PSHE – Careers Welcome

At The Bemrose School, careers-focused learning is a continuous programme that supports our pupils both inside and outside the classroom. We place a strong emphasis on ensuring that our pupils leave us as well-rounded individuals who are suitably qualified and equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for the world of work and for a happy, successful future.

Our careers provision begins in Year 1 and continues through to Year 13, ensuring that every pupil benefits from a progressive and meaningful careers education programme.

Our success is reflected in our consistently low NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) figures.

This success is supported by:

  • A broad and engaging careers curriculum that enables pupils to explore their skills, interests and aspirations.
  • Dedicated careers education through the PSHE curriculum, including Employability and Aspirations programmes and Labour Market Information.
  • Work experience opportunities for all Year 10 and Year 12 pupils.
  • Strong partnerships with employers, including Toyota, Alstom and the British Army.
  • Comprehensive preparation for interviews, CV writing and applications for college, apprenticeships and university.
  • CV workshops for parents and carers.
  • Mock interview events involving local employers.
  • Year 9 Options Interviews to support GCSE choices.
  • Regular talks and workshops delivered by employers and organisations.
  • Visits to Further Education and Higher Education providers.
  • Careers fairs both in school and within the local community.
  • Work Experience information events for parents and carers.
  • Opportunities to participate in industry-led competitions and enrichment activities.
  • Personal careers guidance interviews with a qualified Careers Adviser.
  • Individual support for pupils making key educational and career decisions.
  • Careers and Aspirations Days across the Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form phases.

Primary Careers Curriculum

Careers education is a key part of our Primary curriculum. We are proud to introduce careers awareness from an early age, helping pupils to recognise their strengths, develop aspirations and understand the exciting opportunities available to them in the future.

The programme is designed and delivered by our Careers Lead, alongside support from a range of employers and organisations, including the British Army, Rolls Royce, Severn Trent, East Midlands Railway, COWI and Toyota.

EYFS

As part of our Careers and Aspirations Programme, our EYFS pupils enjoy an exciting educational visit to the Aerozone at East Midlands Airport. This experience introduces our youngest learners to the world of aviation and helps them begin to understand the many different jobs that keep an airport operating safely and efficiently.

During the visit, pupils take part in interactive activities and explore the fascinating environment of a working airport. They learn about a wide range of careers, including pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, engineers, firefighters, security officers and customer service staff. Through hands-on learning experiences, pupils discover how teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills are important in many different roles.

The visit also supports the EYFS curriculum by developing pupils’ understanding of the world around them, encouraging curiosity and inspiring them to think about their future aspirations. Watching aircraft take off and land provides a memorable experience that helps bring learning to life and broadens children’s awareness of the opportunities available to them.

By introducing careers education at an early age, we help our pupils develop confidence, raise aspirations and begin to understand that there are many exciting pathways available to them as they grow and learn. The Aerozone visit is a valuable opportunity to inspire curiosity, ambition and a love of learning from the very start of their educational journey.

Year 1

“When I Grow Up, I Want to Be…”

Through stories, role play, discussions and creative activities, pupils explore a range of occupations and learn that people have different jobs that help their communities every day. Pupils are encouraged to talk about their interests, talents and ambitions while developing an understanding that careers can be linked to their strengths, hobbies and favourite subjects. Activities help children recognise that there are many different pathways to success and that aspirations can change and grow over time.

During the programme, pupils will:

  • Learn about a variety of jobs and professions.
  • Explore the roles people play within their local community.
  • Discuss their interests and what they enjoy doing.
  • Develop confidence in sharing their future aspirations.
  • Understand that learning and trying their best can help them achieve their goals.
  • Take part in creative activities linked to careers, such as drawing, role play and storytelling.

 

Year 2

People Who Help Us

This workshop helps pupils explore the important roles that people play in keeping our communities safe, healthy and happy. Through visits, role play, storytelling and interactive discussions, pupils learn about a range of jobs and begin to understand how different careers contribute to everyday life.

Pupils will investigate the roles of healthcare workers, firefighters, police officers, teachers, engineers and other professionals who help us in our local community. The programme encourages children to ask questions, develop curiosity and recognise that everyone has valuable skills and talents.

During the programme, pupils will:

  • Learn about a variety of jobs within their local community.
  • Explore how different people help us every day.
  • Develop questioning and communication skills through meeting visitors and guest speakers.
  • Take part in role-play activities linked to different careers.
  • Understand the importance of teamwork and helping others.
  • Begin to recognise their own interests, strengths and talents.
  • Raise aspirations by learning about a wide range of future opportunities.

