Preparation for Adulthood and Careers
Stony Dean uses the four pillars of the Preparation for Adulthood framework, along with the Gatsby Benchmarks, to shape the curriculum provided in the area.
The four pillars of Preparation for Adulthood are:
- Employment, education and training
- Independent living
- Community inclusion
- Being healthy
The Gatsby Benchmarks are:
Students are introduced to the concept of work through PfA lessons starting in Year 7, with themes complementing those being taught in KS3. This begins with self-awareness regarding own likes and dislikes, working towards understanding preferences for career types, having learnt about the world of work in Year 9. Strong emphasis is placed on all aspects of life outside of work that will support successful employment. In KS3 Life Skills lessons, students work towards ASDAN units focussing on road safety, volunteering, mental wellbeing, leading a healthy lifestyle, preparing a simple meal and cleaning the home.
During KS4, students’ work experience programmes begin, with group placements starting in Year 10, alongside further studying of careers and Health & Safety in the workplace.
In Year 11, students either attend an independent individual work placement, or a school run group placement with a local organisation such as Amersham Town Council or The Entertainer head office.
Moving into the Sixth form, students’ programme of study, which include The Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme, encompasses all areas of personal development. Students carry out regular Travel Training days, experiencing public transport use and exploring the local community. They are actively encouraged and expected to seek work placement opportunities in a field of their choice; time and support are allocated in order to fulfil such experiences, for as longer term as possible. Providing vocational opportunities both in school and at external venues, enables students to work towards their employability potential, therefore being more able to make an informed choice concerning their next step in life.
Throughout their time at Stony Dean, students’ progress is assessed in 3 areas: Functional, Communication and Independence Skills, and all are placed onto pathways based on independence levels which are moderated termly, and can be discussed at parent events. Students continuously work towards identifying their own skills and qualities, and develop a Vocational Profile to display this. Curriculum maps can be accessed in the Curriculum area of the website.
During Year 9 a Careers event is held, giving students the opportunity to meet and take part in workshops with local employers, as well as meeting Technical Education and Apprenticeship providers. Students will meet with an independent Career Advisor during Years 9, 11 and 13, either supported or individually, and an action plan is created for the Annual Review and transition process.
Further careers information can be accessed here:
Any queries please contact jallen@stonydean.bucks.sch.uk (Work Related Learning Co-ordinator).
Please click the following link to see our Careers Strategy
Application for Provider Access
Bucks Labour Market information
We have been evaluated using the compass tool to see how we as a school are meeting the Gatsby benchmarks.
Please click the following link to see our results.
