How to create a future pathways programme

With a passion for creating high education and careers curriculum, here are the top five things I have learned over the years on how to create a successful future pathways programme.

1. Educate early

Career education should start at key stage three (KS3) and can even begin in primary school. It is never too early for careers and higher education guidance and the earlier you can start a progressive programme the more success you are likely to see. See this short PDF by Tristram Hooley for My Future, Australia.  

At KS3 a careers curriculum can bust myths such as students at A level schools can only go to univeristy in the UK or that all high school alumni go to university. Starting this myth-busting early results in an increase in right-fit destinations and explorations of options and alternatives all over the world.  

Teaching prompt: what myths do your KS3 students hold about the future pathways from your school and how can you help bust them? 

2. Linking the future pathways programme to your school's motto and values 

The school motto is usually representative of what the school values most regarding the purpose of education. When designing any new initiative linking it to the school's motto and values is paramount. 

For example, schools with the motto “Creating Leaders for Tomorrow” or “Believe bigger; Aim higher” should have a different approach to their future pathways programme. This is HELP School, Malaysia’s, explanation of their motto. When utilising career resources, take a moment to make small alterations resulting in a more bespoke career education for your school.  

Teaching prompt: What is your school motto and how can you incorporate it into the future aspirations of your students? 

3. Decide on a framework 

To stay accountable, and measure success and impact, decide on a framework, or create your own framework. There are brilliant resources already available, but if you are working internationally you may want to mix and match to create a bespoke framework for your students. 

I use a mix of the Gatsby Guidance, the CDI and The Australian Core Skills for Work and took inspiration locally as well as from Canada, Hong Kong and Vietnam as I am situated in Malaysia.  

Teaching anaylsis: What would success in a future pathways programme look like to you and how would you measure impact?

4. Communicate with past and present students

I believe this is the key to creating an impactful higher education and career curriculum, and also one that has the flexibility to change as the world changes.

Finding out from key stage four (KS4) what they really want to know about higher education and careers as well as what alumni wish they had been told can be instrumental in the implementation and continued development of career education.

Career education can focus on students' concerns such as AI, the fifth industrial revolution and skills-based hiring. Check out this LinkedIn post from Holly Hobbs as she tries to address this knowledge gap with her company The Early Talent Employer.  

Engaging alumni and showing their stories through short videos and panel discussions can also increase awareness and representation of multiple future pathways in a personalised way.  Connecting with external EdTech companies such as Millie can also help schools to connect with their alumni and provide talks to broaden students' horizons.  

Teaching analysis: What can you learn from students past and present to develop an impactful future pathways programme? How can you utilise your alumni network?

5. Continued professional development

Early on I realised the need to gain a broader understanding of higher education and careers, so as well as attending counsellor conferences and CPD events regularly, I also started my NVQ Level 4 in careers in 2021. I completed my NVQ Level 6 this year. This qualification focuses on theory and practice and has been instrumental in developing my role.  I created an infographic of my favorite theories and how I use them here.  

Career prompt: What CPD can you identify and undertake to help you build your FP programme? If you haven’t already - sign up for THE CAP.