English equips students with essential skills that are highly valued across various careers. It fosters strong communication, both written and verbal, enabling effective interaction in professional settings. English enhances critical thinking and analytical skills, as it involves the interpretation of texts, the summarising of ideas and the evaluation of viewpoints. It also involves the crafting of persuasive arguments, both in written and spoken form. Additionally, proficiency in English is crucial in fields like journalism, marketing, law, education, and business, where clear expression, creativity, and the ability to engage audiences are key.
Careers across the curriculum
Careers across the Curriculum Audit
OFSTED 2019
“Leaders place a high priority on pupils’ academic success. They ensure that pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment or training”
OFSTED 2024
“Pupils explore various career opportunities. Older pupils are eager for their next steps and feel well-prepared for the future,”
Introduction
At Crawshaw Academy, we are determined to create an aspirational educational community, with respect, Integrity, and Determination at our core.
Integrating careers education across the curriculum is essential as it supports students to make informed decisions about their future pathways. It also helps them develop skills and knowledge that are relevant to a wide range of careers. There are several reasons why embedding careers education throughout different subject curriculums is beneficial:
- Real-World Relevance: By linking subjects to careers, students can see the practical applications of what they are learning. For example, connecting mathematics to finance or physics to engineering can make subjects feel more meaningful and relevant, showing students how their studies apply in real-world contexts.
- Informed Decision-Making: Careers education gives students a broader understanding of various fields and professions, allowing them to make more informed choices about subject selections, further study, and career pathways. This can help students choose subjects that align with their interests and aspirations.
- Skill Development: Careers education across subjects promotes transferable skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. For instance, studying literature can develop communication skills valuable in many careers, while science projects can enhance problem-solving abilities useful across technical fields.
- Increased Engagement and Motivation: When students understand how a subject connects to potential careers, they are often more engaged and motivated to learn. Knowing the real-world impact of their studies can help students appreciate the importance of their education.
- Equal Opportunity: Embedding careers education across the curriculum can provide all students with access to career guidance and resources, especially those who might not seek it out independently or lack family connections to certain career fields. This can be particularly important for underrepresented groups.
- Meeting Gatsby Benchmarks: Crawshaw Academy is compliant with the Gatsby Benchmarks for career guidance, which outline best practices for preparing students for the future. Integrating careers across subjects helps schools meet these standards, especially those related to linking curriculum learning to careers and providing encounters with employers and employees.
- Adaptability to Changing Job Markets: As the job market evolves with advances in technology and shifts in demand, careers across the curriculum can help students build a versatile skill set that prepares them for a wider range of future job opportunities, some of which may not yet exist.
By incorporating careers across the curriculum, Crawshaw Academy can support students in building a foundation of knowledge, skills, and awareness that can lead to fulfilling and successful career path. Careers in the curriculum at Crawshaw takes four main forms
- Careers learning delivered as a discrete block of work within Curriculum for Life and ICT and Business lessons (GATSBY BENCHMARK 1)
- Career learning delivered through other subjects (GATSBY BENCHMARK 4)
- Career learning delivered through co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. (GATSBY BENCHMARK 4)
- Careers in form tutor time (registration) (GATSBY BENCHMARK 1)
Gatsby benchmark 4
Amongst the essential Gatsby benchmarks that shape effective careers and enterprise education, Benchmark 4 holds a significant place. This benchmark is dedicated to ‘Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers’, emphasising the integration of future careers into the educational journey. It is part of the broader framework of eight Gatsby Benchmarks that collectively guides us towards high quality holistic career guidance.
Why is Gatsby Benchmark 4 important?
Gatsby Benchmark 4 helps young people gain the knowledge and skills for their future careers. We can motivate students by connecting school subjects to real-life situations and future jobs. How can Science relate to Sustainability? Or Art and Design to Fashion? This approach helps students understand how their education is important for their future goals, enhancing their engagement but also laying a strong foundation for informed career decisions.
Mathematics highlights the real-world applications of mathematical skills in various professions. Lessons explore how mathematics is used in fields such as engineering, finance, architecture, data science, and technology, demonstrating the relevance of mathematical concepts like algebra, statistics, and geometry. Students work on projects and problem-solving exercises modeled on real industry scenarios, helping them understand how mathematics supports tasks like budgeting, design, or data analysis. This makes mathematics more engaging and helps students see a clear link between their studies and future career options.
