Encouraging pupils to Dream Big!
Sponsored by
Featured:
Breaking Gender Stereotypes Eco-Homes Challenge Jobs of the Future Creative Careers Guide
& much more!
Careermag for Primary Schools Issue 3 | June 2025
Supported by
FOREWORD
Welcome to the primary edition of Careermag, which this month is focusing on Dream Big Day, sponsored by Barclays LifeSkills.
Barclays LifeSkills is dedicated to helping people of all ages to build the confidence, knowledge, connections and core transferable skills, needed to succeed in a rapidly changing work environment. For twelve years we have been providing free, curriculum linked interactive tools and lesson resources to support educators working with young people from primary school age all the way through to Further and Higher Education. It's never too early to support your pupils to build skills and encourage them to think about their aspirations around careers. As our research over the years has shown us, undefined or unrealistic aspirations are at the centre of a young person not making a successful transition from school to work. That’s why it’s so important to get young people excited about career aspirations and begin developing the skills needed for the workplace from an early age. We are delighted to be partnering with Dream Big Day again and supporting its ambition to broaden children's horizons, challenge gender stereotypes, and inspire them to explore diverse career options.
At the centre of LifeSkills is our mission to equip young people with a set of core transferable skills, such as problem solving, creativity, resilience and teamwork. These skills, sometimes referred to as soft skills, are essential for every young person because they can be applied to any industry and almost any job role, even in future roles which may not yet exist. This year we’ve launched our new schemes of learning and progression maps designed to help you reduce planning time with lessons organised into sequences to build pupils’ knowledge year-on- year. Key topics, such as exploring different jobs and careers and introducing core transferable skills, can be revisited over time to support pupil progression. By starting to introduce this learning now, your pupils can begin to build the foundations for success in their education and beyond. Whether you’re planning a day full of activities or a lesson focused on career inspiration, we hope you have a brilliant Dream Big Day. And as you continue supporting your pupils to build ambition, aspirations and skills for the future beyond Dream Big Day, LifeSkills is here to help make this journey easy and enjoyable. Kate McGoey , Head of Barclays LifeSkills
Kate joined Barclays LifeSkills in 2013. She currently leads the multi-award winning Barclays LifeSkills programme, overseeing strategic planning, management and evaluation, harnessing the power of business to drive positive change.
Issue 3 June 2025
Publisher: Careermap Media Group Editor & Design: Azayah Hannaway Guest Contributors: Barclays LifeSkills, NOCN Group, Quantum Training
Contact
info@careermap.co.uk www.careermap.co.uk www.dreambigday.co.uk
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About Careermag Careermap for Primary is designed to break barriers to careers that are gender stereotyped, improve social mobility, promote diversity & inclusion in the workplace, encourage discussions from an early age to dispel misconceptions and bridge the labour shortage and skills gap. We welcome your input! Please get in touch if you have any questions or something to contribute.
Foreword - Kate McGoey Contents Barclays LifeSkills: Nurturing Aspirations
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and planning for progression Breaking Gender Stereotypes
Contact the Editor at: info@careermap.co.uk
The NOCN Group Eco-Homes Challenge Dream Big Day: Empowering Every Pupil to Imagine, Create, and Flourish Jobs of the Future Career Guide: Creative Careers for Students Incorporating Careers into Everyday Learning How to Support SEND Pupils in Exploring Work Dream Big Day 2026
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Education and Employers, Starting Early: Building the foundations for success, 2021.
Creativity Listening and
age 7
speaking (communication)
age 5
Exploring careers and workplace skills
Strengths, goals and aspirations
short animation
film
Breaking Gender Stereotypes through Careers Education
When you ask a young child what they want to be when they grow up, you’ll likely hear everything from astronauts to artists, doctors to dancers. But too often, the careers children imagine for themselves are shaped by the world around them, what they see on TV, in books, and sometimes, what society expects based on their gender. This is where careers education in primary schools plays a powerful role in breaking gender stereotypes before they take root.
