Primary Careers Education

As a school, we are very proud that we prepare our Champion children for the world of work.

• All of our children, EYFS to KS2, experience a wide range of visits from people in a variety of different careers - taking varied pathways, enabling them to learn about different options that are available to them. In KS2, children are able to ask questions and develop their understanding of each career.
• Over the last year, for example, we have had visits to school, where possible, to enhance careers education. For example, during our visit to Jodrell Bank there was a section of the day where children were encouraged to ask questions relating to careers in engineering and Science. Our STEM trips to the local college are also helpful to discuss with their team of experts in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
• Our yearly author visitor has encouraged children to explore the wonders of imagination, fostering a love of literature and inspiring lifelong curiosity for children wanting to write their own books; some children have had their work published.
• Visits in and out of school continue to be developed to ensure that children in school, throughout their primary education, access a wide range of careers information and learn about the options available to them. This year, we are hoping to engage with people who have taken apprenticeships.
• All children in school, from EYFS through to KS2, take part in Enterprise activities. At KS2 especially, they focus on product design, company names, advertising, costs and profits. The children then sell their products to the community and work out the profits they have made.
• In KS2, where the majority of the careers education is focussed, children learn about gender inequalities and about gender stereotypes, which are challenged through the work in classrooms and through visitors into school, where possible.
• Children learn about different pathways into work and the variety of options that are available to them. They learn that different roles and careers require different types of training and that two people in the same role may have arrived there in a different way.
• KS2 children apply for classroom and school jobs, using an application form and seek references to support their application.
• Our annual careers fair at Hempstalls is an event where Y5/6 students can meet employers and recruiters, learn what organisations do and what careers are on offer, and find out what training programmes they can apply for.
• Where possible, careers education is woven through other subjects and lessons, for example, work in e-safety lessons, where children learn about their 'digital footprints' links to children's understanding about how the internet and what we post online can damage our reputation and can have consequences in the world of work. Our concept of significance and significant people ensure that children learn about the work of artists, historians, scientists etc.
• Every year our local MP is welcomed to the school to discuss the work of an MP and about local issues. We have also visited Parliament with our school council children and asked lots of meaningful questions.
• Staffordshire Police and our local PCSO is committed to keep our communities safe and reassured and to recognise the importance of building a positive relationship between the police and young people. As part of this, the Year 5 pupils have been invited to take part in the Staffordshire Police Junior Cadets’ Programme delivered by our local PCSO every year.  Throughout the programme children have the opportunity to talk with the PCSO about the skills they are taught and how they are used in a police career. Children also learn about their valued place within their community and how to become more responsible members now and in the future.