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What are the Gatsby Benchmarks?

 

Braidwood School uses the Gatsby Benchmarks as the framework for tracking and developing its CEIAG programme, recognising them as a nationally respected model of high-quality careers guidance. 

For a more in depth look at what they Gatsby Benchmarks are and how they help guide the implementation of our CEIAG programme please follow the link below:

https://www.goodcareerguidance.org.uk/benchmarks-and-background 


How do we meet the Gatsby Benchmarks?

 

Benchmark 1: A stable careers programme

The CEIAG programme will be structured to take into account the new CDI Framework

https://www.thecdi.net/New-Career-Development-Framework

  • The strategic responsibility for the management of CEIAG is the Deputy Head Teacher, Mrs Andrea Huhle (a.huhle@braidwood.bham.sch.uk) 
  • Our Link Governor for Careers is Mr Tom Lane
  • Our CEC Enterprise Coordinator is Claire Donnelly  (Claire.Donnelly@bep.education )
  • The careers programme is structured and updated by Mrs Andrea Huhle, and it is published on the school’s website. Delivery is through weekly half hour CEIAG sessions but also permeates all school subjects (Gatsby Benchmark 4). At KS3, the bespoke lessons are delivered through a programme called 'Future Focus' and at KS4/5 'BTEC Workskills' qualifications are studied. 
  • The programme is evaluated with feedback from all stakeholders (i.e. Senior Leadership Team, Subject Leads, pupils, parents and employers etc.) The school also uses Careers Compass+ to help plan, track, monitor and evaluate actions towards these benchmarks. Regular updates of Compass + is fed back to senior leaders and the Governing Board. A framework for the planning, monitoring and delivery of the careers programme will be reviewed annually, also reviewed using the quality standard for Careers Education and Guidance.
  • Funding is allocated annually in the context of whole school priorities and particular needs for Careers Education, Information and Guidance.
  • The school ensures careers is prominent in the EHCP process for every child.
  • Large number of events and activities are planned involving employers and other agencies as well as ongoing experience of the world of work and businesses.
  • Pupils have regular access to JED software, which supports them in exploring career options and gaining a deeper understanding of the world of work. Alongside this, the National Careers Service website is a well-established resource within ‘Future Focus’ and BTEC Workskills sessions, helping to reinforce career awareness and planning.

Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market

  • Local Market Information (LMI) is included in the careers programme and additional knowledge is provided by the Careers Adviser.
  • An external Careers Adviser, proficient in BSL and with a strong understanding of the school, delivers independent careers guidance to all pupils, including access to relevant labour market information (LMI), with one-to-one interviews provided in Years 9, 11 and 13.
  • LMI information is shared with parents on the school’s website.

Benchmark 3: Addressing the needs of each pupil

  • Braidwood School recognises that all of our pupils are different and require individual careers information, advice and guidance. The Careers Adviser keeps accurate records of individual careers advice and these are shared with pupils and parents in line with GDPR.
  • Destinations are collated by a member of the Leadership Team with the support of the Careers Team.
  • The careers programme actively seeks to challenge stereotypical thinking and to raise aspirations.
  • Careers Fairs and events will take place during the academic year when students can attend in order to gain understanding of careers and future pathways.
  • In line with government guidance, we aim to provide pupils with meaningful work experience through a programme of short visits to a range of employers across different workplaces, helping them to explore career pathways and develop an understanding of the world of work.

 

Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers

  • Employability and enterprise skills are embedded with the curriculum and developed in all lessons. (Gatsby BENCHMARK 4) These develop skills which will encourage pupils to become more effective workers, within a wider range of careers.  (Skillsbuilder)
  • All staff contribute to CEIAG through their role as form/class tutor in teaching the 'Future Focus' and BTEC Workskills programme.
  • Any work experience placements must serve a purpose in the curriculum personalised or not, for example students completing Vocational Studies will use evidence from their work experience for their qualification.
  • All staff make purposeful use of opportunities within their teaching to link curriculum topics to potential career pathways, helping pupils understand the relevance of their learning. Departments also arrange visits and employer encounters that align with their curriculum areas, enriching subject knowledge with real-world context and applications.

Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees

  • Pupils will be provided with opportunities of workplace visits, work experience, work encounters, enterprise days, employer talks and higher education presentations.
  • Where appropriate, we will arrange visits for pupils to local colleges, work-based education and training providers. This will assist pupils in making an informed decision about their future career.
  • We will continue to develop partnerships with local colleges, apprenticeships providers, local employers and training providers.

Benchmark 6: Experience of work places

  • Pupils will be provided with opportunities of mentoring, workplace visits, work experience and work shadowing.
  • During their time from Year 7 - 11 and in KS5 all pupils, where appropriate, take part in a range of work experience placements. We hope to allow them to experience ten different workplaces.

Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education

  • Yr 11 and 13 pupils will be given the opportunity to visit a range of local FE colleges and training providers.
  • All pupils, where appropriate, will attend a talk about university to encourage aspirations for their future.
  • Regular liaison with local colleges and school allow for smooth transition
  • Parents are signposted to events and opportunities at local colleges through flyers, posters etc.
  • Alumni / ex-pupils are invited in to talk to pupils about their experiences of different FE and HE pathways.
  • There is information available for pupils if they want to learn more about further education establishments and courses

Benchmark 8: Personal guidance

  • Independent face-to-face careers guidance, to help make successful transitions, from a qualified careers adviser (qualified to at least level 6) will be provided at Year 9, 11 and 13.
  • School will work closely with the Local Authority through the provision of SEND support services: preparing for adulthood.
  • The Careers Adviser, will provide independent careers guidance to all pupils and Post 16 pupils, and their parents twice during their time at Braidwood.
  • The Careers Adviser is happy for appointments with pupils or with parents and pupils.
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