What are Gender Stereotypes?
How Careers Education Can Help
Gender stereotypes are the assumptions or expectations we place on people based on whether they are a boy or a girl. For example, the idea that boys are better at science and girls are better at caring jobs, or that men become builders and women become teachers. These stereotypes can influence children from a very young age, often without us realising it.
Careers education in primary school isn’t about choosing a job right now, it’s about broadening horizons and challenging assumptions. Here’s how schools can help: Showcase Diverse Role Models Invite speakers into schools (or virtually) who defy stereotypes – like female engineers, male nurses, male primary teachers, or women working in construction. Use Inclusive Language Avoid phrases like “fireman” or “lunch lady” – and instead use gender- neutral terms like “firefighter” or “catering assistant”. Incorporate Representation into the Curriculum Use books, activities, and classroom discussions that reflect diverse careers and challenge gender norms. Encourage All Interests Give all pupils equal opportunities to explore building blocks, coding, drawing, role play, and leadership roles, regardless of gender. Small Steps, Big Impact When a girl sees a female pilot or a boy sees a male fashion designer, something powerful happens: they see what’s possible. These moments plant seeds of belief that they can be anything they want to be. Changing the narrative doesn’t take a huge overhaul, sometimes it’s as simple as the stories we tell, the pictures we show, and the questions we ask. Because the truth is: children don’t need to be taught to dream. They already do. We just need to show them that every dream is valid, no matter their gender.
Why It Matters
When children only see certain genders doing certain jobs, it can limit their confidence and the range of careers they believe are “for them.” This can lead to: Girls avoiding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subjects Boys steering away from caring or creative careers A lack of diversity in industries Young people not reaching their full potential By opening children’s eyes to the wide range of possibilities, and showing them real-life role models who break these stereotypes, we empower them to make choices based on their interests, not outdated ideas.
The NOCN Group Eco-Homes Challenge
NOCN Group is an international charity that helps people learn the skills they need for the future. They have recently teamed up with Quantum Training to launch renewable energy qualifications. Aimed at preparing the next generation of green energy professionals, this partnership blends expert knowledge with practical training in solar power and battery storage—helping learners build real-world skills for a more sustainable future.
This lesson pack supports pupils in understanding how small changes at home and at school can help the planet. It encourages children to spot ways to save energy and make their environments greener, linking practical activities to real-world careers in sustainability.
WIN A RENEWABLE ENERGY ECO HOUSE FOR YOUR SCHOOL!
Enter our competition for a chance to win an Eco House for your classroom worth over £5,000, provided by Quantum Training. Head to page 10 for all the details on how to enter and get your hands on a practical learning tool to power up your school’s green future!
Please note: The Eco House will be provided to the winning school for one term only. Full details, including set-up requirements and dimensions, will be provided to the winning school in advance.
Dream Big Day is about building aspirations early, and part of that is helping children see how their actions today can connect to the jobs of tomorrow.
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Learning Objectives
Identify simple ways to make homes and schools more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Recognise everyday actions that save energy and protect the environment.
Link real-world jobs to actions that help the planet.
Imagine and explore their own green futures.
Teacher Notes: Greener Buildings Challenge
This challenge encourages pupils to think practically about how energy is used at home and school, and how small changes can make a big difference.
These activities can be used in science, design and technology, geography and PSHE lessons, or as a ‘take home’ activity for students to discuss with their families or carers. We have compiled some additional resources for teachers wishing to delve more into renewable energies and other green topics.
We have compiled some additional resources for teachers wishing to delve more into renewable energies and other green topics.
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Whole Class Activity: Greener School Challenge
Pupil Activity Sheet: Greener School Walkabout Walk around your school (or classroom) with a teacher or teaching assistant and use this checklist:
Spot the Leaks – Energy Checklist Can you feel a draught around any windows or doors? Are any radiators blocked by furniture? Do you leave lights or screens on when no one’s using them? Are your curtains or blinds open during the day to let sunshine in?
