Work-related learning

Preparing students for adult life and for the world of work is an important part of the school curriculum.

At Key Stage 4 (students aged 14 – 16), work-related learning is statutory: this means that schools must deliver this to all students. Work-related learning is defined as learning for work, about work, and through work.

Schools approach this in many different ways. Work experience is a key part of work-related learning, but schools will also include work contexts within other curriculum subjects, and will organise special days concentrating on work-related issues and visits to and from employers, to give students experience of many different aspects of working life.

Students at Key Stage 4 also have an entitlement to five days of enterprise education. Enterprise is part of work-related learning, but it is also broader than this, helping students to develop vital life skills such as team-working, problem-solving and decision-making.

OEBP runs a range of programmes that help schools to deliver both work-related learning and enterprise education.