Careers and Work Related Learning

Curriculum Overview for Careers, Work Related and Enterprise Learning

Careers Education and Guidance comprises five components:

• Careers education within the curriculum
• Planning and record of achievement and work-related activities
• Work experience
• Access to individual guidance and support
• Access to careers information.

The curriculum at Oak Field School is linked to the Preparing for Adulthood programme, keeping our students’ hopes and aspirations as our key focus. Throughout their education, students will have the opportunity to gain experience and develop skills in these four areas: Employment, Independent Living, Community Inclusion and Health

At each stage of their learning and development, Oak Field School aims to prepare children and young people for the new responsibilities, experiences, independence and risks of the next stage: from a child learning to make choices about food and friends, to a young person making choices about education, training or employment beyond school. Key elements of the programme are aimed at key stages of the school following the Programme Map.

Careers education takes place in PSHEE sessions and is embedded in all aspects of the curriculum. This is overseen by the Careers Leader, supported by the Work-Related Learning Trainer.

The intent of the careers programme is to meet the needs of all students by using highly personalised strategies, programmes and resources that are appropriate to students’ stages of learning and development.

Teams implement these intentions using a wide range of strategies that include:

• Action planning and recording achievements as part of EHCP review meetings and accreditation recording.
• Extended work placements and volunteering in and out of school.
• Internal or external work experience.
• Work simulations or role play.
• Curriculum linked visits.
• Visits to work places.
• Problem-solving and work skills activities.
• Careers guidance (individual planning and interviews, information and research activities).
• Student Council.
• Visits to local day services, colleges, volunteering opportunities and supported employment.
• Enterprise and fund-raising activities.
• Support from local services such as the Futures for You Careers Guidance Service.
• Regular transition events involving local employers, educators and support facilities

Work Experience Placements, Supported Internships, College Links Course

Work Experience placements are offered to as many 6^th Form students as possible, balancing fair access alongside promoting young people into achieving paid work.

Portfolios of work

Students are encouraged and supported to keep a detailed portfolio of their Work-Related Learning experiences, using the Work Journal for external work placements.