Student · Careers

Careers curriculum

Careers

Whole School Careers Curriculum Map

Gatsby Benchmark 1: A Stable Careers Programme

Vision

At Stone Lodge Therapeutic School, careers education is embedded throughout the curriculum and wider school experience. All pupils are supported to develop self-awareness, confidence, resilience, employability skills and aspirations through a therapeutic, personalised approach. Careers learning is delivered through curriculum subjects, therapeutic interventions, enrichment activities, employer encounters, community engagement, vocational learning opportunities and preparation for adulthood pathways.

Whilst this programme outlines our planned careers offer, we recognise that every young person at Stone Lodge Therapeutic School has unique strengths, needs and experiences. As a trauma-informed school, we work at the pace of each individual pupil, adapting opportunities and support accordingly. Careers education, preparation for adulthood and transition planning are delivered through a collaborative whole-school approach, working closely with pupils, families, carers and external professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.

Careers Learning Framework

Careers Learning Theme KS3 (Years 7–9) KS4 (Years 10–11) Post-16 (Years 12–13)
Self-awareness and Aspirations Included Included Included
Employability Skills Included Included Included
Understanding Work and Careers Included Included Included
Workplace Behaviours Included Included Included
Financial Capability Included Included Included
Community Participation Included Included Included
Vocational Skills Development Introduction Exploration Specialisation
Further Education Pathways Introduction Exploration Decision Making
Independent Living Skills Developing Applying Preparing for Transition

Subject Contributions to Careers Education

Subject Careers Learning Career Links Gatsby Benchmarks
English Communication, speaking & listening, professional writing, interview preparation, workplace literacy Journalism, Marketing, Law, Customer Service, Teaching, Administration, Media 34
Mathematics Financial literacy, budgeting, data analysis, problem solving, workplace numeracy Construction, Engineering, Finance, Retail, Business, Science 4
Science Investigation, research, health & safety, scientific thinking Healthcare, Veterinary Services, Environmental Science, Laboratory Technician, Engineering, Animal Care 4
Humanities Citizenship, society, labour market awareness, global opportunities Public Services, Social Care, Government, Heritage, Community Work 24
Art & Creative Media Creativity, project planning, portfolio development, enterprise Graphic Design, Photography, Animation, Illustration, Marketing 4
ICT & Digital Skills Digital literacy, online professionalism, technology skills, problem solving IT Support, Cyber Security, Software Development, Digital Marketing, Administration 4
Physical Education Teamwork, leadership, resilience, goal setting Sports Coaching, Fitness Industry, Public Services, Health Professions 4
PSHE & Personal Development Career planning, employability, workplace expectations, financial education, personal guidance All sectors 1238

Vocational Curriculum Pathways

Pathway Careers Learning Career Links Gatsby Benchmarks
Horticulture Plant cultivation, grounds maintenance, sustainability, health & safety Gardener, Grounds Person, Landscape Operative, Conservation Worker, Horticultural Technician 456
Motor Vehicle Studies Vehicle maintenance, mechanical skills, workshop safety, problem solving Vehicle Technician, Mechanic, MOT Tester, Automotive Engineer, Parts Advisor 456
Farm, Animal & Land Studies Animal care, land management, farm operations, environmental awareness Animal Care Assistant, Farm Worker, Veterinary Care Assistant, Conservation Worker, Agricultural Technician 456
Hair & Beauty Customer service, presentation, salon skills, health & safety Hairdresser, Barber, Beauty Therapist, Salon Assistant, Nail Technician 456
Health & Social Care Caring professions, communication, safeguarding, professional conduct Care Assistant, Support Worker, Nursery Practitioner, Healthcare Assistant, Social Care Worker 456
Duke of Edinburgh Award Leadership, teamwork, volunteering, resilience, independence Transferable employability skills across all sectors 356

Therapeutic Provision and Careers Readiness

Provision Careers Learning Gatsby Benchmarks
Occupational Therapy Independence, organisation, executive functioning, workplace readiness 38
Speech & Language Therapy Communication, interview skills, self-advocacy 38
Therapeutic Support & Emotional Regulation Resilience, managing change, professional relationships, emotional literacy 38

Whole-School Careers Themes

Across all curriculum areas, vocational pathways and therapeutic provision, pupils develop:

  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork and leadership
  • Problem solving and resilience
  • Independence and self-advocacy
  • Employability and workplace readiness
  • Career awareness and aspiration
  • Preparation for adulthood
  • Positive transitions into further education, training and employment

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

Activity Gatsby Benchmark
Educational Visits 456
Employer Visits 5
Careers Assemblies 12
Enterprise Projects 45
Community Volunteering 56
Duke of Edinburgh Award 356
Vocational Industry Visits 56
Work Experience 6
College Visits 7
Apprenticeship Encounters 57
Careers Week 12457

Preparation for Adulthood Pathway

Independent Living

  • Travel training
  • Personal organisation
  • Budgeting
  • Household management

Community Inclusion

  • Accessing community services
  • Volunteering
  • Social participation
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award activities

Employability

  • Workplace expectations
  • CV development
  • Application forms
  • Interview preparation
  • Vocational skills development

Transition Planning

  • College applications
  • Apprenticeships
  • Supported internships
  • Employment pathways
  • Vocational progression routes

Annual Careers Entitlement

Every Pupil Will:

  • Access careers education through the curriculum.
  • Participate in careers-focused PSHE lessons.
  • Access vocational learning opportunities including Horticulture, Motor Vehicle Studies, Farm, Animal and Land Studies, Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
  • Receive impartial careers information and guidance.
  • Meet employers and employees.
  • Visit workplaces and training providers.
  • Learn about further education, apprenticeships and employment pathways.
  • Develop employability and preparation for adulthood skills.
  • Have their individual aspirations and needs considered through EHCP and transition planning.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Evidence Sources:

  • Curriculum plans
  • Careers mapping forms
  • Student voice
  • Employer feedback
  • Destination data
  • EHCP outcomes
  • Work experience records
  • Vocational course records
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award participation records
  • Careers adviser reports
  • Compass+ evaluations

Reviewed annually by:

Careers Leader, Senior Leadership Team and Governors.

This Programme is Supported By:

  1. A detailed careers programme.
  2. Departmental careers mapping forms completed by staff.
  3. An annual careers calendar.
  4. Gatsby benchmark auditing showing where each activity sits across Benchmarks 1–8 on all documents.
Whole School Careers Programme, PDF, opens in a new tab