Careers education: CDI spiral curriculum
The Careers Development Institute (CDI) has created a careers framework based on extensive research and consultations with career development experts and practitioners. It's used by schools, like this one, to create career development programmes to support you in planning, preparing and moving towards the rest of your life.
It helps you develop self-awareness, self-determination, and self-improvement as a learner. It also helps you learn about careers, the world of work, and how to manage your career.
A spiral curriculum is a teaching method that revisits topics multiple times, with each revisit building on the previous one and increasing in complexity each year, so it's appropriate for you as you make choices about which GCSE subjects to choose, what college to go to and what to do after your exams.
At Swanmore College we use the recommended spiral curriculum developed by Unifrog and explore their extensive package when considering Careers and your future.
Sessions in years 7, 8, 10 and 11 are delivered using materials created by Unifrog on the themes below. In year 9 you will have a dedicated 55-minute session each week during which the 6 CDI learning areas are explored in more detail.
In addition to this, we also have a wide range of speakers and guests delivering a range of other activities and opportunities to hear about Careers and choices after you leave Swanmore. Here is what is currently planned for 2024-2025:
Year 7
- January - 2 talks from a local and national company exploring the wide range of careers they offer beyond the obvious ones for the careers sector they are known for.
Year 8
- October - 2 local colleges are visiting to explore the range of options open to pupils after Swanmore and what attending a college is like.
- June - An opportunity for each tutor group to listen to and question local employers/employees on their career journey and/or company.
Year 9
- October – 2 local colleges are visiting to explore the range of options open to pupils after Swanmore and what attending a college is like.
- November - Apprenticeships - an introduction to this route.
- November - An opportunity for each tutor group to listen and question to local employers/employees on their career journey and/or company.
Year 10
- Summer - Apprenticeships - a follow-up and further detailed talk about this route.
- Summer - College pathways - A level route/T levels and other opportunities.
Year 11
- October - 2 local colleges are visiting to explore the full range of options open to pupils after Swanmore and how to apply.
- November - Apprenticeships - applying and where to search for opportunities.
Key Stage 3 (KS3):
| Gatsby | CDI Learning Area | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 3 8 |
Grow throughout life Grow throughout life by learning and reflecting on yourself, your background, and your strengths. |
Who am I? | What are my interests? | What are my skills? |
| 2 7 |
Explore Possibilities Explore the full range of possibilities open to you and learn about recruitment processes and the culture of different workplaces. |
Exploring possibilities: dream jobs | Job applications: superhero CVs | What comes after school: the main learning pathways |
| 2 7 8 |
Manage Career Manage your career actively, make the most of opportunities and learn from setbacks. |
What is a career? | Challenges and rewards of work | Decision making: choosing what to study at KS4 |
| 2 6 7 |
Create opportunities Create opportunities by being proactive and building positive relationships with others. |
What is an entrepreneur? | Creating the life you want: making a vision board | Taking control of your career journey |
| 2 3 6 7 |
Balance life and work Balance your life as a worker and/or entrepreneur with your wellbeing, other interests and your involvement with your family and community. |
What is a work-life balance? | What does success mean to me? | Working and earning: managing your money |
| 2 3 6 |
See the big picture See the big picture by paying attention to how the economy, politics and society connect with your own life and career. |
Careers and the future | Careers and the climate | What is the labour market and why is it important? |
| 3 8 |
Psychometric testing lessons | |||
| 4 | Linking careers to your curriculum | Careers in the curriculum (11-14) | Careers in the curriculum (11-14) | Careers in the curriculum (11-14) |
Key Stage 4 (KS4):
| Gatsby | CDI Learning Area | Year 10 | Year 11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 3 8 |
Grow throughout life Grow throughout life by learning and reflecting on yourself, your background, and your strengths. |
Reflecting on my career journey: past, present and future | What are my employability skills? |
| 2 7 |
Explore Possibilities Explore the full range of possibilities open to you and learn about recruitment processes and the culture of different workplaces. |
Exploring employer profiles | Post 16: Choices, choices |
| 2 7 8 |
Manage Career Manage your career actively, make the most of opportunities and learn from setbacks. |
What type of career is best for me? | Decision making: choosing your post-16 pathway |
| 2 6 7 |
Create opportunities Create opportunities by being proactive and building positive relationships with others. |
Preparing to go on work experience | Researching volunteering and paid work |
| 2 3 6 7 |
Balance life and work Balance your life as a worker and/or entrepreneur with your wellbeing, other interests and your involvement with your family and community. |
Wellbeing in the workplace | Money talks: apprenticeships vs. higher education |
| 2 3 6 |
See the big picture See the big picture by paying attention to how the economy, politics and society connect with your own life and career. |
In-person, hybrid, and remote: what works best? | Is AI a threat to our jobs? |
| 3 8 |
Psychometric testing lessons |
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| 4 | Linking careers to your curriculum | Careers in the curriculum (14-16) | Careers in the curriculum (14-16) |