Create an Action Plan – Pick three changes you can make
1.
2.
3.
Home Activity: Greener Home Challenge
Pupil Activity Sheet: Home Energy Walkabout With a parent, walk around your home and talk about where heat or electricity might be wasted:
Can you feel any cold draughts? Are there any appliances left on overnight? Could curtains be opened more to let in natural light or closed earlier to keep heat in? Are any rooms always too hot or too cold?
Create an Action Plan – Pick 3 Pick three changes you can make
1.
2.
3.
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Whole Class Activity: Eco Home Graphic
Triple-glazed windows for better insulation Smart thermostats and energy monitoring systems LED lighting and motion-sensor lights Do you know about any other eco- features that save energy and protect the environment?
Look at the Eco Home graphic together. How many eco features can you spot? Discuss, and think about why each of these features are important: Solar panels Insulated walls Wildlife gardens Energy-saving windows and lights Water collection
Smart meters Compost area Green/living roofs Position of house
Can you think of any more?
Eco-Home Design Competition
Calling all young eco-innovators! Your class is invited to take part in the Eco-Home Design Competition , where creativity meets sustainability. Your Mission: Design the Home of the Future On a A4 blank page, draw your very own Eco-Home. Think about how your ideal home can help protect the planet. Choose which features you’d like to include from the list above—like solar panels, green roofs, or rainwater collection systems—and show how they make your home more sustainable.
Whole Class Activity
Note for teachers: We recommend allocating at least one planning session for this activity, and then 1-2 sessions to create the eco- homes.
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Optional extras for your design:
Glue sticks or tape
Cardboard boxes (recycled packaging, cereal boxes, etc.)
Paper tubes (from toilet rolls or kitchen rolls)
Old magazines or newspapers
Markers, crayons, or coloured pencils
Scrap paper
Scraps of fabric
Tin foil
Natural materials like twigs, leaves, dried flowers
String
Pipe cleaners
When you are finished, label your design and give it a name.
WHAT YOU COULD WIN FOR YOUR CLASSROOM:
The best eco-house design will win a Portable Renewable Energy Demonstration Eco House—worth over £5,000 and provided by Quantum Training. This hands-on, energy-efficient model brings green technology to life in the classroom. Students can explore lighting, insulation, solar power, heat pumps, and more—perfect for teaching students about renewables. The winning school will also receive a free training session on how to use the Eco House and its software.
Deadline for submissions: Wednesday 23rd July.
For teachers: Please select the top three Eco-Home designs from your class and send them to furthereducation@thequantumgroup.uk.com with your school’s name in the subject line. Please provide up to three quality photos of each design for our judging panel to review.
Please note: The Eco House will be provided to the winning school for one term only. Full details, including set-up requirements and dimensions, will be provided to the winning school in advance.
Whole Class Activity - Green Jobs and Futures Exploring Real Green Jobs Introduce pupils to the real jobs connected to making greener homes and a healthier planet:
Solar Panel Technician – Fits solar panels to houses to create clean electricity.
Energy Advisor – Helps families make homes warmer and save energy.
Electric Vehicle Engineer – Builds and fixes cars that run on electricity.
Wildlife Conservationist – Protects animals, plants and green spaces.
Environmental Scientist – Tests air, water and soil to fight pollution.
Discussion: Which green job sounds the most interesting? Which job do you think is most important for helping the planet?
In today’s rapidly evolving world, educators face an immense challenge: How do we inspire young people to envision ambitious futures? How do we help them develop the confidence, creativity, and determination they need to thrive? Many schools across the UK are turning to a fresh, engaging, and transformative opportunity known as Dream Big Day, an event designed to spark wonder, ignite curiosity, and unlock every pupil’s potential. With a focus on practical activities and robust resources, Dream Big Day helps schools create unforgettable moments of inspiration—moments that can have a lasting impact on young minds. If you’ve been seeking a programme that nurtures self-belief, sparks creativity, and encourages pupils of all backgrounds to dream without boundaries, look no further. Dream Big Day is here to powerfully transform how children view themselves and their futures. Read on to learn more about this exciting initiative and discover how you can sign up to take part.
