Careers Provision at Briarwood

All students from Years 7–14 have opportunities to participate in meaningful work-related learning and work experience activities. These experiences may take place both within school and through partnerships with local employers, including:

• IKEA
• Elm Tree Farm
• Bristol Old Vic
• Clayton Hotels

For students who are unable to access external placements, we offer a range of internal work experience opportunities, including job shadowing and sensory work-based activities. These may involve supporting the school caretaker, assisting the administration team, and undertaking other meaningful workplace tasks within the school environment.

Each year, our annual Preparing for Adulthood Event takes place during Term 3. This event provides students and families with valuable information and guidance from local colleges, social care providers, employers, and support services, helping them plan for future education, employment, and independent living.

Key Stage 3

• Pathways towards accredited and vocational courses are introduced and planned.
• Learners participate in enterprise projects throughout the school year.
• From Year 7 onwards, students engage in careers and employability learning activities that support future decision-making.
• Year 9 students and their families are invited to careers and skills events, including the annual Preparing for Adulthood Fair.
• Students in Years 8 and 9, where appropriate, have opportunities to engage with training providers and explore a variety of education, training, and employment pathways.

Key Stage 4

In addition to the Key Stage 3 programme:

• Students are supported by the school's Careers Leader to work towards appropriate accreditation, including the ASDAN Transition Challenge.
• Students in Years 10 and 11, where appropriate, undertake work experience placements and work-based learning opportunities.
• Learners participate in meaningful employer encounters.
• Opportunities are provided to engage with a range of training providers to support informed post-16 choices.
• Access to a qualified Level 6 Careers Adviser is available by the age of 16, where appropriate.

Key Stage 5

In addition to the Key Stage 3 and 4 programme:

• Students and families can access one-to-one meetings with the Careers Leader throughout Years 12–14.
• Learners and their families are invited to careers and skills events, including the annual Transition Fair.
• Students participate in meaningful employer encounters and workplace experiences.
• Access is provided to an accredited Employability curriculum pathway.
• Students can engage with a variety of training providers to explore education, training, and employment opportunities.
• The majority of students participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, where appropriate.
• Access to a qualified Level 6 Careers Adviser is available by the age of 19, where appropriate.

Individualised subject pathways allow students to develop skills and knowledge linked to their career aspirations

Our careers programme is planned and evaluated using the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring students receive high-quality careers education, information, advice, and guidance.

We provide:

• Careers education embedded throughout the curriculum.
• Regular communication with students and families about careers opportunities.
• Independent careers advice and guidance.
• Employer engagement and workplace encounters.
• Access to further education, training providers, and employment pathways.

We offer a range of qualifications within Key Stage 5 to support students in developing the skills needed for adulthood, employment, and further learning.

These include:

• ASDAN Personal Progress
• ASDAN Personal and Social Development
• NCFE Entry Level 1 and 2 Every Day Essential English (coursework-based)
• NCFE Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 Functional Skills Mathematics (exam-based)

We are proud to have achieved the Green Careers Champion Award, recognising our commitment to helping students understand the growing range of careers linked to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the green economy. Through our curriculum, employer partnerships, and careers programme, students are introduced to opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, conservation, sustainable construction, horticulture, and environmental services. This award reflects our dedication to preparing young people for the jobs of the future and supporting them to become informed and responsible citizens.