Careers in the Curriculum

At David Nieper Academy, it is our aim that all students will develop detailed knowledge of careers and the world of work. In this way, students will: explore different career paths in a range of areas; understand working life and the role of business and industry in society; appreciate the local labour market, and value the role of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, we ensure that all subjects offer at least one careers-based learning sequence or applied learning opportunity as part of their key stage 3 curriculum. You can read about these opportunities here. In addition, our PSHCE curriculum contains a strand called ‘Living in the Wider World’. Through this programme we also ensure that all students become competent in career management and planning skills, as well as developing a range of personal attributes and behaviours required for the workplace.

Year 8 Enterprise Curriculum

This exciting new opportunity began in September 2020, with Year 8 students accessing a double lesson of Enterprise every fortnight. The aim of this curriculum is to develop students’ employability skills, whilst working together to solve real world issues, from the local to the global, including the creation of an App to promote a local business in Alfreton and planning an event to enhance community spirit in the local community. Lessons are project based, with real life incentives for the wining teams.

Each lesson has a specific employability focus including teamwork, communication skills, problem solving, public speaking, creativity and many more. The photos below are taken from a lesson focusing on the skill of teamwork and setting SMART objectives to achieve an overall outcome. In teams, students were tasked with manufacturing as many high-quality paper boats in three minutes as possible. Lots of fun was had, whilst realising the importance of setting clear objectives and working effectively as a team.

Careers in PSCHE

PSCHE education is a school curriculum subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy, safe and prepared for life and work. PSCHE education has an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. PSCHE also includes economic well-being and careers education.

Mapped to all the new guidance and PSHE Association coding, our schemes of work cover all statutory guidance in detail, including Gatsby Careers, Finance and Citizenship. PSCHE lessons are differentiated with PowerPoints, accompanying differentiated worksheets, clip links with questions, plenaries, clear learning objectives, starters, assessments and engaging activities.

Our careers lessons begin in Year 7 and continue through to Year 13 with lessons focusing on topics such as savings, loans, budgeting, apprenticeships, universities, employability skills, understanding tax and national insurance, entrepreneurism, workplace skills, CV writing and preparing for job interviews.