Education and Employers’ latest report suggests that encounters with the world of work can improve GCSE results
For the first time in England, using a robust methodological approach (Randomised Control Trial) links have been demonstrated between young people’s engagement with the world of work through career talks and their GCSE attainment.
This new research, entitled ‘Motivated to achieve’ shows that participation in career talks with volunteers from the world of work can change the attitudes of Key Stage 4 (14-16 years old) pupils to their education. This can influence their future plans and subject choices, motivate them to study harder and supports an improvement in academic attainment – even when taking place only a few months before their exams start. It showed, for the first time, that lower achievers and less engaged learners responded best to the intervention. This is particularly pertinent for schools facing funding challenges and considering where best to allocate their finite time and resources.
