Hebburn primary school recognised for weaving careers education into its everyday curriculum
A Hebburn primary school has become the first to secure the Primary Careers Award.
Pupils and staff at Hebburn primary school are celebrating winning the Primary Careers Award for their work in weaving careers education into the everyday curriculum.
Toner Avenue Primary School, on Johnston Avenue, partnered with Career Seekers Direct to create a careers programme that starts in early education.
It was decided the ‘careers’ wouldn’t be a standalone topic or something meant for secondary school pupils, so staff created a strategy that introduced various industries, matched skills to school subjects, and met stringent careers-related learning standards.
As a result of the strategy, children have taken part in the following:
- Interactive career workshops: The tailored sessions have helped pupils explore different industries and learn about modern jobs.
- Real-world local role models: Professionals from the local community have met with pupils to bridge the gap between school and “the real world”.
- Curriculum links: Teachers have highlighted the “why” behind subjects, such as showing how creative writing can connect to industries such as journalism.
- Strengths recognition: Pupils took part in activities that are focused on self-awareness to identify their own transferrable skills.
‘An incredible honour’
Lucy Almond, the Careers Lead at Toner Avenue, has spoken about how much it means to be the first school to receive the award and revealed that the initiative has “sparked a lot of excitement” amongst the children.
She said: “It is an incredible honour, and honestly, we are all absolutely buzzing.
“Setting a new benchmark as the first school ever to achieve the Career Seekers Direct Primary Careers Award is a massive validation of the hard work our team puts in every single day.
“It proves that primary schools don’t have to wait until secondary school to spark ambition.
“Being pioneers for this award shows that our small community at Toner Avenue is leading the way nationally in innovative, impactful primary education.
“Winning this has sparked a lot of excitement and curiosity.
“The playground chatter has shifted a bit, with children proudly declaring what they want to be when they grow up and realising that they are part of a school that is helping them get there.”
Toner Avenue sets a new benchmark
Gemma Sinclair, Quality in Careers Standard & Primary Award Assessor at Career Seekers Direct, has praised Toner Avenue for setting the benchmark when it comes to careers-focused education in primary schools.
She commented: "We are delighted that Toner Avenue Primary School has set a new benchmark by becoming the first school to achieve the Career Seekers Direct Primary Careers Award.
“This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when careers education starts early and is woven into the heart of the curriculum. Most importantly, this achievement is making a real difference to pupils.
“By introducing children to a wide range of careers, role models and opportunities from an early age, the school helps them raise their aspirations, build confidence in their abilities and understand the link between what they learn in school and their future lives.
“The school should be incredibly proud of this achievement."
To find out more, visit: https://toneravenue.uk/.