Explore My Future primary programe
Looking for new ways to engage pupils, improve attainment and behaviour and raise aspirations?
‘Explore my future’ is a workshop and face-to-face support programme designed and delivered by Connexions Leicester Shire for Year 5/6 pupils at primary schools in Leicester and Leicestershire.
The programme aims to
- raise children’s and parents’ aspirations about education and future careers
- improve children’s resilience
- develop their capacity for becoming employable in the future
- bring measurable improvements to their current behaviour, attainment and attendance
'Explore my future' is delivered through a range of fun activities in weekly workshop sessions, which can be tailored to the demands of a busy school timetable. The sessions are interactive, inclusive and delivered by experienced careers professionals.
Skills related to self awareness, team work, decision-making and opportunity-awareness are developed. The concepts of Commitment, Challenge, Control and Confidence – the 4Cs, and a personal quality we describe as ‘Stickability’ are explored and reinforced.
Elements of the programme include:
- All about me – positive and imaginative thinking about the future the child would like
- Junk Modelling – enterprise activity
- Deserted Island – decision-making activity about stereotyping
- Leicester Works – featuring local industries and employers
Workshop activities are supplemented with a careers software program and ‘home challenges’. Pupils compile their own portfolio of evidence of their learning, which can be kept as a momento. Qualified staff also meet with pupils on a one-to-one basis to help them review their progress and set personal targets and challenges.
There is an optional visit to a university or FE college included, and the programme culminates with a ‘graduation’ ceremony when parents and carers can share the successes and learn more about what their children have been doing.
The pilot run of the programme was shortlisted for the Institute of Career Guidance’s (ICG) National Careers Awards 2010.
This was a fantastic programme for the children that enabled them to explore their futures and develop their aspirations. The children went on a real life learning journey and they have all come out the other end more enthusiastic and motivated about what the future can hold for them.
Daniel Bullock, Head Teacher Inglehurst Primary School
The programme has initially been partially funded by the Department for Education. It will subsequently be available as a charged service to schools.
For more details contact: Sang Townsley stownsley@connexions-leics.org 0116 261 5920 or Roz Smith rsmith@connexions-leics.org 0116 261 5936