The Power of “Dreaming Big” in Education
Why Dreaming Big Matters
Educators are in a unique position to shape the trajectory of young lives. By helping pupils to “dream big,” we invite them to explore all the possibilities the world has to offer—whether in the arts, sciences, technology, entrepreneurship, or beyond. The act of dreaming big can encourage children to consider academic paths and careers they might not have envisioned otherwise, bridging gaps in expectations and inspiring them to see beyond perceived limitations. Research has consistently shown that high aspirations are correlated with greater academic motivation, stronger self-efficacy, and improved life outcomes. When pupils have a vision of the future they want to create, they often become more committed to their studies and personal growth.
Breaking Down Barriers
Unfortunately, not all pupils see their potential as unlimited. Factors such as socioeconomic background, learning differences, and cultural stereotypes can create barriers to big thinking. Pupils from marginalised communities, for example, may feel that certain careers or life pathways are “not for them,” leading to self-imposed limitations. Dream Big Day is specifically designed to chip away at these barriers. Through inclusive, inspiring, and highly engaging programming, it gives every pupil an opportunity to see themselves as someone with valuable gifts and boundless possibilities.
Turning Aspirations into Action
Dream Big Day doesn’t just encourage pupils to dream—it also equips them with practical tools to turn those dreams into reality. Activities are built around real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and imagination. By combining inspiration with hands-on learning experiences, Dream Big Day ensures that pupils develop both the mindset and the skills to follow through on their ambitions. This two-pronged approach—infusing hope while teaching practical tools—is what sets Dream Big Day apart.
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What Is Dream Big Day?
Dream Big Day started as a grassroots initiative by a group of passionate educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who wanted to close the gap between potential and achievement. Recognising that many pupils lacked exposure to certain career paths or life experiences, the group established a singular event dedicated to raising aspirations and fostering self-belief. Over time, the programme expanded to include diverse interactive sessions, curated resources, and a growing online platform that any school can tap into. Origins of the Programme
Core Components
How It Works
Inspirational Workshops – Delivered by professionals and thought leaders from various industries, these workshops help pupils imagine life in roles they might not have previously considered. From coding and app development to creative arts, environmental activism, engineering, healthcare, finance, and beyond, the workshops are designed to open young minds to the full spectrum of career possibilities. Interactive Challenges – Pupils team up to tackle fun, hands-on challenges that reflect real-world problems. These challenges build important skills like collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. Plus, they give pupils a chance to experience the thrill of innovation in a supportive environment. Reflective Sessions – At the close of Dream Big Day, pupils are invited to reflect on their learning experiences, identify their personal strengths, and set goals for the future. By emphasising self-awareness, these sessions promote long-term growth and motivation, reinforcing the idea that “dreaming big” can (and should) become an everyday mindset.
Schools that participate in Dream Big Day register on the Dream Big Day website to access a curated set of tools, guides, and scheduling options. The programme can be delivered entirely in- person or as a hybrid model, with some sessions facilitated by guest speakers online. The materials are flexible, allowing educators to adapt the content to suit their particular cohorts. Dream Big Day typically runs over a full day to ensure immersive engagement, though some schools choose to extend the activities over multiple days.
