Work Related Learning

All schools are required to include work-related learning within the curriculum for all pupils at Key Stage 4, although this should be developed whilst they are in KS3.

Work-related learning can take place across the curriculum, with different subjects providing students with the opportunities and contexts in which to develop work-related skills, knowledge and understanding. Work-related learning is defined as planned activity that uses work as a context for learning. It encompasses a broad range of activities that allow students to experience working life. It involves learning about working practices, experiencing the work environment, developing skills for working life and learning through activities and challenges set in work-related contexts.

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Case Studies

Case Study 1

Pakefield Middle School started up a business venture with a group of Year 7 and 8 pupils in September 2007. Pupils wrote to various local businesses/banks trying to gain sponsorship – English across the curriculum. Unsuccessful but not daunted. Pakefield Middle School PTA sponsored the new business venture.

We buy rubber ducks, paint names, happy birthday etc. add motifs as requested. Wrapped in cellophane and sold at a profit. We tried different paint and tried out different painters – Art and DT. Worked out prices and advertised locally in school, starting small. Now in production with pupils taking the orders and completing a spreadsheet. Order form passed to painters. When paint is dry ducks are wrapped and tied. Labels are made with delivery class and name. Students then deliver to rooms.

Over 130 ducks have been painted and sold. Business is now up and running Thursday lunch times. Our next stage is to advertise in the school bulletin to reach a wider audience.  Our advertising campaign will be increased and the ICT team will be making a production video of our team in action. Next stage is to organise on-line ordering – watch the Pakefield Middle School Website.

As pupils leave we will advertise their job and interview pupils. The whole ethos of working together and the steep learning curve of business including the Mathematics of profit and loss makes it an exceptionally valuable lunch time club. Look out for Pakefield Quackers!!!

Staff   Mrs Soughton and Mrs Pattinson

Case Study 2

A year 10 GCSE mathematics group decided to establish a school bank in their own time. With headteacher approval, they researched bank functions on the internet and were visited by a high-street bank education adviser who explained day-to-day operations and what they would have to do to set up the project. Students designed simple cheques for internal issue to depositors.

Click here for the whole document comprising Case Study 2 shown above and 7 other case studies 

 
Practical Applications of Mathematics

A range of resources compiled by the Centre for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching.

Earthquakes
Rankings in Sport
Semaphore
Fair Trade
World Championship for Test Cricket
Global Warming
Easter Date
Fruit Machines
Reading Age Formulae
Physical Fitness
National Lottery
Penalty Shoot-out                                 Click Here