Careers Related Learning
At Cleves Cross, we strive to develop an approach to career-related learning that enables pupils to engage progressively in a wide range of experiences in relation to the world of work. We believe career-related learning for primary aged pupils should be focused on exploration, developing understanding and challenging stereotypes for all pupils.
Research demonstrates that stereotypes can develop in pupils from an early age and that this can have a negative impact on engagement in learning and career aspirations in later life. Therefore, we prioritise career related learning and developing high aspirations for all pupils. Our career-related learning addresses two fundamental areas:
- Developing knowledge about work e.g. by learning and exploring a range of career, opportunities that are available and industries.
- Developing skills to become lifelong learners e.g. social and emotional skills and enterprise skills.
We are proud to share that we have successfully completed the exciting ‘Start Small, Dream Big’ programme — a national initiative aimed at enhancing careers education in primary schools across England.
We aim to inspire all our children, regardless of background, to dream big about their futures. By introducing them to a wide range of careers and helping them understand the world of work, we’re laying the foundations for high aspirations and informed choices later in life.
Gatsby Benchmarks at Cleves Cross Primary School
| Gatsby Benchmark | How Cleves Cross Primary Meets This Benchmark |
| GB1: A stable careers programme | Careers education is embedded in the PSHE/RSE and enrichment curriculum. Careers activities, visits, and visitors are planned to raise aspirations. |
| GB2: Learning from career and labour market information | Labour market info is integrated into the PSHE/RSE curriculum. Additional resources are shared via the school website and fortnightly newsletters. |
| GB3: Addressing the needs of each pupil | Curriculum reflects equality and diversity. Pupils take on ambassadorial roles (e.g., Community Ambassadors, School Councilors, Rights Respecting etc.). |
| GB4: Linking curriculum learning to careers | Careers are linked to all curriculum subjects. Subject leads share assemblies on careers. Subject displays include career connections. |
| GB5: Encounters with employers and employees | Regular assemblies with employers/employees. Annual Careers Fair. Additional encounters are sought throughout the year. |
| GB6: Experiences of workplaces | Workplace visits and experiences are part of the enrichment curriculum. The school actively seeks further opportunities for pupils to experience workplaces. |
| GB7: Encounters with further and higher education | Visits to secondary schools, sixth forms and universities. University staff also visit the school. Strong partnerships with local higher education institutions. NERAP workshops |
| GB8: Personal guidance | During the Careers Fair, pupils engage directly with professionals, asking questions and exploring careers of interest. |
Links to useful careers websites
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdqnxyc
(find your perfect job)
https://www.northeastambition.co.uk/resources (Careers resources tailored towards North East schools)
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ (Government website containing careers information, advice and guidance.)
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/ (Information about taking an apprenticeship route into employment)
https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/schools-colleges/primary-school-toolkit (Information about how primary schools are raising aspirations.)
https://www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/ (Information and guidance to develop aspirations in engineering)
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/ (A wealth of information and resources aimed to develop aspirations of working in the NHS)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/pshe-ks1-ks2-what-is-my-job/zrdkt39
Year 5 have had a lovely afternoon making parachutes to help answer the question ‘Does the size of a parachute affect the time it takes for it to fall to the ground?’ as part or our air resistance unit. Everyone had fun measuring their parachutes, discussing the variables and collecting their results! Well done Year 5, super science work! 🪂 ... See MoreSee Less
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Year 3 took advantage of the nice weather and went on a hunt for some natural resources to use in art. They pretended they were in the Stone Age and searched for natural pigments to put into their ‘prehistoric palettes’ We couldn’t believe how bright the colours were from leaves, petals and berries! 🍁🍃🫐🌼 ... See MoreSee Less
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What a super debate Year 3 had today! After watching some clips from the Houses of Parliament, we created our own debate on whether we would have enjoyed living in the Stone Age or not! Elvin and Jax did a great job leading their parties and Mrs Brentnall even popped along to check who was more convincing! Fantastic oracy skills on show by lots of children! 👍🏼 ... See MoreSee Less
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Group 1 thoroughly enjoyed the Challenge Course this afternoon. The car wash was even on and some children got a bit of a splash 😁 ... See MoreSee Less
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We are on the road! Our ETA at school should be 4:05pm. Please do not park between the chicanes at school to allow plenty of space for the bus and children to get off. See you all soon - we will send an update closer to school. 👋 ... See MoreSee Less
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Slid, climbed, and balanced—Group 3 powered through the final activity of their residential! 😀🌳 ... See MoreSee Less
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Group 2 loved abseiling this morning! Lots of resilience and determination from everyone, well done! 🥳🥳 ... See MoreSee Less
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Gorgeous weather for building and sailing a raft! Super efforts from everyone in Groups 3 and 4! ... See MoreSee Less
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Super resilience on show this morning from group 1 during the Abseiling. They even convinced Mr Blood to have a go… ... See MoreSee Less
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