Curriculum Overview

Our careers curriculum builds on the foundations of our whole school “Preparation for Adulthood” strategy, which children start working through during their time in our primary department.  

Click below to see our Preparation for Adulthood Whole School Overview.  

Our Careers Curriculum spans from Key Stage 3 to Post-16, structured progressively to build knowledge, skills, and confidence. Content is carefully sequenced to maximise progress and aligned with statutory frameworks such as Gatsby Benchmarks and Preparing for Adulthood.  

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) 

• Focus: Exploring interests, developing self-awareness, early exposure to careers. 
• Key activities: 
  • Functional skills development in English, Maths, ICT. 
  • PSHE units like My Aspirations and My Skills My Future. 
  • Enterprise projects and Careers Days. 
  • Subject-based links to the world of work including meaningful encounters with employers and further education providers linked with all curriculum areas.  
  • Visits from employers and external speakers. 
  • Life skills (cooking, hygiene, personal safety). 
  • Social interaction and community engagement. 
  • Careers advice and guidance from internal and external providers.  

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) 

• Focus: Building independence, gaining work-related skills, career planning. 
• Key activities: 
  • Functional Skills and GCSEs in Maths, English, Science and Geography.  
  • Options carousel of a wide variety of activities allowing students to explore their interests further (e.g. bike maintenance, pottery, music technology, photography etc)  
  • Work experience opportunities on-site and in the community.  
  • CV writing, job applications, interviews. 
  • Mini-enterprises and vocational projects. 
  • Talentino Careers Curriculum units focused on the world of work 
  • Financial Education units incorporated into our PSHE & Citizenship curriculum  
  • 1:1 meeting with independent Careers Advisors.  
  • Transition events and visits to post-16 providers. 

Post-16 (Key Stage 5 / Oak Pathway – Years 12–14) 

• Focus: Real-world work experience, transition preparation, independent living. 
• Key activities: 
  • ASDAN qualifications in employability and life skills. 
  • Household tasks (laundry, cleaning, meal prep) for independent living. 
  • Participation in enterprise projects and supported workplace tasks. 
  • Travel training and community-based enrichment activities as appropriate.  
  • Continued EHCP planning and regular parental involvement. 
  • Weekly off-site work experience (Y13–14), supported by Surrey Choices where appropriate.