We have worked with employers and teachers to develop Work in Focus challenges. There are many to choose from.
The challenges help to embed careers and work-related experiences (CWRE) in the curriculum. They also help to ensure that employer engagement is meaningful.
How challenges work
You can use the challenges with all year 8 and 9 learners. This includes learners who are more able and talented (MAT) and learners with additional learning needs (ALN).
The challenges are designed to help learners explore the relevance of the subject they are studying to the world of work. During the challenges learners complete real-world tasks. They will develop essential cross-curricular skills including literacy, numeracy and digital competency.
A challenge will take 5 lessons to deliver and complete. We will provide you with a teacher guide and PowerPoint presentation to work through the challenge with your learners.
How learners benefit
Learners will tackle real life challenges or problems that employers face in their workplaces.
The challenges also emphasise important themes, which include:
- Enterprise
- Creative thinking
- Environmental and social responsibility
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Decision making
The challenges
Each challenge has an industry focus or theme and has been developed in partnership with an employer.
The challenges give learners an insight into industries that are important in Wales. These industries are vital to the Welsh economy and offer exciting career opportunities for the future.
Expressive Arts
Aria Studios
Drama
Learners will design a process for getting a script from written format onto the stage.
Challenge theme - communication
Into Film and partners
Art and Design
Learners will identify ways that TV and film productions can become more sustainable.
Challenge themes - NetZero, sustainability
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Health and Wellbeing
Learners will investigate mental health of learners in their school and design resources to support their peers.
Challenge themes - mental health, data analysis
HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)
Health and Wellbeing
Learners will support HMPPS to become a more diverse employer.
Challenge theme - racial equality
Hafren Dyfrwy
Geography
Learners will design a solution to improving water conservation.
Challenge themes - sustainability
Screen Alliance Wales
English
Learners will work as part of a production team to pitch an idea for a film about teenage life in Wales.
Challenge theme - communication
Castell Howell
Health and Wellbeing, maths
Learners will increase their awareness of different jobs within the food and farming sector whilst promoting healthy eating through the smoothie challenge.
Challenge themes - food and drink
Principality
Maths
Learners will design a savings account that appeals to young people.
Challenge themes - numeracy, communication
Aber Instruments
Science
Learners will increase their awareness of the role of a scientist.
Challenge theme - high value manufacturing
Bluestone
Design and Technology
Learners will design sustainable food packaging for use at Bluestone.
Challenge themes - sustainability, circular economy
Bute Energy
Design and Technology
Learners will come up with ideas for recycling wind turbine blades.
Challenge themes - NetZero
HVM Water
Design and Technology
Learners will design a stock control system for HVM Water.
Challenge themes - numeracy
Morlais
Design and Technology
Learners will design a new turbine.
Challenge themes - renewables, NetZero
Willmott Dixon
Construction, Design and Technology
Learners will design a solution to make their school a greener place.
Challenge themes - NetZero
British Transport Police
Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
Learners will create a campaign to change public perception of British Transport Police.
Challenge theme - communication
Conwy Council
Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
Learners will explore ways of ensuring that the redevelopment of Venue Cymru is accessible for all visitors.
Challenge themes - equity and diversity, accessibility
Contact our Employer Engagement Team to find out how.
Supporting resources
Use our Future Jobs Wales with learners to explore Wales’ regions and industries. They can find out what jobs they could do now and in the future.