 

Year 3

What Is My Career?

This engaging and interactive “Guess My Career” workshop introduces pupils to a wide variety of careers in a fun and memorable way. Through clues, props, uniforms and question-and-answer activities, pupils become career detectives as they work together to identify different jobs and professions.

The workshop encourages pupils to think about the skills, qualifications and personal qualities needed for different roles while challenging stereotypes about who can perform particular jobs. Pupils learn that careers can be linked to their interests, strengths and aspirations.

During the programme, pupils will:

  • Explore a wide range of careers from different sectors.
  • Take part in an interactive “Guess My Career” challenge.
  • Learn about the skills and qualities needed for different jobs.
  • Meet visitors from the world of work where possible.
  • Develop communication and questioning skills.
  • Challenge stereotypes and broaden their understanding of career opportunities.
  • Begin to recognise how their own interests and talents could connect to future careers.

 

Year 4

Linking Subjects to Careers

This programme helps pupils understand how the subjects they learn in school connect to future careers and opportunities. Through engaging activities, discussions and real-life examples, pupils explore how skills developed in the classroom can be applied in a wide range of jobs and industries.

Pupils discover that every subject has value beyond school and plays an important role in preparing them for the future. They learn how subjects such as Maths, English, Science, Computing, Art, Geography and PE can lead to a variety of exciting career pathways.

During the programme, pupils will:

  • Understand why school subjects are important for future success.
  • Explore careers linked to different curriculum areas.
  • Identify the skills they develop in each subject.
  • Learn how employers value skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.
  • Investigate careers they may not have previously considered.
  • Challenge stereotypes about jobs and who can do them.
  • Begin to recognise how their interests and favourite subjects may influence future career choices.

Year 5

“Be the Employee You Would Employ”

This engaging programme introduces pupils to the key employability skills and personal qualities that employers value in the workplace. Through practical activities, teamwork challenges and self-reflection, pupils begin to understand how their attitudes, behaviours and skills can influence future success.

Pupils explore what makes a great employee and consider how qualities such as resilience, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and responsibility can be developed both in school and beyond. The programme encourages pupils to think about their own strengths and how they can continue to grow as learners and future employees.

During the programme, pupils will:

  • Identify the skills and qualities that employers look for.
  • Explore the importance of teamwork, communication and leadership.
  • Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills through practical challenges.
  • Reflect on their own strengths and areas for development.
  • Learn about positive workplace behaviours and attitudes.
  • Understand the importance of reliability, respect and responsibility.
  • Become more confident in recognising and talking about their skills and achievements.

Year 6

Careers and Aspirations Week

Careers and Aspirations Week is a highlight of the Year 6 careers programme and is designed to inspire pupils as they prepare for their transition to secondary education. Throughout the week, pupils take part in a range of exciting and meaningful activities that introduce them to the world of work, raise aspirations and help them develop the skills needed for future success.

The programme provides opportunities for pupils to meet employers, visit universities and learn about a wide variety of career pathways. Through hands-on activities and discussions, pupils are encouraged to think about their future goals, recognise their strengths and understand the importance of ambition, resilience and lifelong learning.

During Careers and Aspirations Week, pupils will participate in:

  • Employer visits and encounters with professionals from a range of industries.
  • University visits to explore higher education and campus life.
  • Teamwork and leadership challenges designed to develop employability skills.
  • Parent and carer involvement activities that celebrate career journeys and aspirations.
  • Career talks and workshops delivered by employers, training providers and education specialists.
  • Enterprise and problem-solving activities linked to real-world careers.
  • Opportunities to develop communication, confidence and presentation skills.

The week encourages pupils to broaden their horizons, challenge stereotypes and understand that there are many different routes to achieving success. By meeting role models from a variety of backgrounds and professions, pupils gain valuable insight into the opportunities available to them and leave the programme feeling inspired about their future.

 

Secondary Careers Curriculum

Our Secondary Careers Curriculum is designed to build pupils’ knowledge, confidence and aspirations as they progress through school. Through PSHE lessons, tutor time activities, assemblies, employer encounters and personal guidance, pupils develop the skills and understanding needed to make informed decisions about their future education, training and career pathways.

The programme is progressive, ensuring that pupils gain age-appropriate experiences and guidance from Year 7 through to Year 11, preparing them for their next steps and the ever-changing world of work.

