CAREERS AND ACCREDITATION

 

At Bishopswood, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil develops the skills, knowledge, and confidence to transition successfully into adulthood. For our pupils, all of whom have Special Educational Needs or disabilities, a key part of our Careers Programme is Preparation for Adulthood and supported independence, equipping them with the skills they need for further study, employment, or independent living.

A careers programme built for every learner

Our Careers Programme starts from the moment a pupil joins Bishopswood. Careers education is woven into everyday learning and includes:
✔ Exploring different jobs and roles, understanding who helps us in school and the wider community.
✔ Learning about formal and informal relationships through PSHE and Citizenship.
✔ Practical life skills that build independence, such as managing money, travel training, and workplace skills.
✔ Work-related learning, enterprise projects, and encounters with local employers.
✔ Personalised careers guidance, ensuring that each pupil’s pathway is tailored to their strengths, interests, and aspirations.

Meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks

We are committed to ensuring that our careers and preparation for adulthood programme meets the highest standards and aligns with the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks, which include:
✔ A stable careers programme embedded throughout the curriculum.
✔ Learning from career and labour market information to explore opportunities.
✔ Addressing the needs of each pupil with highly individualised career planning.
✔ Linking curriculum learning to careers, ensuring practical application of skills.
✔ Encounters with employers and employees, providing real-world experience.
✔ Experiences of workplaces, including supported internships and work placements.
✔ Encounters with further and higher education, ensuring all pupils are aware of available pathways.
✔ Personal guidance, with tailored support and next-step planning.

A personalised approach to accreditation

To support pupils in achieving meaningful outcomes, we offer a range of flexible and relevant qualifications, ensuring that every pupil can gain recognition for their achievements. These include:
✔ Open Awards, providing skills-based and vocational learning opportunities.
✔ Access Awards, designed for pupils working at entry levels, ensuring all progress is celebrated.
✔ A variety of functional and vocational qualifications, helping pupils progress towards further education, supported employment, or independent living.

A meaningful, skills-based future

At Bishopswood, we ensure that every pupil leaves with:
✔ Recognised qualifications that reflect their individual strengths.
✔ Practical, real-world skills to support independence and employment.
✔ Experience of workplaces and careers-related learning, helping them make informed choices about their future.
✔ A personalised pathway towards adulthood, further study, or employment, based on their individual needs and aspirations.

By embedding careers, accreditation, and preparation for adulthood into everything we do, we empower our pupils to develop confidence, independence, and the essential skills they need to thrive beyond school.