Science connects scientific concepts to a wide range of professions and real-world applications. Lessons include examples of how biology, chemistry, and physics are foundational to careers in healthcare, environmental science, engineering, forensics, and research. Practical experiments and problem-solving tasks reflect real scientific challenges, giving students a sense of how these skills apply in fields such as medical diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, or renewable energy. Highlighting career journeys and educational pathways for aspiring scientists, helps students to see the possibilities within science, making learning more relevant and inspiring.
Geography prepares students for the 21st century. The study of Geography shows students how geographical knowledge and skills are applicable in diverse fields. Topics such as environmental management, urban planning, conservation, and global development can introduce students to roles in areas like sustainable development, climatology, GIS (Geographical Information Systems) analysis, and disaster response. Geographical investigations involving data analysis, mapping, and fieldwork can provide practical insights into these careers. Case studies, and career-focused discussions can further help students understand the pathways and qualifications needed for geography-related careers, making the subject more engaging and connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
History highlights the wide range of professions that benefit from historical knowledge and analytical skills. Through the study of past events, source analysis, and critical thinking exercises, students develop skills that are essential in careers such as law, journalism, archaeology, museum curation, public policy, and education. Teachers integrate projects that simulate roles like historical researchers or policy analysts, showing how the skills acquired in history apply beyond the classroom. Exploring case studies of historical careers, can provide valuable insights into potential pathways, making history relevant to students' future ambitions.
Religious Studies prepares students for a diverse workforce in the 21st century. The study of the subject demonstrates how skills gained through studying religion, ethics, and philosophy apply to various professions. By engaging in discussions on ethical issues, cultural awareness, and critical thinking, students build valuable skills in fields such as social work, counselling, law, international relations, education, and community development. Lessons include case studies that show how understanding diverse beliefs and values is crucial in careers focused on social justice, human rights, and diplomacy. Exploring pathways in roles like ethics advisors or cultural liaisons can further help students see how religious studies offers valuable preparation for careers that require empathy, ethical reasoning, and a global perspective.
Languages highlights the value of language skills in an increasingly global job market as well as nationally and locally through the decreasing number of linguists. Students build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, cultural awareness and creativity. We look at jobs in which languages are valued such as business, translating, tourism and finance. Teachers introduce real-world scenarios, such as translating and creating presentations for diverse audiences, to show the practical applications of language skills. We use technology and media within the classroom to equip students with the skills to manage authentic language and understand the application of language in the real-world. Information on study abroad and language certification options can further inspire students to pursue paths where their language abilities can open doors to unique global opportunities.
Design Technology and Art play a vital role in delivering career education by introducing students to a range of creative and technical industries. Through hands-on projects, students develop practical skills in areas like product design, surface pattern design, illustration, architecture, web design, textile design, animation, engineering, fashion and graphic design, linking directly to careers in manufacturing, architecture, media, and the arts. Both subjects encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking, which are essential skills in the modern workforce. Career-focused lessons and industry links, such as workshops with local businesses, guest speakers, or project-based learning, help students understand the real-world applications of their skills and explore pathways to apprenticeships, university degrees, and jobs within the creative and design sectors. By embedding careers into DT and Art, schools empower students to see the diverse opportunities available and connect their passions with potential future careers.
Food and Nutrition is a key subject that introduces students to a variety of career paths within the food industry and beyond. Through practical cooking lessons, nutritional science, and food safety education, students gain essential skills that can lead to careers in areas such as catering, dietetics, food science, hospitality, and culinary arts. The curriculum often includes insights into food production, menu planning, and the impact of nutrition on health, which helps students see the broader applications of their learning. By connecting theory with practice and showcasing industry standards, Food and Nutrition empowers students to explore opportunities in the food sector, encouraging pathways to apprenticeships, vocational training, or further study in food-related fields.
