Crafting Your CV

Curriculum Area

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)

Level

Key Stage 4, Year 12

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the importance and purpose of a CV.
2. Identify key components of a professional CV.
3. Create a draft of their own CV utilizing hands-on activities and discussions.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and computer
• Printed CV examples
• CV templates for students
• Pen and paper for each student
• Sticky notes
• Creative markers and colourful paper

Lesson Timeline

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greeting and Settling Down (2 minutes)

   • Welcome the students and take attendance.

2. Warm-Up Discussion (8 minutes)

   • Ask students: "What do you think a CV is, and why is it important?"
   • Write their ideas on the whiteboard.
   • Provide a formal definition of a CV and explain its purpose in job applications.
   • Briefly mention various types of CVs (e.g., functional, chronological, combined) but focus on a basic structure for this lesson.

Main Activity (30 minutes)

1. Exploring CV Components (10 minutes)

   • Distribute examples of professional CVs.
   • Discuss with the class the key sections:
     • Personal Details
     • Personal Profile
     • Education and Qualifications
     • Work Experience
     • Skills
     • Interests and Hobbies
     • References
   • Highlight the importance of tailoring a CV to the job applied for.

2. Group Activity – CV Breakdown (10 minutes)

   • Divide students into 3 small groups.
   • Assign each group with 2-3 CV sections to analyse.
   • Ask them to identify what information should be included in their assigned sections.
   • Let them write their findings on sticky notes.

3. Presentation and Sticky Note Display (10 minutes)

   • Groups present their findings.
   • Create a collaborative 'CV Wall' by sticking the notes under each section heading on a large sheet of paper on the wall.
   • Make adjustments based on peer feedback.

Hands-On CV Drafting (15 minutes)

• Distribute CV templates and allow students to start drafting their own CVs using the template.
• Encourage them to use real information where possible and invent details as practice for sections like 'Work Experience' if necessary.
• Walk around to provide individual support and answer questions.

Conclusion and Homework (5 minutes)

1. Review Key Points (2 minutes)

   • Recap the main components of a CV.
   • Emphasise the importance of accuracy and honesty in their CVs.

2. Peer Review Homework Assignment (3 minutes)

   • Assign students to complete a draft of their CV for homework.
   • They will bring their drafts to the next class for a peer-review session.
   • Provide guidance on what elements peer reviews should focus on (clarity, relevance, spelling, and grammar).

Assessment

• Informal assessment during group activities and individual support sessions.
• Formal assessment of CV drafts through peer feedback in subsequent lesson.

Extension Activity

• Invite a local business owner or HR professional to give a talk about what they look for in a CV and provide feedback on students' drafts.

By engaging students with hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, this lesson plan ensures that they not only understand how to create a CV but also appreciate its importance in their future careers.