Careers Education and PSCE in the Junior School
Head of PSCE Mrs Caroline Bond
Introduction
The Head of Careers co-ordinates the Careers Education and Guidance activities that take place within the school. Other input is provided by tutors, the Head of PSCE, the Head of Senior and Lower Schools and Housemasters/mistress. The Careers Education and PSCE programmes in Pangbourne aim to equip students with the skills they need to make the successful transition through the various stages of College life. In the increasingly competitive world of work, sound careers advice is essential and we aim to enable students to maximise their potential and to have the opportunity to discover the career areas most appropriate to their individual talents and aspirations. Students are encouraged to carry out their own research using the resources available to them but under the guidance of one or more of the adults mentioned. All year groups take a programme of Personal, Social and Citizenship Education (PSCE) modules, delivered in designated PSCE lessons or during tutorial slots. Career related modules are delivered within this programme.
Junior
School
www.realgame.co.uk
In the Junior School, Career related modules cover the important aspects of study skills and library skills. In the summer term, Year 8 students are introduced to the concept of work and budgeting both money and time using a web based programme called The Real Game. In the Real Game, students role-play as single adults in occupational roles. They see how schoolwork relates to occupational choices and therefore to lifestyle and income. Within their job-role, students have the opportunity to explore adult realities, such as budgeting (taxes, mortgage or rent, other bills and transport), work life balance, different work and family roles and career making decisions. The job profiles included in the game reflect a broad range of employment opportunities and demonstrate that not all jobs are created equally and in the real world some people are stuck in jobs they do not like. Students learn that if they plan ahead and make the most of their school years they may avoid this eventuality. By the end of the Real Game, students realise that satisfaction in work is a priority issue in life and that it is an outcome that they can achieve by making the choices that are right for them. The game is designed to:
· Promote effective learning in the areas of careers, citizenship and PSHE;
· Provide opportunities for links to other curriculum areas;
· Provide links between the school and the wider community; and
· Illustrate the importance of adaptability and introduce the concept of transferable skills.
· Real Game Information Sheet (pdf)
· Real Game Flowchart (pdf)