Helping every learner understand who they are, build independence, and make informed choices about a successful, meaningful future — from Year 7 through to Year 11 and beyond.
At Brookhaven School, our Careers and Futures curriculum is designed to prepare every learner for a successful, meaningful and fulfilling adult life. Careers education is not simply about employment — it is about helping young people understand who they are, recognise their strengths, develop their independence and make informed decisions about their future. Our curriculum provides a carefully sequenced journey from Year 7 to Year 11, developing the confidence, knowledge and practical skills needed to move successfully into further education, training, employment and adult life. This vision reflects our commitment to Preparation for Adulthood, meaningful destination outcomes and personalised pathways for every learner.
Careers and Futures learning is embedded throughout school life and closely linked to the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc). Students learn through real-life experiences that connect classroom learning to the wider world — through employer encounters, workplace experiences, enterprise activities and meaningful community engagement, helping every learner understand the opportunities available to them and begin to develop their own aspirations for the future.
Key Stage 3: exploring the world of work
Building the foundations for future success, one step at a time.
At Key Stage 3, all students follow the Brookhaven Steps curriculum alongside an adapted National Curriculum. During this stage, learners begin to explore the world of work, recognise their strengths and interests, and develop the personal and social skills required for future success. Careers learning is practical and experiential, with opportunities to take part in internal work placements, community projects and enterprise activities.
Key Stage 4: two pathways
As students move into Key Stage 4, they follow one of two curriculum routes designed to support their individual aspirations and destination outcomes.
Whittle Brook Route
Designed for students whose next steps are likely to include specialist post-16 provision, supported learning programmes or vocational pathways. Learners study a range of qualifications from Entry Level to Level 2 whilst continuing to develop independence, communication and preparation for adulthood skills. Careers education focuses on practical employability, community participation, workplace expectations and developing the confidence needed for successful transitions into specialist college provision, supported internships or employment pathways.
Castle Brook Route
Designed for students who are able to access a more academic curriculum. Students can study up to five GCSE qualifications alongside achieving outcomes identified within their Education, Health and Care Plans. Learners explore a broad range of careers, develop higher-level employability skills and gain experiences that support progression to mainstream or specialist further education colleges, apprenticeships and long-term career aspirations. The curriculum encourages ambition while ensuring students have the support and guidance needed to achieve positive outcomes.
Real experience of the world of work
A defining feature of our Careers and Futures curriculum is the opportunity for every student to engage in authentic experiences of work.
Work placements & employer encounters
Carefully matched internal and external work placements and employer encounters give students a realistic understanding of the world beyond school.
Careers fairs & workplace visits
Careers fairs, workplace visits and enterprise projects give every learner first-hand experience of different industries and ways of working.
Independent careers advice
At Key Stage 4, learners benefit from personalised support from Positive Steps and other independent careers advisers — ensuring every student and family receives impartial guidance, college encounters and transition planning.
Enterprise in action
Learning enterprise skills by doing — from first idea to finished product.
Students are introduced to entrepreneurship through enterprise projects and begin to understand concepts such as teamwork, customer service, responsibility and financial awareness. Enterprise education is supported through participation in the Young Enterprise Company Programme, enabling students to experience the process of designing, creating, marketing and selling products within a supportive environment.
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Our aim is that every young person leaves Brookhaven with a clear destination, a strong sense of self-belief and the tools they need to build a successful future.
