Staff Zone

Supporting the future of our students

Young people in schools and colleges with the highest quality careers provision are 8% less likely to become NEET. This reduction in NEET rates can reach 20% for the most disadvantaged schools. (DfE)

Embedding careers learning into your subject teaching is a powerful way to show students the real-world value of what they are learning. Gatsby Benchmark 4 highlights that, in every year group and in every subject, pupils should have opportunities to see how the knowledge and skills they develop connect to a wide range of careers. Using the Staff Zone of the website, the aim of the website is to provide useful links to resources that will support you within your subject area. By making these links explicit—whether through lesson examples, employer engagement, or highlighting transferable skills—you can help students understand the relevance of your subject, raise their aspirations, and support them in making informed choices about their future pathways.

“When careers is embedded in curriculum subjects, or programmes of study, there are more opportunities for learners to explore where their education could take them.” (GOV.UK)

This is part of Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers, which states: every year, in every subject, every pupil should have opportunities to learn how the knowledge and skills developed in their subject help people to gain entry to, and be more effective workers within, a wide range of careers.

“Embedding careers learning across all subjects gives pupils the chance to see how what they learn can open doors in the world of work.” (GOV.UK)

Careers in the Curriculum

As part of our careers education programme, your role as a teacher is vital in linking curriculum learning to careers – even if your subject is not directly occupation-led.

In your lessons, look for opportunities to:

Highlight how the skills and knowledge in your subject connect to real jobs and industries.
Show students the progression routes that can follow from studying your subject.
Help pupils see the wider career pathways where your subject skills are valued.

For schools: Every year, in every subject, every pupil should have the chance to learn how your subject knowledge and skills can open doors to different careers.
For colleges and training providers: Throughout their programme of study, learners should be able to see how what they are learning prepares them to succeed in a wide range of occupations.

To support this, careers education should be part of ongoing staff development, so that all teachers, subject specialists, and staff who support learners feel confident in making these links.

Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers

Curriculum and Assessment Review-

The review’s aims include ensuring that the curriculum ensures meaningful, rigorous and high-value pathways for all at 16 to 19 and developing a cutting-edge curriculum, equipping children and young people with the essential knowledge and skills which will enable them to adapt and thrive in the world and workplace of the future.

CEC Teacher development course

Useful Links

‘My Learning, My Future’ -

The My Learning, My Future resources aim to increase learner engagement by showing how 27 subjects connect to careers and the world of work.

They enable subject teachers to see the benefits of highlighting the relevance of their subjects and making links to careers, pathways, and the world of work from their curriculum.

Additionally, these resources drive the meaningful achievement of Gatsby Benchmark 4 and support the achievement of Gatsby Benchmarks 5, 6, and 7.

https://www.skillsbuilder.org/universal-framework

The Skills Builder Universal Framework provides a model for building essential skills into the school or college curriculum. The 8 essential skills that enable young people to find work and succeed in their careers are:

https://hub.skillsbuilder.org/resources/

https://www.skillsbuilder.org/essential-skills-profiles

The essential skills required to do any job

🔍 What is Unifrog?

Unifrog is an online platform designed to help students at St Paul's make informed decisions about their future education and career paths. It provides a structured, interactive way for our school to deliver effective careers guidance in PSHE and form time, making it a useful tool for meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks — the framework used in the UK to ensure high-quality careers provision in schools and colleges.

Unifrog is a digital careers platform that:

Helps our students explore post-16 and post-18 options (apprenticeships, university, employment, etc.).
Offers career and personality quizzes to tailor aspirations for transition beyond St Paul's Academy.
Provides tools to compare university courses, apprenticeships, and college options.
Facilitates the creation of CVs, personal statements, and application materials.
Allows teachers to track student progress and provide guidance bespoke to their needs.

Careers Support for Staff

Careers Lead support will be available throughout the school year.
Key focus during national events:
- Green Careers Week
- National Careers Week
- National Apprenticeship Week
Support includes:
- Resources and media
- Organised enrichment opportunities
Resources for subjects will be shared via email and on the Staff Zone — adapt them to fit your learners.
For extra support, contact the Careers Team.
To bring your subject to life, consider:
- Sharing your own subject expertise
- Using external speakers and industry specialists
- Linking with Post-16 and Post-18 providers

👉 Together, we can give St Paul’s students inspiring and unique career experiences.

St Paul's Academy Abundance Achievement Ambition