 

Year 7

Building Awareness and Aspirations

Year 7 pupils are introduced to the concept of careers and begin exploring their interests, strengths and ambitions. The focus is on broadening horizons, challenging stereotypes and helping pupils understand the many opportunities available to them in the future.

Careers Curriculum Topics

  • What is careers education?
  • What is a career?
  • Exploring aspirations and future goals.
  • Introduction to careers websites and digital platforms.
  • Introduction to the Careers Library.

Careers Activities and Events

  • Enterprise Day
  • Employer assemblies
  • Access to careers guidance support

Year 8

Developing Aspirations and Employability Skills

In Year 8, pupils begin to think more deeply about their personal goals and future ambitions. They explore how education, skills and financial awareness can support success both in the workplace and in everyday life.

Careers Curriculum Topics

  • What are my career aspirations?
  • Goal setting and achievement.
  • Using online careers platforms.
  • Why careers matter.
  • Understanding the economy.
  • Managing and saving money.

Careers Activities and Events

  • Enterprise Day
  • Employer assemblies
  • Access to careers guidance support

 

Year 9

Preparing for Key Decisions

Year 9 is an important transition year as pupils prepare to choose their GCSE options. Careers education focuses on helping pupils understand how their choices can influence future pathways while developing a greater awareness of local and national labour market opportunities.

Careers Curriculum Topics

  • Future aspirations.
  • Making informed decisions.
  • Labour Market Information.
  • Employer expectations.
  • Exploring career pathways online.
  • GCSE options guidance.

Careers Activities and Events

  • Enterprise Day
  • Mock Interviews
  • Scholarship World of Work Carousel
  • Life Skills Workshops
  • Debate Club
  • Employer assemblies
  • Careers guidance appointments
  • Opportunity to apply for the Rolls-Royce Young Apprentice Scheme (subject to eligibility)

Year 10

Experiencing the World of Work

Year 10 focuses on preparing pupils for work experience and introducing them to professional workplace expectations. Pupils develop the practical employability skills needed to succeed in future education, training and employment.

Careers Curriculum Topics

  • Preparing for work experience.
  • Health and safety in the workplace.
  • Workplace behaviour and expectations.
  • Employability skills.
  • Planning next steps.

Careers Activities and Events

  • Work Experience Placement
  • Enterprise Day
  • Employability Workshops
  • Careers Fair
  • Life Skills Workshops
  • Employer assemblies
  • Careers guidance appointments

 

Year 11

Planning for Post-16 Success

As pupils approach the end of compulsory education, they receive extensive support to help them make informed decisions about their next steps. Careers education focuses on building confidence, resilience and awareness of the opportunities available after Year 11.

Careers Curriculum Topics

  • Planning post-16 pathways.
  • Managing exam stress and resilience.
  • Coping with change and transition.
  • Financial awareness and decision-making.
  • Healthy lifestyles.
  • Accessing support after school.

Careers Activities and Events

  • One-to-one Careers Interviews
  • Mock Interviews
  • Post-16 Opportunities Assemblies
  • Post-18 Opportunities Assemblies
  • Careers Fair
  • CV Workshops

 

Sixth Form Careers Programme

Our Sixth Form Careers Programme supports pupils in preparing for higher education, apprenticeships, employment and alternative post-18 pathways. Through personalised guidance, employer engagement and practical experiences, pupils are encouraged to explore ambitious and aspirational destinations.

Year 12

Exploring Future Opportunities

Year 12 pupils begin researching and evaluating their post-18 options. They are encouraged to gain valuable experience through work placements, volunteering and enrichment opportunities while developing their understanding of higher education and apprenticeships.

Careers Curriculum Topics

  • Post-sixth form options.
  • The value of part-time work and volunteering.
  • Understanding degrees and apprenticeships.
  • Researching future opportunities.

Careers Activities and Events

  • One-to-one Careers Interviews
  • Mock Interviews
  • Enterprise Day
  • University Visits
  • Apprenticeship Visits
  • Work Experience
  • Post-18 Opportunities Assemblies

 

Year 13

Preparing for Life Beyond Sixth Form

Year 13 pupils receive intensive support as they finalise their plans for university, apprenticeships or employment. The programme helps pupils successfully navigate applications, interviews and transition into their chosen destination.

Careers Curriculum Topics

  • Exploring post-18 destinations.
  • Writing personal statements and CVs.
  • Effective job searching.
  • Application and interview preparation.

Careers Activities and Events

  • One-to-one Careers Interviews
  • Mock Interviews
  • Enterprise Day
  • University Visits
  • Apprenticeship Visits
  • Post-18 Opportunities Assemblies