Careers

Intent

At Dunn Street Primary School, our aim is to provide a careers curriculum that develops pupils’ knowledge, curiosity and awareness of the world of work. We want every child to recognise the breadth of opportunities available to them and to begin forming aspirational goals as they progress through their primary education.

Our curriculum offers a wide range of meaningful experiences and encounters that help pupils build strong foundations for future pathways. We value and actively promote our cultural capital, drawing upon the strengths and opportunities within our community—from further education institutions to innovative local industries.

We also ensure that careers learning is not confined to stand-alone events; it is woven throughout the wider curriculum. Through rich cross-curricular links, themed projects and collaboration with local businesses, pupils see how their learning applies to the real world and to future job roles.

We celebrate the achievements of past pupils and introduce them to current learners as role models and luminaries. Through the integration of our BRIGHT acronym, we connect the skills and attributes fostered in school with those required in employment, ensuring pupils understand that their learning is relevant, purposeful and empowering.

Implementation

• We use the Gatsby Benchmarks as an auditing tool to evaluate and strengthen our careers provision.
  
  
• We work alongside specialists, including North East Ambition, to audit our work and co-create detailed action plans.
  
  
• We actively embrace our Cultural Capital, offering insight into local further education routes and local employment opportunities. 
  
  
• We ensure strong cross-curricular links so that careers learning is embedded across subjects, helping pupils understand how classroom knowledge connects to real-life contexts and future professions.
  
  
• We develop projects and partnerships with local businesses, giving pupils authentic insight into local industries and opportunities.
  
  
• We are developing a rolling programme for KS2 that builds on the strong practice established in EYFS, ensuring consistent and progressive careers learning across the school.
  
  
• Pupils access a careers curriculum that is regularly monitored, reviewed and refined to ensure it remains purposeful and high-quality.
  
  
• Pupils meet and speak with former students to learn about their experiences, aspirations and journeys beyond Dunn Street.
  
  
• Pupils take part in meaningful encounters with a range of employers and professionals, including participation in initiatives such as Careers Week.
  
  
• Pupils attend workshops, giving them direct insight into further education pathways and the opportunities available to them.
  
  

Impact

• Pupils recognise their skills, strengths and areas for development, gaining a strong sense of self-awareness.
  
  
• Pupils make successful transitions across key stages, including into Year 7, feeling confident and well-prepared.
  
  
• Pupils experience a wide range of opportunities, interests and options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future pathways.
  
  
• Pupils develop the BRIGHT skills needed for employability, whether in voluntary roles or future paid employment.
  
  
• Pupils understand the value of work, commitment and responsibility.
  
  
• Pupils recognise that they have an important and valued role to play in their community and society, and they feel motivated to contribute in ways that reflect their interests and strengths.
  
  
• Pupils are aware of and able to use the support, guidance and advice available to them as they move on from Dunn Street, supporting their confidence in making future decisions.