Careers

At Nexus, we understand that careers encompass more than just jobs—they represent an individual’s path through life. Our goal is to equip every student with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to progress along their personalised learning journey. 

Through a comprehensive Careers Programme, underpinned by the Gatsby Benchmarks, we provide guidance and experiences that prepare students for life beyond school. For many of our learners, this includes planning for further education, training, and employment opportunities. 

Our Careers Programme 

Our Careers Programme is built around the Gatsby Benchmarks, a nationally recognised framework that defines best practice in careers education. We aim to: 

• Prepare students for the transition to life beyond school 
• Support informed decision-making that is appropriate for each individual 
• Provide well-rounded experiences that broaden horizons 
• Develop essential skills such as communication, independence, and resilience 
• Inspire and motivate students to live as independently as possible 
• Promote lifelong learning 
• Involve parents and carers where appropriate 

Personalised Pathways 

Every student follows a personalised pathway, tailored to their needs and aspirations. Our approach is flexible and adaptive, allowing movement across pathways to support progression. 

Students often repeat encounters or participate in similar experiences as part of a spiral approach. This enables them to revisit, reinforce, and apply previously learned knowledge and skills in different contexts—leading to mastery and a sense of accomplishment. 

Why Careers Education Matters 

Careers education at Nexus is about empowering students to make choices that shape their future. By providing structured guidance and meaningful experiences, we help students: 

• Explore opportunities for further education and training 
• Gain confidence in real-world settings 
• Build skills that support independence and employability 
• Develop aspirations and plan for adulthood 

How Nexus Meets the Gatsby Benchmarks 

Our Careers Programme is fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring that every student receives high-quality careers education and guidance. Here’s how we meet each benchmark: 

1. A Stable Careers Programme 
   • We have a structured and well-planned Careers Programme that is regularly reviewed and shared with students, parents, and staff. This ensures consistency and clarity in our approach. 
2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information 
   • Students in the “Discover and Explore” and “Develop and Enquire” pathways are supported in their independence and personal care, as well as exploring how to develop an understanding of the purpose and goals of tasks. 
   • Students in the “Apply and Extend” and “The Bridge” pathways are introduced to working in the local area, meeting the needs of our local careers and labour market. Students are introduced to a variety of careers, tailored to individual interests and skills. 
3. Addressing the Needs of Each Student 
   • Every student follows a personalised pathway tailored to their individual needs, abilities, and aspirations. Our flexible approach allows movement across pathways to support progression, including a focus on self-advocacy and rights. 
4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers 
   • Careers education is embedded across the curriculum. Teachers make clear connections between subjects and real-world applications, showing students how learning relates to future opportunities. 
   • Students in the “Discover and Explore” and “Develop and Enquire” pathways focus on persistence and determination to succeed, especially when exploring independence and life skills. 
5. Encounters with Employers and Employees 
   • Through our Community Links and partnerships with local businesses, students meet employers and employees, gaining insight into different roles and workplace expectations, whilst students in the “Discover and Explore” and “Develop and Enquire” pathways explore opportunities to engage with the local community 
6. Experiences of Workplaces 
   • Students in the “Discover and Explore” and “Develop and Enquire” pathways explore and interact with their environment and transition to engage in activities outside of the school environment. 
   • Students in the “Apply and Extend” and “The Bridge” pathways participate in work experience placements and community engagement activities, providing practical exposure to workplace environments.  
7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education 
   • We provide many opportunities for students to learn about colleges, and further education training providers, supporting informed decisions about their next steps from Nexus into further education. 
   • Whilst further education may not be a correct next step for some of our students in the “Discover and Explore” and “Develop and Enquire” pathways, all students will have the opportunity to visit and explore potential social care, and supported living settings. 
8. Personal Guidance 
   • Every student receives individual careers guidance from trained staff, ensuring they have the support needed to plan their next steps confidently. Careers guidance can look different for each pathway at Nexus school, therefore personal guidance may also include ensuring that a variety of support systems are in place for their futures.