Valued – Inspired – Prepared
Westhaven School is a unique learning environment with high expectations for learners who experience barriers to learning for a range of reasons. We promote a calm environment which enables everyone to learn. The golden thread that permeates our curriculum and our conduct through every school day are the core values which shape our learners to be:
-
- safely independent
- confident communicators
- respectful citizens
- resilient learners
- inquisitive thinkers
The Westhaven Way is our ethos and it underpins our daily approach to behaviour and learning.
Careers Program Lead: Mr Darren Burgess (darren.burgess@westhavesnchool.org.uk)
All information on this page is reviewed by the Careers lead at the beginning of each academic year. The date of the next review is 1/9/2024.
Intent
We meet these benchmarks by providing a curriculum with Employee Encounters, Work Experience, 1-1 careers advice, a college link transition programme and work experience.
Our curriculum links to the 5 Westhaven values in the following ways; 5 Westhaven Values
Intent | Implementation |
Safely Independent |
Promote safely independent learners by providing students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to navigate their career paths confidently and responsibly. We aim to do this by: – Self-exploration by encouraging learners to explore their interests, strengths, and values. With this in our P2E curriculum, we intend our learners to become safely independent learners, capable of making thoughtful, informed decisions about their career paths while prioritising their well-being and safety. |
Confident Communicators |
Promotes confident communicators by incorporating activities and sessions that develop both written and verbal communication skills. We intend to do this by: – Sessions on interview techniques and etiquette. These aspects in our P2E curriculum intend to encourage learners to become confident communicators, equipped with the skills needed to express themselves effectively in various professional contexts. Developing these communication skills is essential for success in the workplace and in building positive professional relationships. |
Respectful Citizen |
A careers curriculum can contribute to the development of respectful citizens by incorporating principles of ethics, diversity, and social responsibility. Here are ways in which our P2E curriculum can encourage respectful citizens: – Professionalism and integrity by emphasising the importance of these qualities in the workplace. By incorporating these elements into our P2E curriculum, we intend to shape our learners into respectful citizens and are committed to contributing positively to society. |
Inquisitive Thinker |
Stimulate inquisitive thinking by encouraging students to explore, question, and critically analyse various aspects of the working world. Here are ways in which we can produce inquisitive thinking: – Exploration of Diverse Careers by showing students a wide range of jobs that they may not be familiar with. With this in mind, our P2E curriculum intends to create an environment that nurtures inquisitive thinkers, encouraging students to ask questions, seek answers, and explore the complexities of the professional world with curiosity and enthusiasm. |
Resilient Learners |
The P2E curriculum can contribute to the development of a resilient learner by fostering skills, attitudes, and knowledge that are essential for navigating the complexities of the working world and overcoming challenges. Ways that this can be produced are: – Self-awareness encourages learners to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. By incorporating these elements into the P2E curriculum, we hope to empower learners not only with the knowledge needed for career success but also with the skills and mindset required to adapt, persevere, and thrive in the face of challenges. |
Implementation
At Westhaven, with support from our West of England Combined Authority Enterprise Coordinator, we strive to meet the requirements of the Gatsby Benchmarks in full. We track progress against these benchmarks on a bi-termly basis using the Compass Plus programme.
The Pathway to Employment curriculum comprises of:
-
- Employee Encounters
- Working Skills
- Enterprise
- Work Experience
- Careers advisor meetings
- College link transition programmes
In EYFS and Lower School, the Pathways to Employment programme is delivered through employer and employee visits linked to topic lessons. The content at this stage is broad, often linked to parents’ and familiar jobs with the aim of introducing learners to the concept of work.
Employee Encounters
Following our timetable of encounters, job sectors stated will be visited at least three times during a student’s time at Westhaven.
We will also implement careers-based days where employees will come in and have break-out days. These break-out days involve activities based on the business and will provide hands-on experience for our learners.
Working Skills
Working in conjunction with the working skills curriculum, P2E will implement a careers week in term 6. The week will incorporate activities for the next steps after Westhaven. These activities will include Guest speakers, Skills development workshops, CV and portfolio clinics, mock interviews and Alumni Engagement. This gives learners an opportunity to enhance their ‘real life’ skills so they are more prepared for the future.
Enterprise
Upper school learners will be running the school merchandise shop. This is an in house points based system to buy and sell merchandise. This will give learners an insight into the world of working life by introducing them to rotas, time management, using currency and customer service.
1-1 Careers Advice
Starting in Year 9 learners start their next steps journey by meeting our Careers Advisor to consider Year 10 options and how these decisions could impact choices at college/approved apprenticeships or future job opportunities.
This continues with higher frequency when learners go into Year 10, year 11, and W6. This is to get learners to confirm what they may want to do post-Westhaven and how they can achieve that. We also plan trips this way to get full benefits from individual learners who are interested in specific businesses.
College Link
When the next steps are confirmed, students going to Weston College will take part in our Weston College link programme. Students will start to transition to their college of choice taking part in activities of their choosing, becoming accustomed to their new surroundings, and interacting with new staff and old Westhaven peers.
All the above sessions are recorded and monitored using the careers and enterprise company’s Compass+ platform. This gives us a clear timeline and overview of a learner’s P2E journey at Westhaven. Following this curriculum and recording it correctly will mean that all our learners will meet the 8 Gatsby benchmarks.
Impact
Our P2E curriculum has a significant and positive impact on students, preparing them for success in the ever-evolving world of work.
Our P2E curriculum:
-
- Provides learners with information about various career paths, industries, and educational options. Learners can therefore make informed decisions about their future based on their interests, skills, and values.
-
- Encourages self-reflection and self-assessment, helping learners develop a deeper understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and preferences which is crucial for making the correct career choice.
-
- Exposes our learners to a diverse range of careers, allowing them to explore different industries and professions. This exposure broadens their perspectives and helps them discover potential career paths they may not have considered before.
-
- Develops essential workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking which are valuable in any career.
-
- Teaches learners practical skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies, preparing them to enter the world of work confidently and effectively.
-
- Will encourage Learners to learn about the dynamic nature of the job market and the importance of adaptability and how to cope with setbacks and challenges.
-
- Develops a mindset of lifelong learning by acquiring new skills and adapting to changes in their chosen field.
-
- Will provide a smoother transition for learners from education to the workforce or further education. Thus meaning learners are well prepared to navigate their next educational or working stage.
-
- Learners will be able to acquire knowledge, skills, and a clearer understanding of their career paths, and their confidence in making decisions and pursuing their goals will increase.
-
- Will address not only professional aspects but also personal well-being, including stress management, work-life balance, and mental health awareness.
In summary, our P2E curriculum equips students with the tools and knowledge they need to make thoughtful, informed decisions about their careers, creating personal and professional development that extends well beyond their time at Westhaven School.
Self evaluation 2023-24
March 2024
December 2023
Useful links
Access provider policy
Careers Policy
https://www.gatsby.org.uk/education/focus-areas/good-career-guidance – An explanation of the Gatsby Benchmarks.
https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/ward2011/1140851272/report.pdf The most up-to-date government census for the labour market in our area.
https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/ – Our improvement partners with our P2E curriculum
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1127489/Careers_guidance_and_access_for_education_and_training_providers_.pdf – Statutory guidance for schools and guidance for further education colleges and sixth form colleges January 2023