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The Benefits of Participating in Dream Big Day
Boosting Pupil Motivation – Pupils who see the bigger picture—who have been given a glimpse of who they can become—are more likely to engage fully in their education. One of the hallmarks of Dream Big Day is the tangible surge in pupil enthusiasm it sparks. When they hear from aerospace engineers working on space missions, or a local entrepreneur who turned a passion into a thriving business, or a medical researcher on the cusp of a life-changing discovery, the classroom becomes a gateway to possibility. Cultivating Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity – Dream Big Day prioritises diverse voices and representation. Its workshops highlight a wide range of backgrounds, genders, cultures, and personal journeys. Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s woven into the event’s DNA. For pupils who might not see many role models that look like them or share their experiences, encountering success stories from individuals with similar backgrounds can be life-changing. Developing Key 21st Century Skills – The interactive challenges at the heart of Dream Big Day are meticulously designed to hone critical 21st century skills—communication, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy. Pupils learn how to collaborate across differences, brainstorm effectively, and present their ideas in compelling ways. These are the skills that will serve them not only in the future workforce but also in day-to-day life. Ready to Dream Big? Click here to read more about Dream Big Day! Discover how to get involved with a step-by-step guide, read what teachers and pupils loved about last year’s event through real testimonials, and explore the inspiring impact it’s had on schools across the UK. Let’s work together to spark ambition and help every child dream big!
Enhancing Teacher Engagement and Professional Development – Educators also stand to benefit significantly from Dream Big Day. By taking part, teachers are exposed to new teaching strategies, resource materials, and best practices in delivering aspiration-raising experiences. Many teachers report feeling recharged and motivated after witnessing pupils’ excitement and growth. Moreover, this can feed directly into professional development goals, equipping staff with fresh approaches to embedding careers guidance and personal development themes into the wider curriculum. Forging Stronger Community Links – Dream Big Day encourages schools to invite local businesses and community organisations to collaborate. This approach not only helps pupils see a wide range of real-world pathways but also fosters stronger school-community partnerships. These connections can lead to further opportunities, such as internships, mentorships, or community service projects that extend well beyond Dream Big Day itself.
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Jobs of the Future: Rising Careers Primary Pupils Should Be Aware Of While many of today’s pupils will grow up to work in careers that already exist, a large number will enter jobs that haven’t even been invented yet. That’s why it’s important to start building curiosity, adaptability, and aspiration early, by introducing pupils to a wide range of future-focused careers from an early age. As technology advances and the world continues to change, the future workplace will look very different. Helping pupils understand some of the rising and emerging roles can broaden their outlook and give real-world context to classroom learning.
Here are just a few examples of growing industries and jobs that could shape the career landscape over the next decade:
Digital Design, Gaming & App Development
The digital world is expanding, and so are the careers within it. Jobs such as game developers, UX designers, and app creators combine technical skill with creative thinking. Whether it's through classroom coding clubs or digital storytelling, early exposure can build both interest and confidence.
Robotics & Artificial Intelligence
With automation on the rise, careers in robotics engineering, AI programming, and machine learning are expected to grow. Introducing children to the basic principles of coding, logic, and digital design can spark interest in these fields early on, and help them understand how creativity and tech go hand-in-hand.
Space & Satellite Technology
With the growth of commercial space travel and satellite communications, there is increasing demand for aerospace engineers, space analysts, and remote sensing specialists . While space-related careers may seem futuristic, topics like astronomy, physics and exploration already exist in the curriculum and provide ideal entry points. Inspiring Possibility in the Next Generation Careers education at the primary level isn’t about asking children to choose a job for life, it’s about showing them what’s possible. By opening their eyes to the wide range of future roles, we give them permission to dream big, explore their interests, and understand how the world is changing. The more pupils see that the subjects they’re learning now could lead to exciting,
Green & Sustainability-Focused Careers
From tackling climate change to conserving wildlife, the demand for green jobs is growing fast. Roles like sustainability officers, renewable energy engineers, and urban farmers will be essential in helping protect the planet. Embedding eco-conscious discussions into subjects like science, geography and PSHE can help pupils connect learning with purpose.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Roles
As society places greater emphasis on mental health, careers in counselling, wellbeing support, and youth coaching are becoming more visible and valued. Classroom conversations around emotions, empathy, and communication not only support personal development but also highlight the importance of people-focused roles.
meaningful futures, the more motivated they’ll be to stay curious and confident throughout their learning journey.
