Researching Career Choices

Year Group

Year 12+ (16+ Specialist SEND Provision)

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

6 students

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Unit Title

Exploring Career Pathways (Lesson 3 of 5)

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Curriculum for Wales Alignment

Curriculum Area

Other: Personal Development and Wellbeing (Careers Education & Work-Related Experiences)

Relevant Curriculum Statements

• Career and Work-Related Experiences (CWE6-9):
  Learners develop an understanding of different career paths and the qualifications and skills needed to enter them.
• Personal and Social Education (PSE3-4):
  Learners develop self-awareness, research skills, and the ability to create structured personal information.
• Cross-Curricular Skills
  • Communication and Literacy: Presenting information clearly.
  • Digital Competence: Using technology for research.
• Vital Skills
  • Planning and Organisation: Structuring research and findings.
  • Creativity and Innovation: Presenting information visually or verbally.

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

WALT: Conduct detailed research on chosen career options, exploring job roles, responsibilities, and necessary qualifications.

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Success Criteria

Students will be able to:

• Identify key job roles and responsibilities of one chosen career.
• Outline the qualifications needed for entry and progression in that career.
• Present their findings clearly using a structured template or digital aid.

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Resources Needed

• Tablets with internet access (one per student)
• Career research template (printed and digital versions)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Visual aids featuring career sectors (poster cards)
• Timer/Clock
• Headphones (optional for focus)
• Quiet workspace zones for concentration

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Need	Strategy	Rationale
Fine motor skill challenges	Tablet use for typing or speech-to-text options	Reduces frustration and enables easier recording of information
ADHD (attention difficulties)	Structured templates with clear sections & bullet points	Breaks down tasks into manageable chunks to maintain focus
ASD (preference for visual info)	Use of visual career sector cards and flowcharts	Supports understanding through visual stimuli and reduces cognitive overload
Varied literacy levels	Option to present orally or via recorded audio-presentation	Allows learners to express understanding in their preferred communication style

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Details/Support
0-5 mins	Starter - Recap and Set Intentions	- Quick recap of previous lessons using career sector poster cards. - WALT and Success Criteria displayed and read aloud.
5-10 mins	Introduction to Research Task	- Explanation of task: choose a career, research job roles, responsibilities, and qualifications. - Distribute templates and tablets.
10-40 mins	Main Task: Independent Research & Template Completion	- Students use tablets to research their chosen careers. - Template guides note-taking in key areas: Job Role, Responsibilities, Qualifications. - Teacher circulates, offering tailored support. - Use timer for a 10-minute "focus slot", then 5-minute break as needed to support attention.
40-55 mins	Presentation Preparation & Practice	- Students organise their research into a short presentation (3-5 minutes) using the template or digital tools. - One-to-one support for speech prep if needed.
55-60 mins	Presentations and Plenary	- Each student shares findings with the group. - Peer feedback prompt: “One thing I found interesting” from each listener. - Teacher summarises learning and links to next lesson.

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Assessment (Formative)

• Ongoing observation of research process, noting use of resources and ability to extract relevant information.
• Review of completed templates for completeness and accuracy.
• Evaluation of presentations for clarity and understanding of researched career.
• Use of verbal questioning during plenary to check understanding.

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Behaviour and Engagement Strategies

• Use of positive reinforcement and calm verbal prompts to maintain focus.
• Scheduled brain breaks and movement between tasks to aid concentration.
• Clear, predictable routines with visual timetable accessible throughout.

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Reflection and Follow-Up

• Collect feedback on ease of research and presentation mode preferences.
• Adjust future lessons for tool/format accessibility based on learner feedback.
• Provide extension activity: research another career sector at home or via a career mentor visit.

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Note: This lesson plan respects the Curriculum for Wales ethos of developing healthy, confident individuals who are ambitious and capable learners, ready to explore and reflect on their career options with a strong sense of self-awareness and resilience.