CAREERS EDUCATION — INTENT, IMPLEMENTATION & IMPACT
INTENT
At Smallthorne Primary Academy, our careers curriculum is designed to broaden horizons, raise aspirations and equip every child with the knowledge, skills and personal qualities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We believe that high-quality careers education begins in primary school: children form ideas about themselves, their abilities and their future long before they enter secondary education.
Our aim is to ensure all pupils:
- Understand the purpose and value of education
- Develop ambition, resilience and an awareness of future opportunities
- Recognise their own strengths and talents
- Experience a wide range of careers, pathways and workplaces
- Challenge stereotypes and understand equality of opportunity
- Build transferable skills that prepare them for life beyond school
- Gain cultural capital that helps them make informed choices later in life
Careers education forms a core part of our Character & Arts Curriculum, contributing powerfully to:
- Enterprise – leadership, initiative, financial awareness and entrepreneurship
- Heritage – understanding Stoke-on-Trent’s local industries, innovation and identity
- History – exploring how the world of work has changed over time
- Sustainability – learning about green jobs and the future of industry
- Performing & Expressive Arts – communication, creativity, teamwork and presentation
Our commitment is to provide an inclusive, ambitious programme where every child, including those with SEND, sees themselves reflected, valued and capable of success.
IMPLEMENTATION
Careers education is delivered through a structured, progressive programme from EYFS to Year 6 that blends direct teaching, enrichment, real-world experiences and cross-curricular links.
1. Real-World Engagement
We provide pupils with meaningful encounters that bring learning to life:
- Visits from local employers, professionals and apprentices
- Workplace tours and on-site demonstrations
- Engagement with FE and HE providers
- Interactions with parents and community partners who represent diverse industries
- Themed aspiration days and career spotlight sessions
These experiences help pupils understand the breadth of opportunities available and develop curiosity about the world beyond school.
2. Enterprise and STEM Opportunities
Our curriculum includes:
- Enterprise projects that develop creativity, financial literacy and teamwork
- STEM challenges linked to engineering, design, science and technology
- Problem-solving and innovation tasks that reflect real-industry processes
These activities prepare pupils for future pathways and help them see the relevance of their learning.
3. Explicit Careers Curriculum
Careers learning is woven through PSHE, Character Education, Art, DT, Computing, English and STEM subjects. Children learn to:
- Challenge stereotypes and develop inclusive attitudes
- Recognise different types of jobs and pathways
- Understand the skills required for different roles
- Explore how hobbies and interests can lead to careers
- Make informed decisions and set personal goals
Teacher modelling, discussion, role-play, storytelling and project-based learning ensure content is age-appropriate and meaningful.
4. Local Context
We make deliberate links to Stoke-on-Trent’s rich history and modern industries:
- Ceramic design and manufacturing
- Engineering and technology
- Health, education and public services
- Arts, culture and creative industries
This builds pride in our community and introduces pupils to pathways relevant to local employment.
5. Inclusivity and SEND Support
We ensure careers education is accessible to all by:
- Adapting materials and experiences
- Representing diverse people, pathways and success stories
- Teaching the skills of confidence, communication and self-advocacy
- Ensuring every child sees a future in which they can thrive
IMPACT
Our careers curriculum ensures that pupils leave Smallthorne as confident, ambitious and well-rounded young citizens who:
- Have high aspirations for themselves and their future
- Understand a wide range of roles, pathways and opportunities
- Recognise their own strengths, skills and areas for growth
- Can talk confidently about their interests and ambitions
- Demonstrate resilience, curiosity and motivation
- Value diversity, equality and inclusion
- Know how learning in school links to their future lives
We measure impact through:
- Pupil voice interviews and discussion
- Observational evidence from enterprise and careers events
- Engagement levels in enrichment activities
- Quality of work produced in enterprise, STEM and Character units
- Monitoring of curriculum coverage and teacher feedback
Ultimately, our goal is that every child leaves Smallthorne inspired, empowered and future-ready, equipped with the confidence and character to succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond.