SCULPT Team host a Teacher Encounter Day

The SCULPT team held an innovative Teacher Encounter day on 9th July at Southbank, Bankside. A team of careers and subject teachers from Riverside SEND School participated in an immersive agenda, which began with an introduction to SCULPT services and included the opportunity to watch and engage with the Bankside Futures Programme.

The initial bankside futures programme was led by the SCULPT team, showcasing 16-18 year old students designing and leading on their social action campagins for their local community. This activity was run in a classtoom setting; enabling the Riverside teachers to note how this can be adapted and differentiated to the diverse needs of their students with EHCPs and liase with the students completling the work directly.

Discussion expanded into how the programme is developing students curiosity and soft skills which will be essential for successful employment. Teachers highlighted the innovative question prompts and collaborative activities that form the backbone of the programme, which they plan to integrate into their own classroom practices upon their return.

In a breakout session, we had a look at the specific SEND resources created by SCULPT and how these can be utiised in a classroom setting through the lens of ‘work readiness’ and cpaturing the skills for interview preperation. Teachers began to discuss how they can enhance their own careers curriculim with some of the activities that were on display.

Team members from SCULPT shared their inspiring career journeys into the charity sector, highlighting the diverse roles and pathways available for those interested in making a difference. They discussed their personal experiences, from motivations, skill sets and qulaifications to the various positions they’ve held within the organization. The team emphasised the importance of passion, resilience, and adaptability in navigating the charity sector. They also provided insights into the different career opportunities, including project management, fundraising, community outreach, and advocacy, illustrating how each role contributes to the overall mission of the charity.

A highlight of the day was visiting energy tech companies aligning with STEM and the students’ green career focus on sustainability, linking to their social action campaigns. During this visit, we heard from Early year careers professionals discussing their own routes into the industry and amplifying careers pathways in the industry. Reflections from the day continued back at the SCULPT office, with teachers colloaborting on resources to create for the needs of their students based on the teachings of the day.

Claire Bonham, SCULPT CEO, commented, ‘ It was a great day and to hear from the teachers about some of the things they would need to have in place to run these programmes, always helpful to know what the challenges would be so we can make sure we have plans to overcome them!’

The school are excited to utilise the SEND focused SCULPT programme Igniting Futures: In your element in the future, following the success of the Teacher Encounter day.