Futures Education

We offer a range of opportunities for children to have direct contact with people in a variety of jobs. We believe that children need exposure to careers from a very young age and need to better understand what is available to them in the future and to guide their choices in life. Careers discussions are built into the taught curriculum.

We seek to provide a range of opportunities that help us identify a child's talent through musical, linguistic, mathematical and creative opportunities.  Our Maker curriculum develops the skills and knowledge for a career that involves 3D printing, digital literacy, electronics, design and construction. We are a partner of The University of Sheffield developing materials that support schools to become Maker schools. A strong focus on the progression of core skills such as speaking and listening, problem solving, creativity, leadership, resilience and aspiration are embedded across the whole school and prepare children for the future.  

The curriculum is designed to break down stereotypes and bias so that children have aspirational career choices. We engage in The University of Sheffield STEM visitors in school programme which challenges stereotypes in industry. Parents and friends of the school deliver talks and opportunities to explore careers and the University of Sheffield medical students deliver a 5 week programme of after school learning during their community placement each year, sharing skills needed in the medical industry.

Our life skills progression at Red Robin House is designed to incorporate financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills into the learning programme. Children learn how to budget and save. 

Arbourthorne is an ambassador school for Kidzania which is a child size city promoting careers and work place environments to primary school children. Arbourthorne colleagues have supported the development of materials to accompany the experiences globally for Kidzania. Children engage in role play activities and jobs which and are rewarded with Kidzos (currency) to spend in the shop. Favourites for pupils at Arbourthorne including being a pilot, banker, fire fighter and police officer. Each role-play experience teaches skills in financial literacy, team work and independence. We have supported the development of a programme for pupils with SEND.   

The children of Arbourthorne present to the staff at KidZania at their staff meeting.  Children from school were invited to attend the KidZania staff briefing. We took time out from our busy schedule to go to KidZania and talk to the staff about our school and what KidZania means for us. The children spoke about what they enjoyed the most, about KidZos - KidZania currency and how privileged they felt to be able to go to KidZania.  Many of the children who spoke have visited Kidzania more than once. They children said that KidZania was an amazing place to visit and it just got better and better each time they went. They had their sights firmly set on future careers following the visit. 

The pupils and staff of Arbourthorne Primary School shared their thoughts about KidZania London.  Click on the link below to watch our YouTube clip. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkeC8h614J4&feature=em-subs_digest