Career Guide: Creative Careers for Students
Creativity is a huge part of society, it shapes the way we communicate, learn, and solve problems. From advertising and entertainment to product design and architecture, creative minds are behind many of the things we see and use every day. Introducing creative skills at a young age can give students a powerful advantage in life. Not only does it help with problem-solving and confidence, but it also opens doors to a wide range of exciting and fulfilling careers.
Creative Subjects to Add to Your Lesson Schedule
There are many school subjects that spark imagination and help young people discover their creative potential. Whether through hands-on art projects or digital design, these lessons can lay the foundation for future creative careers.
Art
IT and Digital Design
Science
Art lessons allow students to express themselves through drawing, painting, sculpting and more. Exploring different art styles and learning about famous artists helps children develop their own artistic identity. From making collages to creating clay sculptures, art is a broad and exciting subject that fosters creativity in many forms.
Technology is a brilliant tool for creativity. Learning basic coding through platforms like Scratch helps students build their own games and animations, combining logic with imaginative design. Exploring web design, app development, or even digital photography can also lead to careers in tech, design, or gaming in the future.
It might surprise you, but science lessons can also be highly creative! Think of making papier- mâché volcanoes, experimenting with colourful chemical reactions, or using sweets like Skittles to create tie-dye patterns on paper. These hands-on experiments nurture curiosity and can spark a lifelong interest in scientific and engineering careers.
Creative subjects do more than fill gaps in a school timetable. They allow students to relax, explore new ideas, and express themselves in different ways. More importantly, they give children the opportunity to discover what they enjoy, and potentially what they want to do in the future. Many creative careers start with a spark of interest at school. By encouraging creativity early on, teachers and parents can help young people explore career options they might not have considered before. Why Creative Subjects Matter
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What Are Some Creative Careers?
There are many exciting job opportunities available for young people who enjoy creative subjects. Some are in the spotlight, while others happen behind the scenes, but all of them value imagination, innovation, and originality. Here are just a few creative careers that students might be inspired to explore:
Theatre & Acting Performing on stage or screen is a dream for many students who love drama and storytelling. Careers in acting can include theatre, film, voiceover work, and more. Even roles in directing, set design, and costume making allow creativity to shine in the entertainment industry.
Marketing & Advertising Creativity is essential in the world of marketing. From designing eye-catching campaigns to writing engaging content, this career path suits students who enjoy thinking outside the box and connecting with audiences.
Graphic & Product Design Design careers combine problem-solving with artistic flair. Whether it's creating logos, packaging, fashion pieces, or everyday products, designers help shape the world around us. Software skills and visual storytelling are important in this field.
Visual Artist Becoming a professional artist can include painting, sculpture, illustration, or digital art. Some artists work on commission, while others create collections or collaborate with galleries, media companies, or publishers.
Music & Audio Production Students passionate about music might consider careers in sound production, songwriting, DJing, or even composing music for films and games. This field rewards both technical skills and musical creativity.
Writing & Publishing For students who enjoy storytelling, careers in writing, editing, journalism or publishing may be a perfect fit. Whether it's writing novels, blog posts, scripts or magazine articles, writing careers are built on
imagination and communication.
Creative skills aren’t just for artists, they’re valuable in every area of life and work. Encouraging students to explore creative subjects at school can help them develop confidence, communication skills, and a sense of identity. Whether your students dream of designing video games, performing on stage, or creating the next big marketing campaign, their creative journey starts in the classroom. Explore, create, and imagine, the future is full of creative opportunities! Final Thoughts: Unlocking Creative Potential
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Incorporating Careers into Everyday Learning
Careers education doesn’t have to wait until secondary school, and it doesn’t need to be a standalone subject. In fact, the best career learning happens when it’s woven naturally into everyday classroom experiences. By bringing the world of work into lessons in simple, engaging ways, we help children connect what they’re learning now with the opportunities they could explore in the future. Whether it’s through class visits, virtual talks or hands-on projects, careers education in primary school can spark lifelong ambition.
