Gatsby Benchmark

Baines’ CEIAG programme runs throughout each year group and is embedded in the school’s curriculum. We link our careers education to the Gatsby Benchmarks which are explicitly referenced throughout the DfE’s Careers Strategy (December 2017) and the new Statutory Guidance for Careers (January 2018).

1. A stable careers programme – At Baines we have a clear careers programme, Careers@Baines, which is evaluated annually and updated regularly. There is a clear intent for each year group as we build up the student’s journey from Years 7 to 11, helping and encouraging them to determine their career aspirations and the necessary skills and opportunities which will support them.
2. Learning from career and labour market information – Students learn about the labour market information through the career units they complete each year, and also through assemblies and other career activities.
3. Addressing the needs of each pupil – From starting in Year 7, students are encouraged to assess their own skills and interests, and also look at possible aspirations. Research shows that students with aspirations have better attendance, behaviour and overall outcomes, than those without. Students will be encouraged to participate in activities tailored towards their interests, as well as other general activities. Using Compass Plus, students are tracked throughout their time at Baines, all the way through to Year 11 where they are advised and supported in their post 16 applications. We continue to track students after they have left Baines, until they are 18, monitoring their destinations.
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers – All departments have career links in their units of work so that students can make links between specific topics of learning and careers. Departments are also encouraged to have a careers display in their department. Other examples of where links are made between curriculum and careers include:

Science – STEM activities including STEM club, Ogden Trust competitions and visits to the Nautical College.

History:

Year 7 – Armed Forces: comparison between medieval knights and 21st Century soldiers

Year 8 – Careers in medicine: comparison of the medicine man in Native American culture to the medical careers today

Year 9 – Careers in forensic science: study of the murder of the Romanovs in 1918

Year 10 – Careers in politics: the division of Vietnam in 1954 and its implications leading to comparisons with political roles today

Year 11 – Careers in industry: examination of differences between mass production today and in 1920s USA. How History is useful if entering industry etc.

Computer Studies – Years 7 to 9 participate in IDEA

Creative Arts –

• Schemes of learning across the faculty are designed to increase ‘industry experience’ e.g., Architecture in Year 9, workshop experience in Years 7 and 8 and studying electronic music production in Years 7, 8 and 9.
• Local links developed with organisations to provide careers experience e.g., Baxter Homes link with construction and B&FC link with Hospitality & Catering.
• Visiting professionals adjudicate Creative Arts Festival e.g., local artists and teachers.
• Enrichment opportunities with explicit links to careers experience i.e. backstage and lighting as part of the school musical and/or concerts.
• Expansion of KS4 vocational courses that provide clear progression pathways through to post 16 / 18 pathways i.e. Level 2 Construction, Level 2 Hospitality and Level 2 Performing Arts.
• Increased use of quality equipment and resources in industry as part of teaching and learning e.g. laser cutter in Design, professional Photoshop software and professional Production software.

5. Encounters with employers and employees – We aim for students in each year group to meet with an employer at least once.

• Year 7 – IDEA and InnovateHer
• Year 8 – Professional Panel
• Year 9 – Meet the Professional Masterclasses
• Year 10 – Work Experience
• Year 11 – Employer Mock Interviews

6. Experiences of workplaces – Last year we delivered a week of work experience for our Year 10 cohort. Students had the opportunity to participate in a day of work experience with an employer from their chosen industry area. Employers spoke with students about their job role and industry area before setting the students a meaningful task or practical activity for them to engage in.
7. Encounters with further and higher education – The Year 11 cohort receive assemblies from a range of further education providers who offer a range of courses including A-Levels, T-Levels, Apprenticeships and BTEC/Vocational courses. Also, students in Years 9, 10 & 11 are invited to attend our annual Post-16 Careers Fair where we invite all the local FE and HE providers.
8. Personal guidance – All our Year 11 students have access to a one to one careers guidance interview with our schools Careers Advisor, Miss Kinder. Miss Kinder provides impartial careers advice and helps students to apply for college courses and apprenticeships. All students in Year 9 are offered an Options appointment with Miss Kinder, to discuss KS4 subject choices.

We are delighted to have sustained our compliance with all eight benchmarks for the Careers provision offered at Baines School. Please find our Compass evaluation from July 2024 below.