Careers education begins in Year 7 and continues throughout a child’s time at Greenfield Academy.

Our programme develops progressively so that children explore their interests and aspirations, learn about different careers and pathways, experience the world of work and prepare for their next steps after Year 11.

Children experience careers education through Personal Development lessons, curriculum subjects, employer encounters, careers events, workplace experiences, visits and assemblies.

They also have access to impartial personal careers guidance from a qualified Careers Adviser in Year 10 and Year 11.

Children must continue in education or training until at least their 18th birthday, but this does not mean they have to stay at school.

Options include:

• sixth form
• further education college
• apprenticeships
• T Levels and other technical qualifications
• other approved education or training programmes.

Our careers programme helps children understand these different pathways and choose the option that is right for them.

Children are encouraged to explore their interests, strengths, skills and aspirations throughout their time at Greenfield.

They investigate different careers, meet employers, explore career pathways and use careers resources to understand the opportunities available to them.

Our aim is not to expect every child to know exactly what they want to do, but to give them the knowledge and confidence to explore their options and make informed decisons.

Labour Market Information helps children understand which jobs are available, which industries are growing and which skills employers need.

Children explore local and national LMI so they can understand opportunities within County Durham, the North East and beyond, and consider how their subject and qualification choices may relate to future opportunities.

Yes. Children receive careers information and guidance throughout their time at Greenfield, including access to impartial guidance from a qualified Careers Adviser.

This helps children explore their options, consider different pathways and make informed decisions about their future.

Yes. Workplace experiences form an important part of our careers programme.

Children have opportunities to experience the world of work through activities such as workplace shadowing in Year 8, employer encounters and work experience in Year 10, with opportunities developing as children progress through school.

We work with employers and employees to help children understand the world of work and broaden their aspirations.

Opportunities include:

• employer talks and assemblies
• careers fairs
• workplace visits
• enterprise activities
• mock interviews
• work experience
• curriculum-linked careers activities.

These experiences allow children to learn directly from people working in different industries

Careers support is tailored to the individual needs of each child.

Children with SEND can receive additional careers guidance, transition planning and targeted support to develop independence, confidence and employability skills.

We work with children, families and relevant external agencies to support successful transitions into education, employment or training.

It is completely normal for children to be unsure about their future plans.

Children can speak to school staff and careers professionals to explore their interests, compare different options and understand the pathways available to them.

In Year 11, intended destinations are monitored so that children who need additional help can receive further support.

Parents and carers have an important role to play. You can help by:

• talking about your child’s interests and aspirations
• encouraging them to explore different careers
• discussing different Post-16 pathways
• attending open evenings and careers events
• encouraging them to research opportunities
• helping them recognise the skills they are developing both in and outside school.

For any further information or support, please contact our Careers Leader:

Shaun Jackson
Assistant Head Teacher
s.jackson@greenfieldacademy.org.uk