At NCEA Warkworth Primary 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.

Careers Education led by PSHE

We follow the PSHE Association’s scheme of work for PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and RSE (Relationships Sex Education) which is led by our Christian vision and striving for everyone to ‘achieve life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10). Every year, pupils complete a ‘Money and Work’ unit as part of their PSHE curriculum which covers a range of areas, including:

• Year 1: Strengths and interests; jobs in the community.
• Year 2: What money is; needs and wants and looking after money.
• Year 3: Different jobs and skills; job stereotypes; setting personal goals.
• Year 4: Making decisions about money; using and keeping money safe.
• Year 5: Identifying job interests and aspirations; what influences career choices; workplace stereotypes.
• Year 6: Influences and attitudes to money; money and financial risks.

However, as identified, career related learning is so much more than this and within every unit of our Community Curriculum (half termly), each year group aims to incorporate further experiences for all pupils. To do this, we utilise the North East Ambition’s audit and activity areas. We’ve included these below and have provided an example for each to illustrate a sample of opportunities we provide pupils as part of our Community Curriculum.

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Community Curriculum and Character Education

At NCEA Warkworth Primary the Community Curriculum focuses on pupils leading social action and developing the holistic development of each child through character education.

We believe character education is fundamental to raising aspirations and is embedded in every part of our curriculum. Click on the drop down options below to view more information on some of the strategies we use to develop character education.

Focus Areas for the Future

• How can we record aspiration discussions in a meaningful and purposeful way as part of the Community Curriculum for pupils?
• To incorporate visits to a university more regularly throughout all key stages.

Find out more about the wider ‘Raising Aspirations’ campaign taking place across the NCEA Trust.