Welcome to the Careers Department

Head of Department/Careers Leader: Mrs A McQuiston

If you wish to learn more about the curriculum, please contact the Head of Department by email: a.mcquiston@oaklandscatholicschool.org or by phone 02392 259214 ex 3216

For hints and tips guide for finding a work experience placement: Click here

Intent

The aim within the Careers Education Curriculum at Oaklands school is to prepare students for transition and progression onto their next steps and eventually the world of work.

Catholic education is centred on the formation of the whole child and careers education is an essential part of this. It is essential for creating well-rounded young people, for equipping students with the skills and knowledge for progression from school, and the future opportunities available to them. At Oaklands the Gatsby Benchmarks, Careers Framework and PSHE Core themes are followed to meet this.

Our Careers curriculum is ambitious because :

  • We have developed a stable careers programme through year 7-11 that builds on prior knowledge and progression through the key stages (Gatsby Benchmark 1)
  • We aim to teach students the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and, in the future (Gatsby Benchmarks 2-6, CDI Frame work LO 1, 2 and 3, PSHE Core Theme 3)
  • We encourage the students to develop the qualities and attributes to enable them to thrive in their progression and transition to the next stages in their education or careers journey (Gatsby Benchmark 7, CDI Framework LO1, 2 and 3)
  • All students are supported to make effective transitions and career choices (Gatsby Benchmark 7 and 8)
  • Careers education provides opportunities for students to reflect on and clarify their own values, skills, qualities and preferences for future life (Gatsby Benchmark 3 and 4, CDI Framework LO1, PSHE Core Theme 3)
  • It help students to gain confidence to progress to the next stage in their lives
  • The curriculum makes a significant contribution to students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development, their behaviour and safety and the school’s statutory responsibility to promote students’ wellbeing. In addition the learning provided through this programme of study contributes to student safety and wellbeing.
  • What we study encourages students to make links between their curriculum learning and real life and the world of work (Gatsby Benchmark 4)