Virtual Talks & Career Chats
Bringing professionals into the classroom, even virtually, can open young minds to a wide range of careers. Through platforms like Zoom or Teams, pupils can meet people in roles they may have never heard of before. They can also watch short video introductions or take part in live Q&A sessions, where they get to ask questions directly and hear personal stories about different career journeys.
Class Visits & School Trips
Taking pupils to real workplaces makes the world of work come alive. Visiting a fire station, hospital, museum, theatre or even a local bakery can be an exciting way to see what jobs look like in action. It helps children understand the teamwork, tools and creativity involved in different roles, and sparks their curiosity about where they might fit in one day.
Why It Matters in Primary School
Raises aspirations early Shows the value of school subjects in real life Breaks down stereotypes about “who” can do certain jobs Helps pupils see a bigger picture for their future
Learning in Context
Careers learning works best when it’s part of everyday lessons. In maths , children can explore how shop owners or architects use numbers. In English , they can connect storytelling to careers in journalism or law. Science topics can lead to discussions about doctors, vets or astronauts. Art lessons are a great opportunity to explore design, fashion or animation jobs. When pupils see real- world links, learning feels more meaningful.
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Get Parents & the Community Involved
Parents, carers, and school staff have a wealth of experience that can enrich careers education. Hosting a “Careers Carousel” where adults share their job stories, or setting up a “Career Wall” featuring parents’ roles, helps children make real-life connections. It’s also powerful when children are encouraged to interview someone at home about their work, it builds confidence and shows how careers are part of everyday life.
Simple Tools to Use:
Classroom role play (e.g. doctors’
Creative career corners – displays or interactive stations exploring different jobs
Career-related stories and picture books
Job of the week features in assembly or PSHE
office, café, newsroom)
It’s About Showing Possibility Careers education doesn’t need to be complicated. By using the tools and topics already in place, schools can create a culture of aspiration that grows with each child. Every time a pupil learns how a subject connects to the wider world, they gain a clearer picture of what’s possible, and that is the foundation for dreaming big.
Dream Big Day
One great way to start career conversations early is by getting involved in Dream Big Day, a national celebration designed to inspire young students to explore the world of work. Taking
part is easy, with free resources, videos, and activity ideas available to help schools spark curiosity and ambition in the classroom. It’s a brilliant opportunity to show pupils that careers education can be fun, creative and full of possibility, and it’s the perfect starting point for embedding career-related learning all year round.
Visit www.dreambigday.co.uk to find useful resources and more information, to make your Dream Big Day BIG!
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Careers are for Everyone: How to Support SEND Pupils in Exploring Work In today's education system, it's essential that schools are places where inclusivity and equality are not only encouraged but actively implemented. Every child deserves to feel valued, understood, and included. This is especially important for pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), who may require additional support or adaptations in order to thrive. As we continue to raise awareness around diversity and inclusion, one important area to focus on is how we prepare all students—including those with SEND—for future careers. It’s never too early to start encouraging aspirations, and with the right support, every child can dream big.
Adjust Teaching Methods: Use a combination of verbal instructions, visual aids, and hands-on activities. This caters to various learning styles and makes lessons more engaging for students with different needs. Involve Everyone in Opportunities: All students should be shown the full range of career options and learning activities, regardless of their disability or educational needs. Avoid assumptions about what they can or cannot do. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps: For younger pupils or those who may become overwhelmed easily, breaking down tasks can help them stay focused and motivated.
Why Inclusive Education Matters
Inclusive education isn't just about meeting legal requirements—it's about creating an environment where all children feel seen, supported, and respected. Children with SEND may face more challenges than their peers, but that doesn’t mean they lack ambition or the ability to achieve. They simply need the right tools and opportunities to reach their potential. Schools have a vital role to play in providing early access to career inspiration, and ensuring SEND pupils are not left behind when it comes to thinking about their futures.
