Gatsby Benchmarks at Atlantic Academy

1. A stable careers programme

With our careers programme, which is delivered in character curriculum lessons, students learn about a range of different careers, about how to prepare and apply for jobs. They also have the opportunity to complete work experience.

2. Learning from career and labour market information

Visits from employers grant students access to labour market information. One annual visit has a particular focus on this. Parents and students are also invited to attend an annual careers fair with stalls from a range of industries.

3. Addressing the needs of each pupil

Pupils aspirations and ambitions are identified by their coaches during their careers education sessions. Students use Unifrog to help guide them to suitable careers choices, where additional, impartial advice is required, we work closely with advisors from Careers SW to support students on an individual basis.

4. Linking curriculum learning to careers

Subject teachers regularly make explicit links to careers within lessons. These links are weaved into the curriculum, with teachers making links where appropriate within the lesson content. STEM teachers make links to STEM careers within their lessons. For example, in a maths lesson on Pythagoras’ theorem, the maths teacher gives the example of a job in the engineering industry where this vital knowledge would be applied, to help students see the relevance of the subject content and understand careers available to them.

5. Encounters with employers and employees

Every term, employers from a range of different industries are invited into school to deliver talks to all students. Examples of industries include:

Catering

Hospitality

Engineering

Health

Trade

Hair and beauty

Veterinary care

Arts

Emergency services

6. Experience of workplaces

Our annual Y10 work experience programme enables our students to spend one week in the workplace. Character curriculum lessons are used to introduce students to work experience, support them in reaching out to employers and support them with follow-up to guarantee a placement.

7. Encounters with further and higher education

We hold a careers fair every year, which is open to all students and their parents and guardians. Local employers, colleges and sixth form establishments are represented at this event, on hand to deliver advice and information about courses, apprenticeships and traineeships.

8. Personal guidance

Through our careers programme and follow-up conversations with coaches and subject teachers, students are provided personal guidance about careers.