This report discusses impact of Our Future Derby project.
Executive Summary
The project engaged at least 7,500 children and teachers through a range of inspirational career-related
learning (CRL) activities involving volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds and industry sectors. the aims of the project were to raise the aspirations of all pupils, inspire teachers and senior leaders and stimulate pupils by developing their understanding of the link between school and the wider world of
work.
Key Findings
From January to July 2021, the project engaged over 7,500 children and teachers in a range of career-related activities with local role models across backgrounds and sectors. During a period when children needed motivation more than ever following disruption to their education, the project played an essential role in widening pupils’ world views and showing them the vast range of opportunities they could aspire to.
Key findings from this period show that after taking part in activities:
- 75% of pupils in receipt of Free School Meals or eligible for Pupil Premium agreed with the statement ‘I can do any job I want when I grow up’ – an increase from 66% before taking part.
- 78% of pupils agreed that ‘Doing well at school will help me get a better job when I grow up’.
- 86% of pupils agreed that ‘Girls and boys can do the same job’
- Children could identify 24 different jobs, compared to 18 jobs before taking part.
- Children’s self- assessment of their skills showed an increase across 7 out of 8 key skills including problem-solving, teamwork and creativity
Recommendations
- Profile the role and work of Careers Champions to a wider network of schools, including role models to
share best practice. - Take steps to ensure CRL activities and resources are age-appropriate and tailored to specific needs.
- Work to support more SEND schools, particularly within CRL twinning arrangements.
- Increase teacher training and identify the most relevant CRL activities which work best with certain
Year Groups. - Focus on the children’s Career Learning Log being embedded within the Transitions portal so
that Derby can be recognised as a national and international trailblazer. - Pro-actively share the parental engagement strategy with local stakeholders and tailor the response to specific school and local needs.
- When targeted expansion takes place in Year 3, the background, prior experience and training of the Careers Champions recruited will be an important consideration.
- Further equip CRL champions and wider school staff with the skills and confidence to independently
- Celebrate the achievements and impact of CRL in Year 2.