How will you make career choices/prepare for work as part of the Haven Curriculum?

Careers Programme

Key Stage 3

All students will be introduced to careers learning throughout KS3, helping them begin to make sense of the wider world.  They will explore the purpose of the places they visit and recognise the roles of the people they encounter.  Students will gradually build on this foundation by investigating the job roles of family members and friends, before broadening their knowledge to include a wider range of career options.

Each student will complete a ‘career pathway’ document with their keyworker, with strong focus on developing transferable skills.  Parents and carers will be engaged through regular communication with the keyworker, ensuring they remain involved in the process.  Dedicated PSHE lessons each year will continue to deepen students’ understanding of careers.

All educational trips will include clear links to careers and future pathways, helping students connect their learning to real-world opportunities.  At this stage, the emphasis is on exploration, curiosity, and building a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding.

Key Stage 4

From the start of Year 10, discussions regarding Post-16 transition should begin where appropriate.  Parental engagement remains of paramount importance and will continue to be supported through regular keyworker communication.

Students will be encouraged to identify their skills, interests, and preferences to inform decisions about their future education and career pathways.

The careers programme will focus on developing core employability skills, including CV writing, completing application forms, recognising strengths and areas for development, identifying transferable skills, participating in mock interviews, and engaging with visits from education providers and external speakers where suitable.

Parents and carers will attend EHCP review meetings, during which appropriate Post-16 provision will be explored and identified.  Long term outcomes will be agreed, and a clear action plan will be established to outline the necessary steps to support the pupil throughout their final year before leaving.  Transition arrangements will be planned collaboratively with relevant providers.

Appropriate careers advice will be offered through both keyworkers and external guidance services to ensure pupils receive well-rounded and personalised support.

High quality workplace encounters will be provided throughout the year, with individual or small group experiences arranged where appropriate.

Pupils work towards completing GCSEs, Functional Skills, Entry Level qualifications and the BTECs, including the Vocational Studies programme.

Additional opportunities such careers trips, careers fairs, and college visits will support pupils in making informed, confident decisions about their next steps.

The focus at this stage is on helping pupils understand the local opportunities available to them and supporting them in beginning to consider short-term career planning – identifying what they enjoy, what they are good at, and what they may wish to study next.

6th Form

A personalised plan, reviewed annually through the EHCP process, is essential for identifying the most appropriate learning routes, targets, and support for each pupil. As part of this, pupils will have opportunities to undertake work experience placements when appropriate to their readiness and individual development. They will also be supported in exploring a range of colleges, training providers and apprenticeship pathways that align with their needs and aspirations. Where suitable, opportunities to complete GCSEs and selected AS‑level subjects will further enhance students’ next‑step options.

The overarching aim is to prepare students for adulthood and the world of work by helping them understand the range of career pathways, qualifications, and opportunities available. Careers education will focus on developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to make informed decisions, set personal goals, and adapt effectively to an evolving job market. External guidance, advice and support services will supplement this provision, ensuring students receive accurate and impartial information. The programme also aims to promote lifelong employability by equipping young people with strong transferable skills, resilience, and a mindset that values continuous learning and professional development.

To see our careers policy please click here:

How Haven Students are Supported in Meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks

Gatsby Benchmarks	Description	The Haven Opportunities
1	A stable careers programme	Regular keyworker sessions which include completion of career pathways. Dedicated PSHE lessons to careers every year. Delivery of BTEC Entry Level 2 Vocational studies which focuses on transferable skills and personal development. Careers assemblies. Regular engagement with parents and carers.
2	Learning from career and labour market Information	Students are informed about the different pathways available to them. Careers board in the HUB. Visits to local colleges.
3	Addressing the needs of each pupil	Keyworker sessions and engagement with parents/carers. Individual and group visits to colleges and further educational placements.
4	Linking curriculum learning to careers	Vocational Studies and Life Skills lessons. Clear links made in subject lessons.
5	Encounters with employers and employees	Links with MENCAP. Work Experience placements. Alternative Providers. Guest Speakers. Careers Fairs.
6	Experiences of workplaces	Meaningful work experience placements to explore career opportunities and develop transferable skills. Links with Alternative providers – horses, bushcraft. Gym sessions / MMA sessions.
7	Encounters with further and higher education	College and University trips. MENCAP links
8	Personal guidance	Keyworker sessions. PSHE lessons. External careers guidance.

Have a look at the following websites to support your career planning:

https://www.springpod.co.uk/
https://careerpilot.org.uk/
https://www.ucas.com/
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
https://www.entrust-ed.co.uk/
https://www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/
https://www.southstaffs.ac.uk/
https://nscg.ac.uk/
http://www.novatraining.co.uk/training-centres/12/cannock
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship