - https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
Contact Details:
Mark Henry - KS3 Pastoral Lead and responsible for careers development
Tel: 01753 866253