Work Skills

Vision

Our Pearson BTEC Level 2 Work Skills curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, practical understanding and professional behaviours required for employment and further education. Through vocational learning and real-world workplace contexts, pupils develop awareness of employment practices, workplace safety and teamwork.

The course prepares learners for progression into further education, apprenticeships or employment by developing essential employability skills, confidence and independence. Pupils gain a clear understanding of workplace expectations and develop transferable skills that support successful participation in the modern workforce.

Curriculum Intent

The curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ understanding of the workplace alongside essential employability and life skills required for future progression.

We aim to:

Develop understanding of employment and workplace rights

Through Unit 3: Understanding Types of Employment Contract, pupils explore different types of employment contracts, employer and employee responsibilities, workplace expectations and legal rights. They develop knowledge of working conditions and understand how employment arrangements support both employers and employees.

Develop awareness of workplace safety and risk management

Through Unit 12: Assessing and Managing Risk in the Workplace, pupils learn how to identify potential hazards, assess risks and understand the importance of health and safety procedures. They develop understanding of safe working practices and employer responsibilities in maintaining safe environments.

Develop teamwork and collaboration skills

Through Unit 13: Working as Part of a Team, pupils develop communication, cooperation and problem-solving skills. They understand the importance of teamwork in achieving workplace goals and learn how to contribute effectively within a team.

Develop employability and transferable skills

The course supports pupils in developing essential workplace skills including communication, organisation, responsibility and professionalism. These transferable skills prepare learners for further study, training or employment across a range of sectors.

Prepare learners for future pathways

The curriculum provides a foundation for progression into further education, apprenticeships or employment by developing confidence, independence and understanding of workplace expectations.

Curriculum Implementation

The curriculum is delivered through a vocational and practical approach that combines theoretical knowledge with applied workplace scenarios.

Sequencing and Structure

Learning is carefully sequenced to build knowledge, understanding and employability skills over time.

• Pupils begin by developing understanding of employment contracts and workplace responsibilities through Unit 3.
• They then explore workplace safety and risk management through Unit 12, applying knowledge to practical scenarios.
• Learning progresses to teamwork and collaboration through Unit 13, developing communication and interpersonal skills.

This structure ensures progression in knowledge, confidence and workplace readiness across Year 11.

Teaching Approaches

• Lessons include teacher input, discussion, case studies and scenario-based learning.
• Real-world examples help pupils understand workplace practice.
• Role-play and group activities develop teamwork and communication skills.
• Key terminology related to employment and workplace practice is explicitly taught.
• Opportunities for reflection support personal development and self-awareness.

Adaptive teaching ensures all pupils are supported and appropriately challenged.

Assessment

Assessment follows Pearson BTEC requirements through internally assessed coursework.

• Pupils complete assignments demonstrating knowledge, practical understanding and reflection.
• Clear success criteria support pupils in meeting assessment standards.
• Regular feedback enables pupils to improve work and develop confidence.

Curriculum Impact

The impact of the curriculum is seen in pupils who demonstrate understanding of workplace expectations and strong employability skills.

By the end of Year 11, pupils:

• Understand different types of employment contracts and workplace responsibilities.
• Recognise the importance of health and safety and apply risk management principles.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills.
• Show increased confidence, independence and professionalism.
• Apply knowledge to workplace scenarios and real-life contexts.

Pupils are well prepared for further education, apprenticeships or employment and develop transferable skills valued by employers. Ultimately, learners leave the course with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate successfully in the workplace and progress to future education or employment.

Curriculum Overview: