LEAD Academy - Career Related Learning in Childhood 

Career-related learning in childhood

Why focus on career-related learning in childhood and why now in the context of the global pandemic?

Career-related learning in childhood provides a foundation for capturing children's aspirations and the subsequent learning and work decisions of adolescence and adulthood. Career-related learning happens unintentionally through the experiences and observations of children in their families, schools and local communities and can happen intentionally in structured programs in school settings. Family socioeconomic background is a predictor of aspirations in children and adolescents.

The global pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in learning and work, contributed to high unemployment rates, and increased the likelihood of greater numbers of people living in poverty. In a context of rising inequality and poverty, career-related learning could provide hope and foster aspiration in children whose families have been and may continue to be impacted by the pandemic into the future. Now, in the context of the global pandemic, is an opportunity to support children and their families to envision optimistic futures through career-related learning.

This highly interactive session aimed at primary school leaders and teachers will:

• Introduce the concept of career-related learning (CRL) in primary schools
• Set out an international and national evidence linked to broadening children's horizons and addressing gender stereotypes
• Equip teachers with practical ways to embed CRL in classroom activities in a fun and engaging way
• Showcase examples of good/interesting policies and practices, including the development of curriculum projects and innovative ways of working with parents/carers.

Indicative Programme

13.00 - Welcome and introductions

13.05 - Ice breaker activity

13.15 - Rationale and context

13.30 - Quiz linked to the evidence-base

13.45 - Practical ways to embed CRL in the curriculum - what's new?

14.00 - Refreshments

14.10 - Overview of differing and/or complementary approaches

14.35 - Your own online resource toolkit(s)

14.50 - Next stage plans

15.00 - Close

Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE is a leading international academic with significant experience of supporting primary school leaders and classroom teachers to strengthen the connection between education and the world of work. She is the Research Programme Director for the LEAD Academy initiative and also currently oversees the impact assessment of 'Our Future Derby' - a major research programme involving 32 primary schools in Derby. For more information: https://dmhassociates.org/about

Venue: Online 

Time: 1pm-3pm 

Audience: LEAD Primary Schools ONLY- One member of staff to attend 

Cost: FREE of charge. (£100 half day release per school for one teacher to attend the CPD is available)