A report commissioned by the charity Education and Employers showed that direct encounters with the world of work can change the attitude of key stage 4 pupils to their education – from influencing their future plans and subject choices to motivating them to study harder.
The study also found that lower achievers and less engaged learners gained the most from opportunities like these.
Researchers used data from 650 students, all in their GCSE year and from five schools across England. They found that those who attended three extra careers talks reported an average nine per cent increase in their weekly revision hours.
Analysis of the students’ GCSE grades revealed a direct link between the careers talks and those getting better grades than predicted.
Dr Elnaz Kashefpakdel, head of research at Education and Employers, said: “This report shows that short interactions with volunteers from the world of work can have a powerful impact on attainment – and more significantly, that the low achievers and less engaged learners have the most to gain.”
The charity works to connect schools with volunteers from the world of work and its report – Motivated to achieve – is due to be published on June 6.
- Motivated to achieve, Education and Employers, June 2019: http://bit.ly/2Mf95WY