Presentations of awarded practices in Latvia 2023
2. Integration of careers education into the curriculum
Author: Solvita Vītola
School career counsellor, Liepāja Oskars Kalpaks upper secondary School No 15
This good practice by Solvita Vītola has been awarded a National Career Guidance Award in 2023. Translation of this presentation is provided by Euroguidance Latvia.
Description of the practice
Career counsellor at Liepaja Secondary School No. 15, Solvita Vītola, underscores the importance of integrating careers education into the school curriculum. This bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in lessons and its real-world application. It concerns bringing pupils' knowledge, skills, and attitudes closer to practical life situations, thereby enhancing their motivation for further learning, and helping them make well-informed decisions about their future careers. Solvita's approach maximized the educational value of a field trip to a local Liepaja company for 8th grade pupils. This trip integrated topics in social studies such as "Production, Commercial Activity" and in geography, exploring the "Use of Natural Resources". During their visit, pupils gained insights into the company's utilization of resources, business operations, and the concept of a "patent" in a practical context. Additionally, pupils had the chance to observe representatives of various professions in action, helping them better understand potential career paths. Collaboration with subject teachers allowed for the development of integrated lessons, identifying career management skills within subject standards, curricula, and lesson topics. Solvita's efforts have fostered successful collaboration between the school, the local community, and the world of work.