WREXHAM and Flintshire schools are amongst 32 in Wales which have successfully completed the first stage of the new Careers Wales Quality Award.
The award supports schools and settings with learners aged three to 16 with the development of purposeful and relevant careers and work-related experiences (CWRE) across the curriculum.
The schools, including Castell Alun High School in Hope and the Rofft Primary School in Marford, are taking part in the pilot of the new award and are working closely with dedicated curriculum coordinators from Careers Wales to develop a CWRE model that works best for the individual school and its pupils.
This stage forms the first of three stages, each with a different focus. Titled leadership, it forms the basis for the required ongoing development of pupils' careers learning.
Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for economy, energy and Welsh language, said: "Well done to all the schools taking part for their commitment to their pupil's future career and work-related opportunities.
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"It's so important for children and young people to learn about the different pathways available to them to ease the transition from education to successful employment, and each school's work-related experiences action plan will support this continuous development.
"We want to do everything we can to help our children and young people achieve their full potential. By developing work related experiences across the curriculum our schools can support their learners to go on to play their full part in our economy and society."
As part of the leadership stage, the schools have worked closely with Careers Wales to create an action plan, a vision and strategy for CWRE, and have planned for the regular monitoring and review of this activity.
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This stage has also seen the school identify the roles needed to facilitate effective development of CWRE and commit to allocate sufficient resources.
Lauren Robinson, assistant director of sixth form at Castell Alun High School, said: "The Careers Wales Quality Award has offered invaluable opportunities to explore the most effective ways to support and develop career skills for our learners. Working closely with Careers Wales fosters meaningful mentorship and guidance, ensuring schools are offered support with career delivery alongside keeping the learner experience at the focus of efforts.
"The award benefits teachers by providing resources and tools to integrate career development into the curriculum, empowering us to better prepare students for future success. This is a commendable initiative looking to bridge the gap between education and the workforce."
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Susan Parker-Thomas, deputy headteacher at the Rofft Primary School, added: "The Rofft School has enjoyed being part of phase 1 of the Careers Wales Quality Award. The process we have undertaken has supported the development of our children's self-growth, confidence and employability skills, while also providing authentic, purposeful world of work experiences and environments that widen horizons.
"A culture of high aspirations is being further developed where children can make informed decisions to set and realise goals in life plus the world of work. The process has also allowed our children to gain a valuable insight into a variety of occupations as well as the subjects that will enable access to them."
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Nikki Lawrence, chief executive at Careers Wales, said: "A huge congratulations to all the schools who have completed the leadership stage of the Careers Wales Quality Award.
"Each school's commitment to the award illustrates their ongoing dedication to provide their pupils with high quality careers and work-related experiences.
"Quality careers support equips young people with the vital skills, knowledge and resources to succeed, as well as benefitting the local community and economy in Wales with a capable, confident and motivated future workforce.
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"We look forward to progressing through the award process alongside the participating schools. Together, we will achieve our shared objective to empower pupils with the ability to make informed decisions about their futures and take steps towards success."
Following a successful pilot, the award has been designed to be launched nationally across Wales.
For more information on the award, visit the Careers Wales Quality Award pilot webpage at: tinyurl.com/4dt2nzve.
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