Careers at Westacre

Why do we teach Careers?

At Westacre, careers education is about helping every pupil to see possibilities for their future. We want children to begin recognising their own strengths, interests and skills, while developing the confidence and ambition to think positively about what their future might hold.

Although statutory careers guidance begins in Year 7, we believe that these conversations should start earlier. Our pupils therefore experience a progressive and age-appropriate careers programme throughout Years 5, 6 and 7, building strong foundations before they begin making significant choices about their future.

A key part of our approach is helping pupils understand the connection between what they learn now and where it could take them in the future. Careers learning is woven throughout our curriculum and wider school life, enabling pupils to discover how the knowledge, skills and interests they develop across different subjects can relate to future study, careers and the world of work.

We also want our pupils to understand that there is no single route to success. As they progress through Westacre, they are introduced to a broad range of careers and sectors and begin to explore the different pathways available through further and higher education, apprenticeships, technical education and vocational routes.

Careers education is also an important way of raising aspirations and challenging stereotypes. We want every pupil, regardless of their background or individual needs, to see a wide range of possibilities open to them. Through diverse role models, visitors, employers and real-world experiences, pupils are encouraged to broaden their horizons and develop ambitious expectations for themselves.

Across Years 5–7, pupils experience careers education through curriculum learning, PSHE, Careers and Futures Days, employer and employee encounters, STEM opportunities, enterprise activities, visitors, events and real-world projects. As pupils get older, these experiences develop from discovering possibilities, to connecting learning with work, and finally to exploring pathways and preparing for their next transition.

Our programme is guided by the eight Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance and is regularly reviewed using pupil voice, participation information, feedback and curriculum evaluation. This helps us make sure that our provision continues to be meaningful, inclusive and relevant to our pupils.

Ultimately, we want every child to leave Westacre understanding more about who they are, what opportunities exist and how the learning and skills they develop today can help shape their tomorrow.

For more information about our careers programme, priorities and provision, please read our Careers Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2027 below.

Careers Lead Name: Mrs Barker-Miles & Mrs Bullard

E-mail: office@westacre.worcs.sch.uk

Phone: 01905 772795