How to Make Your Learning More Inclusive
If you’re a teacher, teaching assistant or anyone supporting young people in education, there are many simple and effective ways to make your learning environment more inclusive for SEND pupils: Use Accessible Content Online: Add captions or alt text to all images on your school websites, blogs, and presentations. This is especially helpful for students who are blind or visually impaired, allowing screen readers to explain what the image is about. Consider Colour Backgrounds: For pupils with dyslexia, using coloured overlays or different background shades (such as pastel tones) can help make text easier to read and process.
Supporting Primary Students with SEND
For primary-aged children, career conversations might feel a long way off, but early exposure to different jobs and interests can lay strong foundations for the future. Here are some practical and fun ways to introduce careers to primary pupils with SEND:
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Use Role Play and Dressing Up: Create themed career days where children can dress up as firefighters, doctors, artists or scientists. This helps bring jobs to life in a way that's interactive and inclusive. Invite Guest Visitors: Bring in visitors from a range of professions—including those with disabilities themselves. Seeing representation can be incredibly powerful and show pupils that anything is possible. Create Personalised Learning Goals: Tailor activities to suit each child's interests and abilities. This helps SEND pupils build confidence and feel proud of their progress. Visual Timetables and Job Charts: These tools can help pupils understand what’s coming next and feel a sense of control, which is especially helpful for children with autism or anxiety. Encourage Strengths and Interests: Whether it’s music, building, drawing or caring for animals, helping pupils build on their strengths can naturally lead into learning about related careers.
Useful Resources
There are plenty of high-quality resources available to help educators and parents support SEND students more effectively: BBC Bitesize SEND BBC Bitesize SEND offers articles, tips, and student-friendly content designed to help children with SEND learn in a supportive and inclusive way. It also includes stories from young people with additional needs, helping to inspire and educate. Twinkl SEND Resources Twinkl has a large selection of free and premium resources specifically designed for students with SEND, including visual timetables, differentiated worksheets, and sensory-friendly activities. Ambitious about Autism This charity offers brilliant tools and advice for working with children on the autism spectrum, including early years and school-based resources.
Final Thoughts
Careers are for everyone, and that means every pupil, no matter their ability, deserves the chance to explore, imagine, and plan for their future. By creating inclusive classrooms and actively supporting children with SEND, we help them build the confidence, skills and ambition they need to thrive in life and work. Let’s make sure that the message is clear from the start: everyone belongs, and everyone has potential. Their dream career is possible and they just have to work towards it.
www.careermap.co.uk
Careermag for Primary Schools - Issue 3 | 21
Didn’t get a chance to celebrate Dream Big Day this year? Or already planning ahead for next time? Now’s the perfect time to get involved! Whether you're a school, educator, or supporter of early careers education, we’d love to help you take part.
Our Aims:
It was really cool hearing from a local artist who uses technology to create interactive sculptures. I love drawing, but I never realised that art and programming could mix together! Leon, Year 7 Pupil
Empowerment
Dream Big Day aims to empower school students to dream big and envision a future filled with possibilities. We believe that every child has the potential to achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Community Engagment
Dream Big Day brings together schools, parents, volunteers, and industry professionals to create a supportive and inspiring community dedicated to the success of every child. By fostering collaboration and partnership, we amplify the impact of Dream Big Day and create lasting connections within the community.
Get in touch now!
Exploration
Dream Big Day encourages students to explore a wide range of career paths and industries, sparking their curiosity. By exposing them to diverse career options, we aim to broaden their horizons, break gender stereotyping of careers and inspire them to pursue their interests.
Education
Education is at the heart of Dream Big Day, as we believe that knowledge is the key to unlocking future opportunities. By hosting Dream Big Day within your school grounds, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with Careermap for Primary and top educators.
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