What do we do?
Our school’s careers education programme is designed to support students as they progress toward their goals and next steps. Individualised person-centred transition planning starts at Y9 and involves students, their families, and any relevant agencies and professionals across the health and care sectors. From Y7 to Y11 and post 16, students build the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed for work, further education, supported internship, supported or independent living, and community participation. Through our careers progression plan, they explore their strengths, interests, and abilities, identifying pathways that suit their skills and aspirations. We offer several accreditations and qualifications suitable for all levels. Learning is individualised an informed by the student's outcomes, which from Y9 onwards must focus on Preparation for Adulthood. They also take part in employer visits, workshops, and work experience placements, which support personal goals and gradually help build independence, allowing them to flourish in life after school.
How do we do it?
We deliver careers education in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks and the Preparation for Adulthood agenda through a range of activities. Students explore different careers and industries in drop-down days and employer-led workshops and visits, whilst one-to-one sessions with our Careers Adviser provide guidance and help create action plans. Meaningful work experience placements give practical insight into workplace routines and responsibilities, and employer engagement events help students build confidence and professional networks. As part of our teaching and learning charter all lessons support the development of key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience, problem-solving, and time management, as well as independent living and life skills. By completing the ASDAN Towards Independence Programme, Pre-Vocational and Vocational Level 1 BTEC units, students gain practical skills for work and daily life whilst earning an accreditation. By completing qualifications in maths, English and other subjects, they are able to transition to a further education course of their choice.
We have a dedicated transitions team that works on an individualised plan for each student to support work experience and transition out of school. EHC Annual Reviews from Y9 onwards focus on all four areas of Preparation for Adulthood, setting individual outcomes to guide transition into life after school. Students have encounters with a variety of education and social care providers, enabling them to explore different options and deciding what it is they want to do after school. Through our partnership with the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub, students also gain links to local employers and Post-16 opportunities, whilst staff receive training to keep careers education up to date.
Why do we do it?
We believe with the right support, there is nothing our students cannot achieve in life after school, and we work tirelessly with them and their families to raise their aspirations, ambition and confidence. Our aim is to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to thrive in adult life and to help them become better informed about their next steps and make choices that reflect their skills, interests, and ambitions. By taking part in meaningful work experience, employer interactions, and a holistic career-focused learning, our students can gain a better understanding of the world of work and their potential role within it. We strive to support every student in achieving success and flourishing in their life after school by being productive and included in their community - whether that involves increasing independence, further education or training, employment, volunteering, community participation, or pursuing other personal aspirations.
For more information about careers education at Walton Hall, please look at our policy below: