The DCSF Information Advice and Guidance in Schools and Further Education team worked with Teacher's TV to produce a programme about raising aspirations at Key Stage 2 through career-related learning which was broadcast during the first week of February.
The programme can be viewed via the following link: http://www.teachers.tv/video/31454
The programme features Swalwell Primary School in Gateshead which is based on an estate where many are long-term unemployed. Previously a large number of the children at the school had little understanding of the world of work or had very limited aspirations.
The school aims to raise the aspirations of children at the school by embedding career-related learning across the curriculum. SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) is used as a platform to discuss and explore different careers, while teachers relate subjects like maths to the world of work. The ethos of the school is to demonstrate to children the purpose of going to school and how education and learning fits into the 'bigger picture'.
The school supports the connection between school and the world of work through a series of initiatives. The school works with Headstart, a scheme which delivers hands-on workshops for children to get a feel for jobs. Workshops are presented at the school by local employees such as telecommunications engineers, chemists and mechanics. The workshops provide tangible role models, make links to education and beyond 16/18, and challenge gender stereotyping.
The school also works with Newcastle University who invite Year 6 pupils to spend a day on campus. Through these visits children learn about university life, that university is open to all, and that certain careers require higher education qualifications.
A small article about the programme is also featured in both of January's editions of the Primary and Secondary Teachers magazines (page 37), please follow the link http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachers/
If you have any further questions about the programme please contact Clare Jones at | 
