You would probably think that they were exaggerating, trying to sell an idea to get you to buy into something.
Well actually, based on multiple long term studies both in the UK and internationally, they are correct…if it is done effectively. So why isn’t this amazing fact eradicating poverty as we speak? Well it is, but it takes time and more support.
The evidence is compelling and now being taken seriously by educationalists around the world. It indicates that meaningful awareness of the world of work has a measurable, positive impact on future wage output. That is a very blunt measure of ‘success’ but indicates higher levels of education, attitudes to working hard and achievement…which some studies also specifically highlight.
It reduces poverty.
The younger we start, the more effective it is.
So why aren’t we doing this in every school?
Traditionally ‘careers’ teaching was an add on, usually confined to secondary school upwards and often co-ordinated by a school librarian or as an ‘additional’ responsibility for one teacher. Is it any wonder that it is rarely seen as an important part of the school offer in most schools. What did your school do to improve your awareness of the world of work and the possibilities that your skills and strengths could open up for you?
Spark Tees Valley was set up to create resources and events for schools to create a cultural understanding of the world of work through everyday curriculum work. That is the language and the currency that all schools work with. Teachers rarely teach every objective that is in their long term plans for each year, there simply isn’t enough time. So how could they possibly fit in teaching about the world of work as well?
That is where you come in…well virtually.
Spark brings the world of work into the curriculum. As founder Andrew Stogdale explains, “If you have just taught a lesson about electrical circuits how do you make it meaningful? Bringing in an electrician who can talk about what they do and how they got their role adds a purpose and context to what can often feel like a curriculum disconnected from any real meaning’. Different children have different interests; different lessons interest different pupils. To immediately connect learning in a lesson to a future career option, something they are interested in, is a powerful learning opportunity.
Spark’s content is short and snappy; some key questions for each volunteer, skills used, route to current role and what they love about their job. Teachers can immediately fit them into any existing lesson plans and feedback is clear: children love them. In fact, the resources also have home access built in so following a viewing in school, the resource can be accessed at home alongside parents to further enhance the engagement. The vast majority of the National Curriculum objectives across all subjects are covered but it is never enough. They need you to talk about what you and your companies does.
Fifteen minutes of your time.
At your place of work.
A handful of questions about you and your role.
And you help reduce future poverty.
To find out more visit: www.sparkteesvalley.com
And feature on their map: earth.google. com/earth/d/1SWSzInFH3MDI053MG_ DWFqPuIywlspZA?usp=sharing
Or email: andrew@sparkteesvalley.com for a chat about how you can be part of the solution.
And did we mention that they don’t charge you a penny…