Primary Futures

The children have all taken part in the ‘When I Grow Up…’ competition. As a school, we have always used Primary Futures resources to support children’s enrichment and we work with others to prepare children for the modern world.

We know that many primary schools ask children about their hopes and aspirations for the future. This year, to coincides with the 10th anniversary of Primary Futures, we want to celebrate and showcase what children aspire to and capture their creativity and imagination. In partnership with the NAHT, we are inviting primary schools across the country to get involved, asking their children to draw a picture of what they want to be when they grow up – it is as simple as that! (Primary Futures)

Primary Schools

What is Primary Futures?

Children in assembly

Primary Futures is a simple and effective way to link learning to the wider world. Developed with teachers, it connects primary schools with diverse workplace volunteers to take part in aspirational activities and talk with children about their jobs.

Why talking with people from a range of jobs at primary-age matters

Children form stereotypes about occupations, careers and pathways from the age of six.(1)

Our Starting Early report shows:

  • Starting aspirations learning at primary-age is key to social mobility
  • Meeting real-life role models from the world of work increases motivation to learn and challenges stereotypes
  • Disadvantaged children often benefit the most from activities

Alongside benefiting children’s subject learning and soft skills, aspirations activities can support school improvement objectives and pupil needs. These include pupil premium strategies, raising underachievement, and making links with curriculum topics.

What do I get with Primary Futures?

Boys with volunteers

With a strong evidence base developed through working with schools across the country, Primary Futures is free and open to all state schools. Just sign up or log in to:

  • Use our self-service platform to invite volunteers from different jobs, sectors and career routes to speak with children at your school, virtually or in-person.
  • Access pre-recorded video sessions for use in the classroom – topics include gender stereotypes, TV and tech, and jobs in the NHS.
  • Download resources to help plan your own activities or complement awareness initiatives such as World Book Day or Science Week. And see how to connect to the workplace with curriculum topics like civil rights and polar exploration.
  • Gain bespoke support to help you use the platform and plan your sessions, plus access live or on-demand interactive training for teachers on best practice ideas.

Visitors throughout the year to talk about their careers

CAREERS WEEK

The children have really enjoyed Careers Week, which we linked closely to our school values of : Care and Compassion, Respect, Resilience and Aspirations! We welcomed several visitors and had a day ‘dressed as our future self’.

AUTHOR VISIT: Children in Class 1 and Class 2 enjoyed reading and writing workshops from local author Dan Worsley. The children learnt about the importance of believing in yourself and to not give up when times are hard. Children loved the creative workshops and they showcased their creative writing with their peers!

CAFOD CLUB: The children in Class 2 were joined by the children of St. Francis (our collaborative School), Christine Dewhurst who is our local CAFOD representative and volunteer chaplains from St. Mary’s Catholic College in Blackpool. The children looked at what they can do as young people to support people locally and around the world. We looked at the work of chaplaincy, and how important it is to do a job that gives you fulfilment, where you feel you are making a difference in someone else’s life.

HOMELESS SHELTER SUPPORT: We welcomed Phil from Lancaster Homeless Shelter who talked about the important work he does within the community to support those people who do not have a home in Lancaster. He discussed his job role and the fulfilment he gets from supporting those in need. The children discussed ways in which they can make a difference and try to support people who are in need of help.

FUTIRE SELF DAY: We had Zoo Keepers, Rock Stars and even a activists for the greater good! The children enjoyed dressing as their future self! In class, we looked at a range of jobs that are available and how important it is to have aspirations!