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Key Stage 3 Computing includes a module of work each half term on careers and employability skills. This is logged in an online platform (Start/Unifrog) so that students begin to build a portfolio. Computing and Business also provides students with a foundation for a wide range of career opportunities in the digital and commercial sectors. Through Computing, students learn coding, cybersecurity, data analysis, and digital literacy, which are in high demand in fields like software development, IT support, and digital marketing. In Business studies, students explore entrepreneurship, financial literacy, marketing, and management principles, equipping them with the knowledge to pursue careers in business management, finance, and project management. Together, these subjects not only develop practical skills but also connect students to real-world applications through case studies, project work, and links with local businesses. This approach helps students to understand potential career paths in technology and business, from apprenticeships to higher education and beyond. |
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Media Studies equips students with essential skills for careers in the fast-evolving media and communications industries. Leeds is fast becoming a hub for TV production, with the recent move of Channel 4 to City Square, ITV’s regional studios in Kirkstall, and Screen Yorkshire’s city-centre studio strengthening career prospects in this area. Through the study of film, television, digital media, advertising, and journalism, students learn about content creation, storytelling, media production, and critical analysis of media’s societal impact. Hands-on projects, such as video editing, scriptwriting, and social media campaigns, help students develop practical skills and an understanding of industry-standard tools and techniques. By examining real-world media examples and exploring pathways in digital marketing, broadcasting, and production, students gain insight into various career opportunities and leave with a strong foundation for further study or entry into media-related fields. |
Physical Education introduces students to a variety of career opportunities within the sports, health, and fitness industries. Through activities in sport, fitness, and team building, students gain practical skills and knowledge about anatomy, physiology, and the principles of training. This curriculum not only promotes personal health and fitness but also highlights potential careers such as sports coaching, physiotherapy, sports science, personal training, and teaching. PE includes modules on leadership, event management, and nutrition, offering a broader view of career pathways in sports management and wellness. By providing practical experience, encouraging teamwork, and connecting with industry professionals, PE prepares students for further study or careers in the dynamic field of sports and health.
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Health and Social Care provides students with a foundation for careers in the health, social work, and care sectors. Through the study of human development, health promotion, and care values, students gain essential knowledge and skills that apply to roles such as nursing, social work, counselling, and occupational therapy. Practical elements of the curriculum, like case studies and role-playing help students understand the real-life applications of care principles and build communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. By exploring career pathways and ethical considerations within the sector, Health and Social Care equips students for further education, apprenticeships, or direct entry into rewarding careers in health and social services. |
CfL plays a vital role in preparing students for a variety of career paths by developing essential life skills, self-awareness, and an understanding of societal responsibilities. From year 7 pupils are encouraged to consider what careers they may like to pursue and what they need to achieve this.
Through topics such as personal finance, communication, decision-making, and emotional resilience, students gain skills that are highly valued in any career, including those in public services, education, healthcare, and business. CfL includes career planning sessions, CV writing lessons, and guidance on interview techniques, helping students explore potential career options and prepare for the workplace. By addressing personal development alongside career exploration, CfL empowers students to make informed decisions about their futures and builds confidence in pursuing their career goals.
Music offers students a pathway to a variety of careers within the arts and entertainment industries. Through performance, composition, and music technology, students develop skills in creativity, discipline, and collaboration, which are essential in careers such as performing, sound engineering, music production, teaching, and event management. The curriculum incorporates opportunities to learn about the music industry, including roles in marketing, management, and audio production, as well as the chance to work with industry-standard technology and software. By blending practical experience with an understanding of the professional world, Music education helps students explore diverse career options and prepares them for further study or entry into the creative industries.
Drama provides students with a range of skills that opens doors to careers in the performing arts, media, and beyond. Through acting, directing, scriptwriting, and set design, students gain confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills that are essential in roles such as actor, director, stage manager, lighting designer, or drama teacher. Drama also introduces students to the specifics of backstage career opportunities – costume designer, Foley artist & Lighting Design – use of National Theatre videos built into schemes of work. By engaging in practical performances and exploring the workings of the industry, students develop transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and creativity, preparing them for further study or professional roles in the dynamic world of performance and media.
- Exam Results
- Knowledge Organisers
- Year 11 Revision
- The Crawshaw Curriculum
- Key Stage 4 Study Support
- Personal Development
- Subjects
- Homework/Independent learning
- Remote learning
- Exams Information
- Learning Resource Centre
- Post 16 Provision
- Future Ready/CEIAG
- Post 16 Provision
