Nurture Careers Programme – Intent Statement
Primary (KS2) – ‘Explore’ – We believe discussing careers at an early stage allows pupils to develop ambition and future goals. By encouraging our KS2 pupils to explore various career pathways, we can introduce them to various worlds of work. This also encourages students to develop respect for other professions and feel inspired by their roles. This coincides with their thematic curriculum and enrichment as set out by the Nurture Provision.
Years 7 & 8 – ‘Discover’ – In Lower School; We aim to develop their knowledge and understanding on working roles and rights including gender stereotypes in careers and minority groups within the working world. We broaden their horizons into looking towards the future and continue to encourage ambition and self-confidence. We discuss and provide opportunities for career skills development such as communication, team work, Listening and problem solving skills. We aim to increase awareness of the variety of future job roles including pathways on attaining them such as university, college or apprenticeships. We also facilitate a growing awareness of self-esteem, self-care and physical/mental well being in preparation for the workplace.
Lower School – Primary (Year 3 – 6) – Careers Provision Overview
Our Primary Class is an important part of our Careers Programme, the class teacher and careers leader work closely together to organise activities suitable to the needs, aspirations and abilities of the cohort.
Pupils have access to a number of activities including Careers Topic work as part of the PSHE curriculum, access to Employer workshop including visits for serving police staff and aspiration visits from a local footballer.
The KS2 class also partake in activities for National Careers & Apprenticeship weeks.
Lower School – (Year 7 & 8) – Careers Provision Overview
At the Heights Blackburn, it is vital that our learners in our Lower School Provision have access to a high quality careers provision. Learners have access to weekly Careers Education delivered by the school Careers Lead and Nurture Team.
Pupils in the Lower School Provision are on short & long term placement, to understand where the pupil is up to in their Careers Education Journey, Pupils will complete a short induction form during their first week, this information helps the Careers Team track what events and activities the learner have participated in during their time at their mainstream setting and prior to attending the Heights, this also allows the Careers Leader to adapt the programme to meet the needs and aspirations of the cohort.
Pupils will also have access to Employer talks and visits, they will have the opportunity to engage with said employers and engage with local FE/HE providers such as Blackburn College and Burnley College. Learners also have the opportunity to meet with the New Direction Careers Advisor by making an appointment with their class teacher.
Year 7 & 8:
Careers Activities for 2025 – 2026 Academic Year:
| Autumn Term 1 – 2025 | Autumn Term 2 – 2025 |
| TBC | Friday 5th December – Careers & Futures Super Learner Day (Careers Fair Activities & Employer engagement workshops) |
| Spring Term 1 – 2026 | Spring Term 2 – 2026 |
| TBC | TBC |
| Summer Term 1 – 2026 | Summer Term 2 – 2026 |
|
TBC |
TBC |
As part of the half termly programme, learners will be encouraged to explore careers further with engagement on Outdoor Education, where learners are encouraged to engage with local employers and establishments. The O.E staff will encourage conversations with employees and employers. The O.E Porgramme also encourage learners to develop there communication, team work and resilience skills amongst over key employability skills.
The above activities are subject to change, and are adapted to meet the needs of the learners in the cohort, learners lesson will also be linked to Careers throughout the curriculum and learners will also take part in weekly competition called ‘Careers of the Week’ where learners will learner about a different role / sector each week.
Employability Skills Development
Learners will have the opportunity to develop key employability skills during their core subject and enrichment programme. Learners will be encouraged to develop the following skills:
- Team Work
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Determination
- Research
- Presenting Skills
- Leadership
- Organisational Skills
The Year 7 & 8 Careers programme is planned in conjunction with the Schools Lower School Lead & Department, the Senior Leadership Team, a qualified Careers Advisor and local business links.
Careers Leader Contact Details:
If any parent/carers would like to enquire about Careers Education at The Heights, they can contact Mr R Doohan (School’s Careers Lead) via email:
rdoohan@heightsblackburn-ept.com
The Programme for Ks2 & 3 is reviewed on an annual basis with the Lead for Nurture and the school’s SLT.
