At Castle School our careers programme is tailored to meet the needs of pupil groups and individuals throughout Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Our Careers Programme consists of learning, advice and experiences across:

• Careers
• The World of Work
• Enterprise
• Life Skills
• Transition into Adulthood

DfE Careers Strategy

In December 2017, the DfE produced a Careers Strategy: Making the most of everyone’s skills and talents. The document lays out plans to raise the quality of careers provision nationally. Its aims are:

• We want all young people to understand the full range of opportunities available to them, learn from employers about work and the skills that are valued in the workplace, and have first-hand experiences of the workplace.
• We want all young people in secondary school and college to get a programme of advice and guidance that is stable, structured, and delivered by individuals with the right skills and experience.
• We want everyone to get support tailored to their circumstances at any time. All adults will be able to access free face-to-face advice with more support for those it need it most.
• We want everyone to get the information they need to understand the job and career opportunities available, and how their knowledge and skills can help them in considering suitable careers.

The DFE Careers strategy names the Gatsby Benchmarks as the measure of excellence in careers provision.

What are the Gatsby Benchmarks?

The Gatsby Benchmarks are a set of 8 benchmarks, designed to provide a framework for high-quality careers guidance in schools. The benchmarks are as follows:

• A stable careers programme
• Learning from career and labour market information
• Addressing the needs of each student
• Linking curriculum learning to careers
• Encounters with employers and employees
• Experiences of work places
• Encounters with further and higher education
• Personal Guidance

At Castle School we are committed to supporting the transition into adulthood of all our learners through fulfilling the aims of the DFE strategy, alongside meeting the diverse needs of our young people.

• Post-16 students take part in personalised career and transition packages dependent on their needs and aspirations.
• Students take part in work experience on-site.
• Students visit workplaces, colleges and social care providers.
• Taster sessions at Tyne Met College and other post-16 provisions are carried out where appropriate for the student.
• Visits to community facilities and travel training.

Would you like to know more?

For more information about careers education in Castle School, please contact Mary Douglas, Careers Lead, at mary.douglas@castle.ncea.org.uk. Alternatively, you can view and download our Careers Policy from our policies page.